History of the Computer

1820-02-01 00:00:00

Arithmometer

Charles Xavier Thomas invented the arithmometer. It was the first machine to add subtract, multiply and divide.

1822-02-01 00:00:00

The Difference Engine

In 1822 Charles Babbage invented the difference engine. This was believed to be the first machine capable of computing numbers.

1860-02-01 00:00:00

Babbages Analytical Engine

Babbage's analytical engine was never produced, but contained the main ideas for today's computers: imput, storage, processing and output.

1890-02-01 00:00:00

Punch cards

In 1890, punched cards were used to dramatically reduce time for Herman Hollerith and James Powers, who worked for the US. Census Bureau. They developed devices that could read the information that had been punched into the cards automatically, without human help. Reading errors were reduced, work flow increased, and stacks of punched cards could be used as easily accessible memory of almost unlimited size. Furthermore, different problems could be stored on different stacks of cards and accessed when needed.

1942-02-01 00:00:00

Electronic Digital Computers

The start of WW II determined a need for computer capacity, especially for the military. The computer would predict trajectory for new military weapons and strategies.

1967-11-01 00:00:00

LOGO- programming language

Logo programming was one of the first educationally used programming languages. A constructivist teacher began using it with one of his classes. It is still available to use in a basic form on the www.mathplayground.com website.

1969-02-01 00:00:00

Internet began

The group that began the research toward the development of the internet began research right after Sputinck went into outer space. Government began the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency.

1971-11-01 00:00:00

The First Microprocessor

The first microprocessor was invented by Intel. Thus began the possibilities of computer technology becoming smaller and smaller. The first computers took up whole rooms!

1991-11-01 00:00:00

Smartboard was invented

In 1991 the Smartboard was introduced by Smart Technologies.

1992-02-01 00:00:00

First Smartphone

The first smartphone was introduced by IBM and it was called Simon

2003-08-01 00:00:00

MySpace launched

MySpace was initially launched by Tom Anderson and Chris DeWolfe. It's original purpose was to promote music and musical groups. It was eventually sold and taken over by Justin Timberlake and Tim Vanderhook.