History of Computers - Z1
Introduction
The Z1 computer was created by Konrad Zuse in 1936[1]
Overview
In 1936 construction engineer Konrad Zuse thought to make an automatic calculating machine with the basic ideas in his head: a control, a memory and a calculating arithmetic for the actual calculations. The first two later became the basis for what the modern computer is today. With this, he created the Z1, a mechanical calculator that ran on the first binary program, and the first computer to be freely programmable.[2] The Z1 is claimed to be the first relay computer. The creator, Konrad Zuse, studied civil engineering in the Technical College of Berlin Charlottenburg. [3]
Significance
The significance of this machine lies in two main areas. First, the Z1 was the first freely programmable computer run in binary. This new technology led to the development of better computers and eventually, programming languages such as Java and Python sprouted within decades. Without this computer, and the later developed programming languages, online video games wouldn't exist! Additionally, a majority of all programs and robots are run on these ideas, so again, without the Z1, they would not have happened. Finally, the Zuse also used the Z1 to help develop his ideas on floating point arithmetic, which is theory now used in almost all aspects of computing. Without the Z1, Zuse would have not been able to develop his ideas nearly as easily as he did, resulting in a delayed development of mathematical and computer theory now.
- ↑ "Konrad Zuse (1910-1995)." About.com. The New York Times, 2011. Web. 29 Aug. 2011. <http://german.about.com/library/blerf_zuse.htm>.
- ↑ "Konrad Zuse." About.com. The New York Times, 2011. Web. 29 Aug. 2011. http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa050298.htm>.
- ↑ <http://history-computer.com/ModernComputer/Relays/Zuse.html>.
