History of Computers

Partly Electronic Engine

Mar 19, 1930

Vannevar Bush develops a partly electronic Difference Engine. This is important because it was the first partly electronic thing ever created, kind of a big deal.

First Programmable Computer

Mar 21, 1936

Konrad Zuse made the first freely programmable computer. This is important because programming is a big deal in computers.

Number Calculator

Mar 21, 1939

George Stibitz develops the Complex Number Calculator which is a foundation for digital computers. I chose to put this in here because calculators seem like they are almost kind of a basis for computer history.

Cathode-Ray Tube

Mar 21, 1946

F.C. Williams develops his cathode-ray tube (CRT) storing device the forerunner to random-access memory (RAM) This seemed very important because computers have to store lots of things.

Silicone Chip

Mar 21, 1948

The first integrated circuit, or silicon chip, is produced by the US Jack Kilby & Robert Noyce. All computers have silicone chips. Thats why its important.

Word Processor

Mar 21, 1964

IBM introduces the first word processor Word processor! Thats very important for computers!

Video Games, CD's

Mar 21, 1972

Atari releases Pong, the first commercial video game
Also, the compact disc is invented in the United States. I chose this one because so many people now play video games

Apple II

Mar 21, 1977

Apple Computer’s Apple II, (first personal computer with color graphics) Apple is a huge deal. Now they are one of the most used computers in the world. Thats why this event is important.

10 Million Computer used in the US

Mar 21, 1983

More than 10 million computers are in use in the United States. 10 Million computer users in the US? Thats a lot. Thats interesting and thats why I chose this event.

Nintendo

Mar 21, 1985

The Nintendo Entertainment System makes its debut. I chose to put this event in here because Nintendo is a big deal.