Influence of computers
Influence of Computers
Most people think that computers are just a modern convenience, which is true, but when thought about, it has influenced almost every part of daily life. Since the inventions of computers, they have eased work in almost every section of life including society and in the military. The first computer could be an argument in and of itself. If the definition is a machine for performing calculations, then the abacus would be considered the first computer, but if the definition is a machine for performing calculations automatically, then the Z1 made by German scientist Konrad Zuse would be considered the first programmable computer. As the computer progressed, RAM (rapid access memory) was introduced in MIT’s Whirlwind in 1955. In 1975 Ed Roberts coined the term personal computer when he introduced the Altair 8800. (Odom) This computer was first sold for $1,750. As the computer industry grew, companies were needed to equalize prices and competition, and with the release of the apple 1 invented by Steve Wosniak helped equalize all of that. The technology of computers kept growing and people wanted to own a computer, but they were too big, averaging 500 miles of wire each, and with the invention of the Apple Lisa computer, people could own a computer without most of the set up. The Apple Lisa computer was the first computer with GUI, Graphic User Interface, which made computers more user friendly. Since the invention of computers, they have been widely distributed through out the world and have been made by many different companies. Though many people think that a lot of people have a computer, only about 5% of the people in the world have a computer, but in 2009, 78% of all households in america have a computer (Kirby). But computers have completely changed the way we live. There are 3D programs to help lay out and design a house to the inch, they have been used to pay bills and shop on line, and believe it or not, you can download music
Most people think that computers are just a modern convenience, which is true, but when thought about, it has influenced almost every part of daily life. Since the inventions of computers, they have eased work in almost every section of life including society and in the military. The first computer could be an argument in and of itself. If the definition is a machine for performing calculations, then the abacus would be considered the first computer, but if the definition is a machine for performing calculations automatically, then the Z1 made by German scientist Konrad Zuse would be considered the first programmable computer. As the computer progressed, RAM (rapid access memory) was introduced in MIT’s Whirlwind in 1955. In 1975 Ed Roberts coined the term personal computer when he introduced the Altair 8800. (Odom) This computer was first sold for $1,750. As the computer industry grew, companies were needed to equalize prices and competition, and with the release of the apple 1 invented by Steve Wosniak helped equalize all of that. The technology of computers kept growing and people wanted to own a computer, but they were too big, averaging 500 miles of wire each, and with the invention of the Apple Lisa computer, people could own a computer without most of the set up. The Apple Lisa computer was the first computer with GUI, Graphic User Interface, which made computers more user friendly. Since the invention of computers, they have been widely distributed through out the world and have been made by many different companies. Though many people think that a lot of people have a computer, only about 5% of the people in the world have a computer, but in 2009, 78% of all households in america have a computer (Kirby). But computers have completely changed the way we live. There are 3D programs to help lay out and design a house to the inch, they have been used to pay bills and shop on line, and believe it or not, you can download music
Cited: Odom, Sean. Computer Hope. Web. 16 Nov. 2010. Kirby, Lucas. How Many People Have Computers. 6 April 2009. Web. 18 Nov. 2010 Tynan, Dan. PC World. 7 July 2005. Web. 18 Nov. 2010 Chabrow, Eric. CIO Insight. 7 July 2007. Web. 18 Nov. 2010 Boutin, Paul. Slate. 21 Mar. 2006. Web. 18 Nov. 2010