This is a timeline of the history of the computer. It marks important
events in the evolution of the computer into what it has become today.
It is meant as a reference and not a complete history of the computer.
This timeline focuses on the hardware development of computers mostly
the PC. It does not cover events that deal with the Internet and computer
networking or with those concerned with software and operating systems
other than some basic recognitions. This timeline will continue to grow
and expand as time permits.
All information contained within this site has been researched by the authors to be as accurate as possible.
Brief Overview
Before 1950, most of the computer advancements were in theory and those machines that were created were basically mechanical calculators driven by steam. In the 1940's, the move to electrical computers was made. In the 1950's, with the introduction of the IC (integrated circuit), the future of computers would forever be changed. Through the 1960's, there was a move to make computers more stable. By the 1970's, the idea of a desktop computer was being considered and the birth of the microprocessor was upon us. Enter the 1980's and the desktop computer market is born along with the development of portable media. The 1990's would enter an era when computers would become common in homes, schools, and at work. The birth of the Internet would fuel this desire to have a desktop in every home and that goal would in turn fuel the microprocessor speed war. At the turn of the century, desktop computers would have more processing power than ever imagined and the push for "ubiquitous computing" was on. PDA's, Tablet PC's, laptops, and even cell phones that could check email and surf the web were soon to be everywhere...
Authors: Sean Hessenthaler and Katie Smith