Chapter 1. Development of the PC
Computer History—Before Personal Computers
Many discoveries and inventions have directly and indirectly contributed to the development of the personal computer as we know it today. Examining a few important developmental landmarks can help bring the entire picture into focus.
The first computers of any kind were simple calculators. Even these evolved from mechanical devices to electronic digital devices.
Timeline
The following is a timeline of some significant events in computer history. It is not meant to be complete, just a representation of some of the major landmarks in computer development:
1617 | John Napier creates “Napier’s Bones,” wooden or ivory rods used for calculating. |
1642 | Blaise Pascal introduces the Pascaline ... |
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