• Question: who invented a computer?

    Asked by the kings to Mel, Jay Oty, Dorcas, Chapa on 23 Sep 2014.
    • Photo: Dorcas Kamuya

      Dorcas Kamuya answered on 23 Sep 2014:

      Hi Kings,

      An American physicists and inventor called John Vincent Atanasoff invented the elctronic digital computer in the 1930’s.
      Dorcas

    • Photo: James Otieno

      James Otieno answered on 24 Sep 2014:

      Hi @Kings,

      The history of computers is an interesting one. In the 17th Century, when the word “computer” was first used, it meant a person who was very good at mathematics/calculations. In that case who invented a computer? God, because he created the person 🙂

      But your question regards machines, right? The father of computers is considered to be Charles Babbage who made differential and analytical engines (the computers at the time). However, the father of the modern age computers is Alan Turing who designed a machine that could decode/intercept/get information from the Germans. This was during the World war and the British wanted to know what the Germans were planning. Think of it as someone (in Nairobi) hacking into your phone (you are in Mombasa) and listening to your conversation.

      A lot of people have contributed to get to the current computers we have. I am glad you love computer history as much as I do!

    • Photo: Moses Kiti

      Moses Kiti answered on 24 Sep 2014:

      @Kings: According to Wikipedia… just kidding! Coming from a survey background, I would say that the first computing device was a slide rule invented by William Oughtred in the 17th century. This was mainly used in land survey (drawing maps, subdividing land, etc). However, the first analogue but programmable computer was conceptualised by Charles Babbage in the 19th century. Intrestingly, his invention still had a survey background, as the machines built were used in navigation.

    • Photo: Melissa Kapulu

      Melissa Kapulu answered on 24 Sep 2014:

      @theKings, thanks to you I have learnt something new today. Like you I did not know the person who invented the computer. But I am glad that he invented it. It has changed the way a lot of things are done including science. Imagine we would not be able to communicate the way we are communicating if he had not invented the computer. My work is made so much easier with a computer.

      Guess what! You learn something new everyday. Glad I a little wiser today for knowing this fact than I was yesterday. Thanks guys @Dorcas @JayOty @Chapa and of course you @theKings

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