When Computer was Invented
There is no easy answer to this question because of all the
different classifications of computers. The first mechanical computer created
by “Charles Babbage” doesn't really resemble what most would consider a
computer today. Therefore, this document has been created with a listing of
each of the computer first starting with the Difference Engine and leading up
to the types of computers we use today. Keep in mind that early invention that
helped lead up to the computer such as the abacus, calculator, and tablet
machines are not accounted for in this document.
The Word “Computer” was first used
The word "computer" was first recorded
as being used in 1613 and it was originally used to describe a human who
performed calculations or computations. The definition of a computer remained
the same until the end of the 19th century when people began to realize
machines never get tired and can perform calculations much faster and more accurately
than any team of human computers ever could.
Who Invented the Computer?
The first computer that
resembled the modern machines we see today was invented by “Charles
Babbage” between 1833 and 1871. He developed a device, the
analytical engine, and worked on it for nearly 40 years. It was a mechanical computer that was powerful enough to perform simple
calculations.
Charles Babbage, an English polymath, is often thought of as “the man who
invented computers”. From 1822 until his death in 1871, he designed 3 computers, but never actually
constructed any of them, due to lack of funding.
In 1822 Charles
Babbage started working on a Difference Engine its purpose was to computer
polynomial functions. If completed it would have had some 25,000 parts, weighed
13,600 kg (15 short tons) and been 2.4 m (8 ft.) tall.
Between 1847–1849, Babbage
created drawings for the Difference Engine No. 2, a second “computer”.
Finally, In 1991, the British Science museum constructed the design from
Babbage’s original plans. Amazingly, it worked! It took 6 years to build,
weighs 4535.92kg (five short tons), measures 2.1 m, 3.4m, 0.5m (6’11” x 11’2” x
1’8”) and has 8,000 parts.
