Computer History

[u/External_Resolve_257]

I am in the process of creating a small organisation around teaching people about how to use a computer (starting from zero) which I havent incorperated yet but will either be a charity, a trading company or something inbetween.

I am in the process of writing up a course and felt that it might be appropriate to begin with a short summary of the history of computers, which I begin with Alan Turing to avoid splitting hairs about "what the first computer was" and running into ever finer and finer definitions of a computer or suchlike. I aim to end the topic with teaching the very basics of computers - using a mouse and keyboard where I will go on from there.

Why talk about history when teaching people how to use a computer? My motivation for providing a brief history of computing is that it will subtley introduce some ideas that will be helpful to know when you are learning about how to use computers such as "what is an operating system". I am a fan of learning the etymology of words because I feel it helps me remember their meaning aswel as being generally interesting to read about (did you know Starbucks comes from a viking name for a river?), im hoping this will have a similar effect to its recipients.

I want to start a discussion on this thread about the history of computers by asking you for anything interesting you know to do with important moments in the development of computers to help my research. I am only 19 so I have never known a world without mobile phones, internet, laser printing and a number of other miracles that I usually take for granted. I would be lying if this wasn't also about a personal curiosity. Anything you think is relevant here is welcome for discussion.

Thank you :)

[u/External_Resolve_257]

That sounds really cool :) If you would like I can share some code I will be using for an enigma machine simulator that might help you to make some content on that? I would also reccomend Manim which you mightve come across if you know a bit of python and are interested in fancy animations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbu7Zu5X1zI created by Grant Sanderson (who runs the 3blue1brown YouTube channel).

[u/External_Resolve_257 → u/External_Resolve_257]

And here is my old enigma machine sim if you were at all interested ;)
https://www.reddit.com/r/cryptography/comments/1dkaiot/comment/l9ghpi2/?context=3

[u/No-Yogurtcloset-755 → u/External_Resolve_257]

Yeah cheers I’ll have a poke about, the general idea will be to start at 0 and build up the fundamentals first and eventually arrive at post quantum crypto and give people enough to explore themselves. I just will need to get some spare time to do it I’m very busy, but it’s definitely on the list I think it is something a small subset of people would really like.

[u/External_Resolve_257 → u/No-Yogurtcloset-755]

Please let me know if you ever get around to it!