Electric Mind

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Description

Early examples of computers include the ancient Antikythera machine and the 19th-century engines made by Charles Babbage. This program investigates the invention of the computer and how it evolved into the computers we have now. Designed to serve as calculating machines for astronauts and the military, the first examples of the modern-day computer weighed 27,000 kilograms yet had about as much power as a calculator today. The invention of the transistor opened the door to the personal computer. The calculations of everyday life are now done by computers, from the macro of buildings and airplanes to the micro of our DNA to calculate which gene would have to be targeted for medical improvements. Part of the series Quirky Science.