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 PC and other personal computers as we know them today. Examining a few important developmental landmarks can help bring the entire picture into focus.

Timeline

The following is a timeline of 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 digital adding machine.

1822   Charles Babbage introduces the Difference Engine and later the Analytical ...

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