Datorhistoria

Datorhistoria refers to the history of computers. This field traces the evolution of computing devices from early mechanical calculators to modern complex digital systems. Key milestones include the invention of the abacus, the development of mechanical calculators by Blaise Pascal and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and Charles Babbage's concept of the Analytical Engine in the 19th century, considered a precursor to modern computers.

The 20th century saw significant advancements with the advent of electromechanical and then electronic computers. The ENIAC, completed in 1945, is often cited as the first general-purpose electronic digital computer. The invention of the transistor in 1947 and the integrated circuit in the late 1950s led to miniaturization and increased power, paving the way for personal computers.

The development of the microprocessor in the early 1970s was a pivotal moment, enabling the creation of affordable personal computers like the Altair 8800 and later machines from Apple and IBM. The rise of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), the internet, and mobile computing have further transformed the landscape. Datorhistoria encompasses not only the hardware but also the software, programming languages, and the societal impact of computing technology. It is a continuous narrative of innovation, from calculation to complex information processing and communication.