Computer users of today probably think computers have been developed within the 20th century. Surprisingly, computers originated before the birth of Jesus Christ. Computers are an essential part of each and every day in our modern life. They entertain, educate, assist in daily tasks and in many instances, fascinate us with their capabilities. They can be found almost everywhere. Computers are the basis for PDA's, which are used by many busy people to schedule their work and life appointments; air traffic control systems, that direct airplanes in their movement; satellites, that keep us in communication with the rest of the world; information systems which aid manufacturing, and in the systems which aid in health care. Computer technology has made rapid advances within the last seventy-five years. Let's examine the development of computers throughout history.
             A computer is a machine that performs rational calculations. A "computer" may be able to process information to perform repetitive tasks, as well as store information. Computers can be as simple as pebbles, systematically placed on stones, to as complex as massive machines, processing and storing large amounts of data. Computers may require many operators or operate without human intervention. Utilizing complex programs, computers can perform unimaginable tasks or perform large amounts of work in record speed.
             Throughout history, there have been many events that have influenced the development of computers. As early as 3000 B.C., clay tablets, holding pebbles in grooves for counting, were introduced within the Tigris-Euphrates Valley. In all essence, this was the first computer. Other historians argue that the first computer was the abacus, a counting tool. It originated in Egypt in 2000 B.C., approximately a millennium previous to reaching the Orient. Around this same time, Stonehenge observatory was constructed in England. All these wer...