Feel free to check out the video by clicking here. Mind you, the video is in Egyptian Arabic.
The Early History of Computers
Pre-20th Century: The Beginnings of Computing
The history of computers can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and the Egyptians, who used simple machines, such as the abacus, to perform calculations. In the Middle Ages, the mechanical calculator was invented, which was a more advanced calculating tool that could perform basic arithmetic operations. These early computing devices laid the foundation for the development of more sophisticated computing machines in the future.
20th Century: The First Electronic Computers
In the early 20th century, the first electronic computers were developed. One of the first electronic computers was the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), which was invented by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry in 1937. While the ABC was never fully operational, it was an important step in the development of modern computers and is recognized as the first electronic computer.
The Birth of the Personal Computer
1970s: The Introduction of Personal Computers
It wasn’t until the 1970s that personal computers became available for the general public. The first widely available personal computer was the Altair 8800, which was released in 1975. This was followed by the Apple II and the IBM PC in 1977, which helped to bring computers into homes and businesses.
1980s: The Boom of the Personal Computer
The 1980s saw a significant increase in the use of personal computers, as they became more affordable and widely available. During this time, the personal computer market exploded, and many new companies, such as Dell and Compaq, entered the market. The introduction of the mouse and the graphical user interface (GUI) made computers more user-friendly, further increasing their popularity.
1990s: The Rise of the Internet
In the 1990s, the internet became widely available, and personal computers were used to access it. The internet revolutionized the way we communicate and access information, and it played a major role in the growth and development of the personal computer industry. The introduction of the World Wide Web and the development of web browsers made it easier for people to access the internet and navigate the web.
The Modern Era of Computers
2000s and Beyond: The Evolution of Computers
In the 21st century, computers have continued to evolve and have become an integral part of everyday life. The development of laptops, tablets, and smartphones has made computers more portable and accessible. The rise of artificial intelligence and the internet of things (IoT) has also had a significant impact on the computer industry.
Looking to the future, it is clear that computers will continue to play a vital role in our lives and will continue to evolve and advance. With ongoing developments in technology, such as virtual reality and quantum computing, the possibilities for the future of computers are endless.