History of The Computer

Charles Babbage.

Jun 14, 1822

Originated the concept of a programmable computer. He is considered a "Father of the computer". He is credited for the first mechanical computer he designed on June 14, 1822. Never built the computer, he simply invented it.

Herman Hollerith

Jan 1, 1911

Founder of the Tabulating Machine Company. Also known as IBM. He started the era of automatic data processing systems. His company was founded in 1911.

Z1 Computer

Jun 1, 1935

Mechanical Computer designed by Konrad Zuse from 1935 to 1936. It was built in 1936 to 1938. It was basically a limited programmable calculator. The Z1 was the first freely programmable computer.

1st Generation Computers

Jan 1, 1940

The era of vacuum tubes. Started in 1940-1956. Magnetic drums for memory. Lowest level programming language. Only could complete on task at a time. The Univac and ENIAC are 1st generation computers.

Eniac

Jan 1, 1946

Electronic Numerical Integrater and computer. 1st general- purpose computer. Capable of being reprogrammed. Created by J Presper Eckert and John Mauchly.

Univac

Mar 31, 1951

Univac is a line of electronic digital stored program computers. Universal Automatic Computer. Cresated march 31st, 1951. Had very many sucessors.

2nd Generation Computers

Jan 1, 1956

Transistors replaced vacuum tubes. This era was from 1956-1963. Transistors allowed the computer to be smaller, faster, cheaper, and more energy efficent. High level programming, at the time, was still being created. COBOL and FOTRAN. Had magnetic core technology instead of magnetic drums for storage.

3rd Generation Computers

Jan 1, 1964

These computers consisted of integrated circuits which increased the speed and efficency of these computers. This generation went from 1964-1971. First computers that used keyboards and monitors. Could perform multiple tasks at one time. They were also smaller and cheaper.

BASIC

May 1, 1964

BASIC stands for Beginner's All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. Designed in 1964 by John G Kemeny and Thomas E. Kurtz. It was the standard running system in most computers in mid 1970's-1980's.

4th Generation Computers

Jan 1, 1971

These computers have microprocessors. Contains a processing unit and memory on the same chip. 1981 IBM introduced the microchip. They link together to form networks, whgich led to the internet. This era started in 1971 and continues to modern day technology.

Introduction of the GUI

Jan 1, 1973

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. The first form of GUI was also called "gooey" Gooey allows users to interact with technology through graphical icons. The first known use of the GUI was the Xerox Alto Computer in 1973. Created by Stanford Research Institute led by Douglas Engelbart. GUI's are used in every single electronic we see today.

Altair 8800 Computer

Jan 1, 1975

Altair 8800 Computer was the first truly personal computer. The Altair was created by a company called MITS (Micro Instrumentation Telemetry Systems).

Bill Gates

Apr 4, 1975

Chairman and CEO of microsoft. He revolutionized computers and technology in the modern world. Found Microsoft on April 4, 1975. He also helped with the creation of BASIC. He never graduated college.

Steve Jobs

Apr 1, 1976

Chairman and CEO of apple. He revolutionized computers and technology in the modern world. Founded apple on April 1, 1976.

Apple II

Jun 10, 1977

The Apple II Computer was the first 8 bit home computer. Designed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

Visicalc

Dec 1, 1978

First spreadsheet computer program released for Apple II. Turned the computer into a business tool. It was created in the winter of 1978-1979. Created by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston.

Osborne Computer

Apr 1, 1981

The Osborne Computer was the first fully functional, fully portable computer.

Page Maker

Jan 1, 1985

Adobe Page Maker was one of the first desktop publishing programs. It was introduced in 1985 by Aldus Corporation. Runs GUI popularized the Macintosh and Microsoft enviroment.

Wordstar

Jan 1, 1985

Word processing application. Dominated the market in early to mid 1980's. Published by MicroPro International. Rob Barnaby created Wordstar.

Excel

Sep 30, 1985

Excel is a spreadsheet application devoluped by Microsoft. Includes calculations, graphing tools, pivot tables, and a macro programming language called Visual Basic for application. Created on September 30, 1985 for Macintosh, and November 1987 for Microsoft.

Mosaic

Jan 1, 1992

Mosaic was the first and original browser for the internet. By 1992 Internet had become extremely popular. This broswer was used by millions. It also led to the creation of Internet Explorer and Netscape.

Netscape

Apr 4, 1994

One of the first browsers. Originally called Mosaic Communications Corporation.

Jack Kilby

Dec 10, 2000

Jack Kilby was an american electrical enginneer. He was awarded the noble prize in physics on December 10, 2000. He invented the first microchip in 1952. Worked with Texas Instruments. He also created the first handheld calculator.