The Computer History Museum, located at 20972 Hidden View Ln, Les Chateaux de Notre Dame, Saratoga, United States, is a treasure trove of technological artifacts and stories. This institution is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and ongoing impact of computing and digital innovation. The museum houses an impressive collection of computing machinery, software, documents, photographs, and even oral histories from influential figures in the tech industry.
One of the standout exhibits is the Apple I, an early personal computer designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak, and marketed by Steve Jobs in 1976. This machine is particularly significant as it marked the beginning of Apple Inc.'s journey to becoming a tech giant.
Another notable item in the museum is the ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic digital computer. Built during World War II, it was used primarily to calculate artillery firing tables for the United States Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory. What many might not know is that ENIAC was programmed by a team of six women, known as the ENIAC Six, who were integral to its success.
The museum also features the Cray-1, a supercomputer designed by Seymour Cray in 1975. The Cray-1 was notable for its distinctive circular shape and its unprecedented processing speed, which made it the fastest computer in the world at the time.
A lesser-known but fascinating part of the collection is the Xerox Alto. Developed in the early 1970s by Xerox PARC, it was the first computer designed from its inception to support an operating system based on a graphical user interface (GUI). This innovation laid the groundwork for many of the user interfaces we use today.
The museum also delves into the history of software, with exhibits on early programming languages like FORTRAN and COBOL. Both languages were pivotal in the development of software engineering as a discipline. Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist, played a critical role in developing COBOL, which became one of the earliest high-level programming languages.
One of the more interactive exhibits is the Babbage Difference Engine, a mechanical calculator designed by Charles Babbage in the 19th century. Although Babbage never completed a working model in his lifetime, the museum features a fully functional replica, showcasing the ingenuity and foresight of early computing pioneers.
Overall, the Computer History Museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of computing technology, from its mechanical roots to the digital age. Each exhibit provides not just a look at the hardware and software, but also the stories and people behind these innovations, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of technology.