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The First Mechanical Computer
The first mechanical computer was created sometime in 1822 by a man named Charles Babbage. He developed something called the Difference Engine, considered to be the first automatic computing machine. The engine was capable of computing several sets of numbers, and printing these numbers in hard copy. -
The First Personal Computer
The first personal computer was the Programma 101, invented by Italian engineer Pier Giorgio Perotto, produced by the Italian company Olivetti. The project started in 1962, and was launched in 1964. It was the first commercial programmable computer, and was futuristic for its time. It was costed at around $3200 ($23000 when adjusted to 2011). -
Soviet MIR Series
This series of computers were developed from 1965 to 1969, with the group responsible headed by Victor Glushkov. It was designed for academic applications, such as engineering or science, and was implemented with a high-level programming language. This computer was innovative for the unique inclusion of a keyboard and monitor, and a light pen for correcting texts and drawing on screen. The former two would become commonplace in all forms of computers that followed it. -
Xerox Alto
The Xerox Alto, developed at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Centre (PARC), would provide the more inspiration for later designs of the computer. What set it apart from other computers of the time was the inclusion of a graphical user interface (GUI). This allowed users to interact with the computer through graphical icons, instead of using text-based interfaces, which made the platform more user friendly. -
The Rise of Steve Jobs
Developed by Steve Wozniak and sold by Steve Jobs, was the Apple 1. The was the first product made by Apple, and while it was not particularly innovative, it would pave the way for many Apple products to come. -
Commercial Success
In 1977, there was a wave of commercially successful computers, including the Commodore PET in early January, the Apple II in June, and the TRS-80 sometime in September. This commercial success was due to releasing these computers fully assembled, instead of in kits, meaning it was appealing to more people, and the greater focus on software applications. -
Household Usage
Following the commercial success of personal computers in 1977, later iterations would be adapted for household use, focusing on recreational software as well as games.