What is the first computer?

From: Philip.Belben_at_powertech.co.uk <(Philip.Belben_at_powertech.co.uk)>
Date: Wed Jun 17 12:26:00 1998

John Higginbotham (or someone) wrote:

>>2) First human made computer (program given for input, so abbacus doesn't
>>count, output given)
>
> I think there was an automated loom that was invented in the 17th century
> that wove a pattern based on a template, but I don't recall if this was a
> hole punch reader, a specially shaped gear, or other apparatus. It did
> exist though. Although most definitely not a computer as we see them
> today, it did take a program for input, process it, and output it in the
> form of fabric. (I think this was right before CGA was made a standard...)

:-) Someone has mentioned Jacquard, I think. He didn't invent punched
cards, afaik, he got the idea from a Brit. I'll try and find out more,
but I don't think either was a computer. The Jacquard loom doesn't run
a program - it transfers data from cards to fabric. Full stop.

I'd give the honours of 1st computer to the Zuse Z1 - a relay machine
between the Wars, I think. But some mechanical calculators at that date
were quite sophisticated. Comments, anyone??

>>5) First digital computer
>
> Didn't someone just post a link about the "first digital computer" turning
> 50 years old? It was on the BBC website, I believe.

They may have done, but the Manchester SSEM (Small Scale Experimental
Machine) was the first computer to STORE ITS PROGRAM IN MAIN MEMORY,
i.e. answer 4.

Again, Konrad Zuse's pre-war relay computers were digital. Go and watch
them running the Z4 in Munich...

Philip.
Received on Wed Jun 17 1998 - 12:26:00 BST