At 03:35 PM 6/17/98 +0300, you wrote:
Hi. Just wanted to check...
What's the:
1) First calculating device (fingers and mind)
It has been theorized that early man also used groupings of stones to
count, and also a stick with grooves cut into it to measure the passing of
some timed event, usually days, but often times other things too.
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...)
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.
6) First microchip based computer (probably based on
the 4004)
7) First computer to sell more than 1,000
8) " " " " " "
10,000
9) First computer to use a floppy disk (any kind of floppy)
As for the rest, maybe somone more knowledgable than I can help you there.
________________________________________
john higginbotham
limbo.netpath.net -
webmaster,
http://www.pntprinting.com -
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