History of Computing

Abacus

Jan 1, 1000

The Abacus is a significant object in computing history because it simplified calculations for the first time without pen and paper. It may have been invented by the Chinese, Egyptians, or Babaloynians. *Date is 1000BC
Image from Flickr
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Napier's Bones

Jan 1, 1600

The Napier's Bones were invented by John Napier. This system was invented to simplify multiplication. It is used as a multiplication table. John Napier Source

Pascaline

Jan 1, 1642

First operational calculating device. Created by Blaise Pascal, it used spoked metal wheel dials to calcutate problems. Blaise Pascal Image from Flickr
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Jacquard loom

Jan 1, 1801

Created by weaver joseph Jacquard, it used punched cards to change the pattern the loom would produce. Joseph Jacquard Image from Flickr
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The Difference Engine

Jan 1, 1822

The Difference/Analytical Engine was invented by Charles Babbage in the early 1900's. It used a system of wheels, pulleys, gears, and poles to calculate mathematical problems. It was never really finished and has only been done to prove that it works. It has all the traits of a computer except for electrical. Charles Babbage
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Ada Augusta Byron

Jan 1, 1842

Ada is known as the "first computer programmer" for the theoretical programs she wrote for the analytical engine. Ada Augusta Byron Image from Flickr
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Hollerith's Tabulating Machine

Jan 1, 1890

In the 1880 US Cencus the population had grown so big it had become hard to calculate it by hand. The US Government then held a compitetion in order to simplify the process. Herman Hollerith won by making a tabulating machine based on the Jaquard Loom. Herman Hollerith