Due to the fact that computers have evolved over a long period of time and have morphed from pretty basic machines to what we see now, it is very difficult to give credit to one particular person for inventing the first machine. The definition of a computer is a programmable machine designed to carry out a sequence of logical operations, so to actually define what the first computer was in these terms is a tough task. There have been a number of machines dating as far back as the 17th century which could be classed as a computer, though nothing close to the home PCs we are used to today.
It is worth having a quick look at some of the early inventions and the people responsible in order to see how their work has influenced modern machines, there are some notable names and notable inventions which could lay claim to being the first computer. The abacus, which was invented in 2500 BC could be seen as one of the earliest computing inventions along with slide rules, which were invented in the 1620s and still used on a number of manned space missions in the 1960s.
As for the computer which we know of today, English mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage is widely credited with creating the first programmable computer in the early 1800s. Though basic, his designs set the way for modern machines and it is generally accepted that his designs would still produce working computers in today's world if they were to be recreated. A huge achievement for an invention that was dreamed up over 200 years before computers became a common tool in every day life.
It is worth having a quick look at some of the early inventions and the people responsible in order to see how their work has influenced modern machines, there are some notable names and notable inventions which could lay claim to being the first computer. The abacus, which was invented in 2500 BC could be seen as one of the earliest computing inventions along with slide rules, which were invented in the 1620s and still used on a number of manned space missions in the 1960s.
As for the computer which we know of today, English mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage is widely credited with creating the first programmable computer in the early 1800s. Though basic, his designs set the way for modern machines and it is generally accepted that his designs would still produce working computers in today's world if they were to be recreated. A huge achievement for an invention that was dreamed up over 200 years before computers became a common tool in every day life.
