History of Computers

Konrad Kruse

Jan 1, 1936

It was the first programable computer.

John Atanasoff & Clifford Berry invented the ABC Computer

Jan 1, 1942

ABC stands for Atanasoff–Berry Computer. The ABC computers was also not very easy to use.

John Presper Eckert & John W. Mauchly invented the ENIAC 1 Computer

Jan 1, 1946

This was the first general purpose computer. Also ENIAC means Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer

John Bardeen, Walter Brattain & Wiliam Shockley invented the Transistor

Jan 1, 1948

The invention of a transistor greatly affected the development of computers. The transistor is sometimes refered to as the greatest invention of the 20th century. Finally a transistor is not a computer itself.

Frederic Williams & Tom Kilburn invented the Williams Tube Baby computer

Feb 23, 1948

The Williams Tube Baby was the first computer with memory (single bit RAM).

John Presper Eckert & John W. Mauchly invented the UNIVAC 1 Computer (UNIVersal Automatic Computer)

Feb 23, 1951

It was able to predict presidential winner. It was also the first commerical computer.

International Business Machines (IBM) invents the 701 EDPM Computer

Feb 23, 1953

This was IBM's first commercial scientific computer. It was also their first largly sold computers.

John Backus & IBM invented the FORTRAN Computer Programming Language

Feb 23, 1954

This was the first successful high level programming language.

Stanford Research Institute, Bank of America, and General Electric invented the ERMA and MICR

Feb 23, 1955

These came into use into 1959. It was the first computer for the banking industry. The MICR was an ink check reader.

Jack Kilby & Robert Noyce invented The Integrated Circuit Otherwise known as 'The Chip'

Feb 23, 1958

The Integrated Circuit helped shrink the size of computers drastically.

Steve Russell & MIT invented the Spacewar Computer Game

Feb 23, 1962

This is the first computer game ever invented.

Douglas Engelbart invented the first ever Computer Mouse

Feb 23, 1964

It was nicknamed the mouse for the cord sticking out of the end of it. Also Steve Jobs improved this mouse: Mr. Jobs did not invent it.

The ARPAnet was invented

Feb 23, 1969

This was the first internet.

The Intel 1103 Computer Memory was invented

Feb 23, 1970

This was the world's first dynamic RAM chip (DRAM).

Faggin, Hoff & Mazor invented the Intel 4004 Computer Microprocessor

Feb 23, 1971

This is the first microprocessor.

Alan Shugart & IBM invented the "Floppy" Disk

Feb 23, 1971

The floppy disk is the first form of disk storage. It was nicknamed the floppy disk for it's flexibility.

Robert Metcalfe & Xerox invented the Ethernet Computer

Feb 23, 1973

This is the first form of networking.

Scelbi & Mark-8 Altair & IBM invented the 5100 Computer

Feb 23, 1975

This is the first consumer computer (it sold at a outragously high price).

Apple I, II & TRS-80 & Commodore Pet Computers

Feb 23, 1977

These are more of the first consumer conputers (some were now at lower prices).

Dan Bricklin & Bob Frankston invented the VisiCalc Spreadsheet Software

Feb 23, 1978

The program was originally made for the Apple 2 computer. Also the program is usually refered to as the application that turned the microcomputer from a hobby for computer lovers into a serious business tool.

Seymour Rubenstein & Rob Barnaby invented the WordStar Software

Feb 23, 1979

This is the first word processing program.

IBM invented the IBM PC a home computer

Feb 23, 1981

This is a large revolution in home computers.

Microsoft invented the MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)

Feb 23, 1981

This OS was a big hit in the '80's and even into the '90's.

Apple invented the Apple Lisa Computer

Feb 23, 1983

This was the first home computer with a GUI.

Apple invented the Apple Macintosh Computer

Feb 23, 1984

This is a more afordable computer with a GUI.

Microsoft begins the friendly war with Apple.

Feb 23, 1985

This causes each side to come out with new developments.