The computer has been through many changes to become the machine that we use today. The idea for the computer began with people who wanted an easier way to calculate numbers. Now we use the computer for everything.
500 B.C. - Abacus was invented in Babylonia. It is a calculator made of strings and beads.
1642- Blaise Pascal invented the first automatic calculator. It did not run by electricity it ran by turning gears and wheels.
1673- Gottfried Albinos created another type of calculator. It also ran with gears and wheels.
1801- Joseph-Marie Jacquard invented a punchcard that could be used for weaving. It made sure that the threads went through in the right order. This is important because computers use codes and order to work.
1833- Charles Babbage invented all of the parts of the modern computer.
1880’s- Herman Hollerith invented calculating machine that counted and sorted information.
1940's- Vacuum tubes were invented and used in the computer. It was the most important invention.
1947- Second generation computers didn't use vacuum tubes anymore.
1950s- The computers ran by a chip.
1960- Computers were affordable and small enough to fit in a home.
1980- The beginning of the computers like those we use today.