15 Amazing Facts About Computers You've Never Heard Before

15 Amazing Facts About Computers You've Never Heard Before

Computers have come a long way since their inception, transforming from simple calculating machines to complex devices that shape every aspect of our lives today. Understanding the evolution of these machines reveals a fascinating journey filled with innovation, challenges, and milestones. As we delve into the amazing facts about computers, it becomes evident how deeply ingrained these devices are in our daily existence, from the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed. Let's explore more about the amazing facts about computers that highlight their incredible journey and the impact they have had on our society.

The first computer virus, known as Creeper, appeared in 1971. It was not designed with malicious intent but rather as an experiment to see how a program could spread across a network. The Creeper virus would display a message on infected machines that read, "I'm the creeper, catch me if you can!"

The virus would then replicate itself, consuming the memory until the computer became inoperable. This was just the beginning of what would become a long battle against computer viruses. Today, antivirus software and cybersecurity measures are critical components in protecting our data and systems, but it all started with the Creeper. This is just one of the many amazing facts about computers that shows how even small experiments can have a lasting impact.

Another intriguing aspect of computer history is the development of the first electronic general-purpose computer, known as ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). Built in 1945, ENIAC was a behemoth, taking up an entire room and consuming vast amounts of electricity. Despite its size, ENIAC could perform calculations much faster than any human, paving the way for the computers we use today. The sheer scale and power of ENIAC are still awe-inspiring when considering how far we've come since then. Now, we carry in our pockets devices more powerful than ENIAC could ever hope to be, which is one of the most amazing facts about computers.

Moving forward to the late 20th century, the development of personal computers (PCs) marked a significant turning point. The introduction of the Apple II in 1977, followed by the IBM PC in 1981, brought computing power into homes and offices worldwide. These machines were relatively affordable, easy to use, and sparked a wave of creativity and productivity. The advent of personal computers made technology accessible to the masses, and this democratization of computing is one of the most amazing facts about computers. It allowed individuals from all walks of life to harness the power of technology, leading to innovations that continue to shape our world.

In addition to the hardware, the software running on computers has also seen incredible advancements. For example, the first web browser, Worldwide Web (later renamed Nexus), was created by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1990. This innovation opened the door to the internet as we know it today, transforming how we access and share information. The ability to browse the internet from virtually anywhere is undoubtedly one of the most amazing facts about computers, reflecting how these machines have revolutionized communication and information exchange.

Another mind-blowing fact is that the first hard disk drive, created by IBM in 1956, could store just 5 megabytes of data and weighed over a ton. Today, we have solid-state drives (SSDs) that can store terabytes of data and are small enough to fit in our pockets. This dramatic improvement in storage technology is a testament to the rapid pace of innovation in the computing industry and stands as one of the most amazing facts about computers.

Finally, let’s not forget the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the evolution of computers. AI has grown from a theoretical concept into a critical part of modern computing. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to complex machine learning algorithms, AI is pushing the boundaries of what computers can do. This ongoing evolution of AI and its integration into everyday devices is truly one of the most amazing facts about computers.

In summary, the history of computers is filled with amazing facts about computers that illustrate their incredible journey from simple machines to the complex, essential tools we rely on today. From the first virus to the advent of AI, these milestones highlight the transformative power of technology and its enduring impact on our lives.

Amazing facts about computers: Creeper

Amazing facts about computers: massive

 The first modern computer was massive. There is debate about what the first computer was. Some believe it was an abacus, a counting device that has been used for centuries. However, the first modern computers were electronic calculating machines developed during World War II. One computer would take up entire rooms, and parts of the computers were placed on wheels due to their size.

Amazing facts about computers: 92% of the world's currency and new computer viruses

A staggering 92% of the world’s currency exists only in digital form, meaning that only about 8-10% of the world's money is physical cash. The vast majority of money today resides in online banking systems, digital transactions, and various forms of electronic currency. This shift towards a digital economy highlights the increasing reliance on technology and the internet for financial transactions. Whether it's through credit card payments, online banking, or cryptocurrencies, most of the money we use daily is intangible, reflecting a significant change in how we perceive and handle wealth in the modern world.

About 5000 new computer viruses are created every month. Unfortunately, this means that there are many hackers out there who are willing to reap when they did not sow. However, not every malware is malicious. During an interview in 2012, John McAfee admitted that he does not use the antivirus program he created, the McAfee Antivirus program. He appeared to agree that the antivirus was too bothersome. Despite this, millions of people continue to use antivirus software to protect themselves from virus attacks.

Amazing facts about computers: The first mouse and Before we had Windows

The first mouse was made from wood! Doug Engelhard designed the first computer mouse in 1964, which consisted of a wooden casing with two rollers and a button on top.

Before we had Windows, it was supposed to be named Interface Manager. If Bill Gates had his way, Windows OS would have been called 'Interface Manager.' Bill Gates intended for it to be released under the same name since before it was established, the project was dubbed "Interface Manager."

Amazing facts about computers: The first 1-gigabyte hard drive and Firefox

The first 1-gigabyte hard drive weighed as much as a refrigerator. IBM released the first hard disk drive to break the 1 GB barrier in 1980. The IBM 3380 had a 2.52GB storage capacity, which explains its massive cabinet, which was roughly the size of a refrigerator and weighed 550 pounds in total.

Despite its name, Firefox is not a fox at all! When Mozilla Firefox was launched in 2004, many assumed that the browser's logo represented a fox due to its name. However, the "Firefox" is actually a red panda, an endangered species native to Asia. The red panda, known for its reddish-brown fur and bushy tail, is a symbol of Mozilla's commitment to being unique and distinctive, much like the browser itself. This clever branding choice adds an interesting twist to a widely used tool, reminding users of the red panda's charm and the importance of conservation efforts.

Amazing facts about computers: once hacked NASA and A computer is not as powerful as the human brain

A 15-year-old once hacked NASA. This incident forced NASA to command a shutdown of operations for 21 days. This cost an approximate 41,000 dollars to check the systems and fix it. Jonathan James, the teen who managed to hack NASA's database, was under house arrest. He was not allowed to leave until he turned 18 and was under strict surveillance.

While computers are incredibly powerful, they still don't match the complexity and capability of the human brain. If a computer were to rival the brain, it would need to process around 38 thousand trillion operations per second and store over 3580 terabytes of memories. The human brain, with its billions of neurons and intricate networks, effortlessly handles tasks like learning, creativity, and decision-making—things that computers struggle with despite their speed and precision.

Interestingly, the efficiency and structure of modern computers are inspired by the human brain. Concepts like parallel processing and neural networks in artificial intelligence borrow heavily from how our brains function. Despite their remarkable advancements, computers still rely on principles derived from human cognition, highlighting the unparalleled nature of the brain's power and adaptability.

Amazing facts about computers: The first computer programmer was a woman and the most expensive computer virus

Lady Ada Lovelace, often celebrated as the first computer programmer, made history in the 19th century with her groundbreaking work on Charles Babbage's analytical engine. Living in England, Lovelace's visionary notes on the engine laid the foundation for modern computing, where she outlined an algorithm that is considered the first computer program. Beyond her contributions to computing, she was also a skilled mathematician and writer, merging her talents to foresee the vast potential of machines far beyond mere calculations.

Today, Lovelace's legacy continues to inspire countless women who have followed in her footsteps, entering the field of computer programming and achieving remarkable success. The tech industry, once dominated by men, now sees a growing number of women making significant contributions and shaping the future of technology. These modern-day pioneers are not only excelling in their careers but also redefining the landscape of computing, proving that the influence of women in technology is more important than ever.

My Doom holds the notorious title of being the most expensive computer virus in history. Launched in 2004, this devastating virus caused an estimated $38 billion in damages, impacting businesses and individuals worldwide. My Doom's rapid spread was unprecedented, making it the fastest-spreading virus at the time. The virus primarily targeted Microsoft Windows operating systems, infecting millions of computers and overwhelming email servers with a flood of spam and malicious emails. Its primary method of attack was through email attachments, which, when opened, unleashed the virus onto the user's system.

Here are some key points about My Doom:

• Launch Year: 2004
• Estimated Damage: $38 billion
• Primary Target: Microsoft Windows operating systems
• Spread Method: Email attachments containing malicious code
• Impact: Overwhelmed email servers, disrupted business operations, and caused widespread financial losses.

The scale and speed of My Doom's impact highlighted the vulnerabilities in computer systems at the time, prompting a significant shift in cybersecurity practices. As the virus spread globally, it not only caused immediate disruption but also left a lasting legacy on how organizations approach network security, email filtering, and user awareness of potential threats.

Amazing facts about computers: CAPTCHA, bug and LOGIN

 Did you know the whole meaning of the term CAPTCHA? There is no doubt that most people who use the internet come across it most of the time when using the internet. "Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computer and Humans Apart "is the meaning of the term CAPTCHA. Although the creators of the concepts intended to differentiate between humans and machines, artificial intelligence has surpassed it.

 The word "bug" standard in computer technology came from a moth that caused the malfunctioning of the Mark II computer. Many experts consider it a milestone in computer technology. A computer scientist and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, coined the terms bug and debug after the incident.

 In 1969, it was tough to send the word "LOGIN” over the internet. It was so complicated that when a University Professor in Los Angeles tried to send it to another professor in the University of San Francisco, the internet collapsed. The first message sent over the Internet was: "lo." The programmers were able to transmit the entire "login" message about an hour later.

you can read more about Amazing facts about computers Here.

you can also watch more about Amazing facts about computers: