Computer development

A Brief History
Modern electronic computers, as we know them today, have many of their roots in the distant past. The Virtual Computer History Museum at Virginia Tech presents a Timeline of Events in Computer History at their website which offers an overview of the development of the computer which you may be interested in consulting for more detail on their early incarnations.

The abacus can be considered a calculator of sorts, and slide rules and other mechanical calculators were created in the 1600s.

In 1822, Charles Babbage, British mathematician, completed the construction of a mechanical device capable of calculating tables of logarithmic and trigonometric functions to six decimal places. He then began work on a steam powered calculating machine he called the Difference Engine, the purpose of which was to mechanically create mathematical tables for use by the government, the military, the banking business, and advanced engineering.
Difference Engine built in
1991 fro...