The History of Computer——XXX(09级通信一班)

Nearly 5,000 years ago the abacus emerged in Asia Minor. The abacus may be considered the first computer. This device allowed its users to make computations using a system of sliding beads arranged on a rack. Early shopkeepers used the abacus to keep up with transactions. The use of pencil and paper spread, the abacus lost its importance.

In 1642, Blaise Pascal, the 18-year-old son of a French tax collector, invented what he called a numerical wheel calculator to help his father with his duties. In 1694, a German mathematician and philosopher improved the Pascaline by creating a machine that could also multiply.

It wasn't until 1820, however, that mechanical calculators gained widespread use. A Frenchman invented a machine that could perform the four basic mathematic functions.

The real beginnings of computers began with an English mathematics professor. His steampowered—Engine outlined the basic elements of a modern general purpose computer .

In 1889, an American inventor created a machine that used cards to store data information which was fed into a machine and compiled the results mechanically. Each punch on a card represented one number, and combinations of two punches represented one letter. He brought his punch card reader into the business world, founding Tabulating Machine Company in 1896, later to become International Business Machines (IBM) in 1924 .

When World War II began, the governments sought to develop computers to accomplishment their potential strategic importance. This increased funding for computer development projects ……

The next 10 inventions are the milestones on the development of computer……

1、The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC)

2、The Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) was an automated control system for tracking and intercepting enemy bomber aircraft.

3、In 1960, Nippon Electric Company invented NEAC 2203

4、In 1964, IBM System/360 was born…

5、The CDC 6600 was born in 1964 which

is considered the first supercomputer

6、The PDP—8 is generally recognized as the most important small computer of the 1960's .

7、Interface Message Processor (IMP)

8、The first commercially available personal computer——Kenbak-1