Computers are a Science: The Evolution of Modern Computers

This article is the first in an ongoing series by Gwen Barrett and Destiny Johnson.

Tech Today

Computers important to today’s society. There are sewing machines with computers installed in them, 3D printers capable of building homes and many more technological innovations.

Today, many everyday objects are made of computers. To show how this happened, we will show the evolution of computers.

The First Modern Computer

The 1930s brought the beginning of the evolution of computers.

In his parent’s Berlin living room, Konrad Zuse created what would be known as the first programmable computer. Assembling metal plates, old film and some pins; a machine that could easily add and subtract was created.

Unfortunately, Zuse’s early work on the machine was destroyed during World War II, but he still receives credit for inventing the first programmable computer.

Room for One Computer

Many computers today are small, portable devices like cell phones or smart watches.

This was not the case in the 1940’s, where computers took up full rooms. An example of this is the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC).

John Mauchly, the creator, originally developed ENIAC to help the American army with ballistics analytics during World War II.

This computer could calculate thousands of problems every second? The ENIAC weighed thirty tons (about 27215.5 Kilograms) and needed 1,500 square feet to contain its 6,000 switches, 18,000 vacuum tubes, and the 40 cabinets.

This is what some consider to be the ‘beginning of the Computer Age.’

Restricted Computers

In the 1950’s computers were mainly used for science and engineering purposes.

One example of these computers was the John von Neumann Numerical Integrator and Automatic Computer (JOHNNIAC), which was described as a helpful assistant for people working in the field of mathematics.

The JOHNNIAC was successfully completed in the year of 1954, and it had been used by people who were RAND Researchers. The machine weighed just over 2 tons and had 5,000 vacuum tubes.

After 13 years of use, JOHNNIAC was dismantled.

Programma 101

In the year of 1964, the first desktop computer was created and offered to the general public for their use. This computer was 65 pounds and the size of an old fashioned typewriter. It also had 37 keys and a printer built into it. This Italian invention was the one that pushed out the idea of a personal computer (PC).

Personal Getting Popular

The modern-day PC was built off the earlier models such as the Xerox Alto. This computer was created in the 70s as a personal computer that was able to print documents and send emails.

One of the most notable things about this computer was its design. It included a keyboard, a mouse and a monitor; like most modern day laptops and desktops.

Both kids and adults could use this computer. It was simple and easy to use for all ages.

The Experts Step In

Steve Jobs with Apple, introduced the Macintosh model in the year  1984. Essentially like the Xerox Alto, it had a keyboard and a mouse. It also had a small 9-inch screen, weighed 22 pounds and was sold for 2,495 dollars.

This computer was applauded by society for its graphical user interface (GUI) which included visual icons.

Now it’s customizable!

The 38-pound iMac with USB ports, a keyboard and a mouse was made to be customised. The iMac G3 was launched in 1998, and the company sold 800,000 in the first five months of it being on the market. This iMac was a major hit for the Apple company.

Modern Computers

Starting in the late 90’s the first laptops were being developed. Measuring a shocking width of 0.76 inches thick, the laptop revolutionized technology. 

It didn’t stop there, technology continued to reach beyond expectations of convenience. Tablets, smart phones, smart tvs, etc. were soon developed.

Sources:
https://www.insider.com/how-computers-evolved-history-2019-9#the-1930s-marked-the-beginning-of-calculating-machines-which-were-considered-the-first-programmable-computers-1

http://interface-experience.org/objects/apple-macintosh-plus/#:~:text=The%20Macintosh%2C%20introduced%20in%20January,3.5-inch%20floppy%20disk%20drive