40 Mind-Blowing Computer Facts about the First Computer
Before knowing these interesting computer facts, let’s know the facts of our lives. From the way we work to the way we connect with other people, computers, in any form, have become an integral part of our daily lives. Computers completely changed the way we do our jobs and live. But how much do you know about these devices?
In this article, we’ll cover 50 stunning computer facts that will blow your mind. From the first computer to the latest innovations, these computer facts will give you an idea of the incredible world of computing. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn some amazing computer facts that you never knew before!
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#1. The first computer was the size of a room
The first computer, known as the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), was invented in the 1940s and was the size of a room. It weighed more than 27 tons and had over 17,000 vacuum tubes.
#2. The first computer mouse was made of wood
The first computer mouse was invented in 1964 by Douglas Engelbart and was made of wood. It had two wheels that could move in any direction and was used to control the movement of the cursor on the screen.
#3. The first computer virus was created as a prank
The first computer virus, called the “Creeper virus,” was created in 1971 as a prank by a programmer named Bob Thomas. It was designed to display the message “I’m the creeper, catch me if you can!” on infected computers.
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#4. The first computer game was a simple tennis game
The first computer game, called “Tennis for Two,” was created in 1958 by physicist William Higinbotham. It was a simple tennis game that was played on an oscilloscope.
#5. The first computer hard drive was the size of a refrigerator
The first computer hard drive was invented by IBM in 1956. It was approximately the size of a refrigerator and could store only 5 MB of data. Today, hard drives can store terabytes of data. Also, they are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
#6. The first computer printer was invented in the 1950s
The first computer printer known as, the IBM 3800, was invented in the 1950s. It used a chain of type slugs to print text onto paper. Today, printers use various technologies, including inkjet and laser printing.
#7. The first computer keyboard had no delete key
The first computer keyboard, invented in 1964 by Bob Taylor, had no delete key. Instead, users had to backspace to erase mistakes.
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#8. The first computer monitor was green
The first computer monitor, invented in 1950 by IBM, was green and used a cathode ray tube (CRT) to display text and graphics. Various technologies are used by monitors nowadays, including LCD and OLED.
#9. The first computer modem transmitted data at 300 bits per second
The first computer modem, invented in 1962 by AT&T, transmitted data at a rate of 300 bits per second. Today’s modems can transmit data at speeds of up to several gigabits per second.
#10. The first computer network was called ARPANET
The first computer network, called ARPANET, was created in 1969 by the United States Department of Defense. It was designed to connect computers at different universities and research centers. Also, was the precursor to the internet as we know it today.
#11. The first laptop weighed 24 pounds
The first laptop, called the Osborne 1, was introduced in 1981 and weighed a whopping 24 pounds. It had a tiny 5-inch display and was powered by a battery that lasted only a couple of hours.
#12. The first computer with a graphical user interface was the Xerox Alto
The Xerox Alto, introduced in 1984, was the first computer to feature a graphical user interface (GUI). It had a mouse, icons, and windows, setting the stage for the modern user-friendly interfaces we use today.
#13. The first computer with a touch screen was the HP-150
The HP-150, released in 1982, was the first computer to incorporate a touch screen. It allowed users to interact with the computer by directly touching the display, paving the way for the touch-based devices we use today.
#14. The first computer with a CD-ROM drive was the CD-i
The CD-i (Compact Disc Interactive), launched in 1985, was the first computer to feature a CD-ROM drive. It allowed users to play interactive multimedia content stored on compact discs.
#15. The first computer with a USB port was the iMac
The iMac, introduced by Apple in 1998, was the first computer to include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. USB revolutionized the way we connect peripherals to computers, offering faster data transfer and easy plug-and-play functionality.
#16. The first computer with a DVD drive was the Toshiba Satellite Pro
The Toshiba Satellite Pro, released in 1996, was the first computer to come equipped with a DVD drive. DVDs offered higher storage capacity than CDs, allowing users to watch movies and store more data.
#17. The first computer with a wireless network card was the Apple iBook
The Apple iBook, launched in 1999, was the first computer to feature a built-in wireless network card. It allowed users to connect to Wi-Fi networks without cables, enabling greater mobility.
#18. The first computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) was the IBM T43
The IBM T43, introduced in 2005, was the first computer to incorporate a solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs replaced traditional hard drives with faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient storage.
#19. The first computer with a web browser was the WorldWideWeb
The WorldWideWeb, developed by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1990, was the first computer program to serve as a web browser. It allowed users to access and navigate the World Wide Web, laying the foundation for the Internet as we know it.
#20. The first computer with a digital camera was the Apple QuickTake 100
The Apple QuickTake 100, released in 1994, was the first computer to include a built-in digital camera. It allowed users to capture and store digital images directly on the computer.
#21. The first computer with a color display was the IBM 2250
The IBM 2250, introduced in 1953, was the first computer to feature a color display. It enabled users to view images and graphics in vibrant colors, enhancing the visual experience.
#22. The first computer with a sound card was the AdLib Music Synthesizer Card
The AdLib Music Synthesizer Card, launched in 1981, was the first computer peripheral to provide useful capabilities. It allowed computers to produce music and sound effects, enhancing the gaming and multimedia experience.
#23. The first computer with a speech recognition system was the IBM Shoebox
The IBM Shoebox, developed in 1961, was the first computer to incorporate a speech recognition system. It could understand and respond to spoken commands, paving the way for voice-controlled technology.
#24. The first computer with a voice synthesizer was the Votrax Type ‘N Talk
The Votrax Type ‘N Talk, introduced in 1968, was the first computer peripheral to offer voice synthesis. It could convert text into spoken words, enabling computers to “speak” to users.
#25. The first computer with a video card was the IBM Monochrome Display Adapter (MDA)
The IBM Monochrome Display Adapter (MDA), released in 1981, was the first computer to feature a dedicated video card. It allowed computers to display text and graphics on a monitor, enhancing visual output.
#26. The first computer with a mouse pad was the Xerox Star
The Xerox Star, introduced in 1981, was the first computer to come with a mouse pad. It provided a smooth surface for the mouse to move on, improving accuracy and ease of use.
#27. The first computer with a scroll wheel was the Microsoft IntelliMouse
The Microsoft IntelliMouse, launched in 1995, was the first computer mouse to feature a scroll wheel. It allowed users to easily navigate through documents and web pages, becoming a standard feature on modern mice.
#28. The first computer with a touchpad was the Gavilan SC
The Gavilan SC, released in 1988, was the first computer to incorporate a touchpad. It provided an alternative to the mouse, allowing users to control the cursor by sliding their fingers across the touch-sensitive surface.
#29. The first computer with a fingerprint scanner was the IBM ThinkPad 750P
The IBM ThinkPad 750P, introduced in 1994, was the first computer to include a built-in fingerprint scanner. It offered enhanced security by allowing users to log in using their unique fingerprints.
#30. The first computer with a facial recognition system was the Woody Bledsoe’s Man-Machine System
Woody Bledsoe’s Man-Machine System, developed in 1964, was the first computer system to incorporate facial recognition technology. It could analyze and identify faces, laying the groundwork for modern facial recognition systems.
#31. The first computer with a built-in camera was the Apple QuickTake 100
The Apple QuickTake 100, released in 1994, was the first computer to include a built-in digital camera. It allowed users to capture and store digital images directly on the computer.
#32. The first computer with a built-in microphone was the IBM PC Convertible
The IBM PC Convertible, introduced in 1981, was the first computer to feature a built-in microphone. It enabled users to record audio and engage in voice-based communication.
#33. The first computer with a built-in speaker was the IBM PCjr
The IBM PCjr, launched in 1981, was the first computer to include a built-in speaker. It allowed computers to produce sound without the need for external speakers.
#34. The first computer with a built-in CD burner was the Philips CDD2000
Hereafter, in this computer facts list comes, The Philips CDD2000, released in 1997, was the first computer to come equipped with a built-in CD burner. It allowed users to create their CDs, revolutionizing the way we store and share data.
#35. The first computer with a built-in DVD burner was the Pioneer DVR-A03
The Pioneer DVR-A03, introduced in 2000, was the first computer to feature a built-in DVD burner. It enabled users to write data onto DVDs, offering higher storage capacity than CDs.
#36. The first computer with a built-in Blu-ray drive was the Sony Vaio AR Series
The Sony Vaio AR Series, released in 2006, was the first computer to include a built-in Blu-ray drive. It allowed users to watch high-definition movies and store large amounts of data on a single disc.
#37. The first computer with a built-in GPS was the HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion
It is the HP computer fact. The HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion, launched in 2007, was the first computer to feature a built-in GPS. It allowed users to navigate and receive real-time traffic updates while on the go.
#38. The first computer with a built-in accelerometer was the Apple PowerBook 500
The Apple PowerBook 500, introduced in 1994, was the first computer to incorporate an accelerometer. It could detect orientation changes and adjust the display accordingly, paving the way for modern motion sensors.
#39. The first computer with a built-in gyroscope was the iPhone 4
In the list of computer facts, we can’t miss the iPhone. The iPhone 4, released in 2010, was the first smartphone to feature a built-in gyroscope. It allowed users to play motion-controlled games and enabled more accurate tracking of movement.
#40. The first computer with a built-in heart rate monitor was the Samsung Galaxy S5
This wide list of computer facts, tells you that the Samsung Galaxy S5, launched in 2014, was the first smartphone to include a built-in heart rate monitor. It allowed users to track their heart rate and monitor their fitness levels directly from their phone.