Who Invented the Computer
Computer was invented by Charles Babbage. But reportedly, the first electronic computers were invented by John Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly. They have developed and invented ENIAC – Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. But the credit of invention was rewarded to Charles Babbage, because he was the first person who introduced the idea of programmable machines.
He was a profound mathematician. During the early 19th century, he calculated mathematical tables using a computing device and hence referred to them as computers. But there were high number of errors and he was forced to develop a calculating device.
Charles Babbage designed a device called difference engine, which was used to calculate the finest differences. But the device failed due to huge size and complex design. He improved the same device with advanced version called analytical engine, which was more accurate than the electronic calculator.
Milestones of Computer
- First Generation Computer used vacuum tubes – 1940 – 1956.
- Second generation computers were based on transistors – 1956 – 1963
- Third generation computers were developed with Integrated circuits – 1964 – 1971
- Fourth generation computers were based on micro processors being used till date – from 1972
- Fifth generation computers – the present computers developed based on artificial intelligence.
