When we talk about technology today, we cannot ignore the profound impact that the computer has had on our daily lives. From business to entertainment, the computer has become an integral part of our society. But how did this great technological journey begin? The story of the first computer in the world dates back to the early twentieth century, specifically to a machine known as "ENIAC."
How was the first computer in the world made and what was its idea?
"ENIAC" (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) is considered the first fully electronic digital computer. Work on it began in 1943 and was completed in 1945 at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. It was developed by John Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, and was funded by the U.S. Army during World War II.
ENIAC Components
Vacuum tubes: ENIAC contained about 18,000 vacuum tubes, which acted as electronic switches that allowed current to be turned on and off.
Resistors and capacitors: Used to adjust and modify electronic signals.
Wires and connections: ENIAC’s connections were very complex, and the wiring between its components was done manually.
Memory: ENIAC used memory based on punched cards to store data and instructions.
ENIAC Characteristics
Large size: ENIAC was very large, occupying an entire room.
Speed: Despite its size, ENIAC was capable of performing calculations very quickly compared to previous machines.
Manual programming: Its programming process was done manually by rewiring and adjusting switches, making programming complicated and slow.
ENIAC Uses
ENIAC was initially designed to calculate ballistic tables for the U.S. Army, but it soon found other uses in scientific and engineering fields. It was used for complex calculations related to nuclear energy, weather analysis, and solving complex mathematical equations.
Impact and Innovation
ENIAC represented a turning point in the field of computing, proving the possibility of building machines capable of performing calculations quickly and accurately. This innovation opened the door to further developments in computers, leading to reduced size, increased speed, and more efficient data storage capabilities.