History of Computers

Early Developments (1800s-1930s)

• 1800s: Initial development of computing machines by various scientists.
• 1930s: Konrad Zuse created the Z1, the first programmable computer capable of quick additions and subtractions.

World War II Era (1940s)

• 1941: Zuse developed Z3, the world's oldest digital computer, later destroyed during WWII.
• 1950: Z4 was launched as the world’s first commercial digital computer.
• 1941: Atanasoff-Berry Computer, first to store data in memory, designed by J.V. Atanasoff and Clifford Berry.
• 1944: Harvard Mark-1/Colossus used during WWII for breaking Nazi codes, significantly shortened the war.
• ENIAC: Created by John Mauchly and Presper Eckert for ballistic analysis, large-scale computer design.
• UNIVAC: First commercial computer for business and government.

Transition to Transistors (1950s)

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

Mainframe Era (1960s)

• IBM 7000 series with transistors; 7030 model "Stretch" led to IBM 360, IBM's successful computer series.
• Program 101: First desktop computer sold widely, priced at $3200.
• DDP-116: First 16-bit commercial microcomputer.

Rise of Personal Computers (1970s-1980s)

• 1970: Intel 1103, first DRAM chip.
• 1971: IBM invented the floppy disk.
• Altair 8800 (1975): Popularized the term "personal computer".
• Apple I (1976): First computer with single-circuit board.
• Apple II (1977): Successful 8-bit computer.
• IBM 5150 (1981): Revolutionized PC development with Intel 8088 microprocessor and MS-DOS.
• Apple Lisa (1983): First PC with graphical user interface.
• Apple Macintosh (1984): First successful PC with mouse and GUI.
• Michael Dell (1984): Developed Turbo PC, a self-designed computer.

Innovations and Technological Growth (1990s-2000s)

• IBM Personal System 2 (1987): First with Intel 80386 chip and OS2, mouse support.
• Apple iMac G3 (1998): Customizable case, 4GB hard drive, and other modern features.
• Apple G5 (2003): First true 64-bit personal computer.
• 1990s: Internet's rise increased PC use, fostering component market growth.

Modern Evolution

• Evolution from room-sized computers to compact, high-performance PCs like Apple Mac mini.
• Continuous technological advancements with potential future developments in computer design and capabilities.