History of Computers

1800s - Early Developments

• Scientists began developing various computing machines.

1930s - The Modern Computer

• Konrad Zuse: Created the Z1, the first programmable computer.
• Z3 (1941): The world's oldest digital computer, destroyed during WWII.
• Z4 (1950): The world's first commercial digital computer.

1940s - Significant Milestones

• Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1941): First computer capable of storing data.
• Harvard Mark-1 / Colossus (1944): Used to break Nazi codes; accelerated WWII's end.
• ENIAC: Created for ballistic analysis during WWII; huge in size and complexity.
• UNIVAC: First commercial computer for business and government.

1950s - Transition to Transistors

• Manchester TC (1953): First prototype computer with transistors.
• Grace Hopper: Developed COBOL, the first computer language.
• IBM 701: IBM's first computer.

1960s - Advancements in Technology

• IBM 7000 Series: Mainframe computers using transistors.
• IBM 7030 "Stretch": Led to development of the IBM 360.
• Program 101 (1965): First desktop computer sold to the public.
• DDP-116: World's first 16-bit commercial microcomputer.

1970s - Microcomputers and New Technologies

• Intel 1103 (1970): First dynamic RAM chip.
• Floppy Disk (1971): Invented by IBM for data sharing.
• Altair 8800 (1975): Popularized personal computers.
• Apple I & II (1976-77): Introduced single-circuit board and ROM; Apple II was a major success.

1980s - Personal Computers and GUIs

• IBM PC (1981): Revolutionized computer development; MS-DOS operating system.
• Apple Lisa (1983): First personal computer with a GUI.
• Apple Macintosh (1984): Successful GUI with a mouse.
• Michael Dell: Founded PC's Limited; developed Turbo PC.
• IBM PS/2 (1987): Featured Intel 80386 chip and OS2.

1990s to 2000s - Internet Era and Advanced PCs

• Apple iMac G3 (1998): Customizable case, included advanced features.
• Apple G5 (2003): First true 64-bit personal computer.
• 1990s: Rise of the Internet, widespread use of personal computers.

Evolution and Future of Computers

• Computers have evolved from room-sized machines to compact, high-performance systems.
• The market for PC components has grown, allowing custom systems.
• Speculation on future advancements and capabilities of computers.