Ep 5. Thinking Machines: The Creation of the Computer

Modern Marvels is a television series that explores innovative technologies and marvels of modern civilization that have defined the world we live in today. Season 3 episode 5, titled "Thinking Machines: The Creation of the Computer", takes a deep dive into the evolution of one of the most important inventions of mankind- the computer.

The episode starts by tracing the roots of computing back to the 17th century, where mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal invented the Pascaline, a mechanical calculator that could add and subtract numbers. The episode explores how, over time, innovation in computing led to the development of the Analytical Engine by Charles Babbage in the 1800s, which is considered one of the first general-purpose computers.

Through interviews with experts and historians, the show weaves a fascinating story of how early computers were huge machines with many moving parts and how computing technology began to shrink in size as the years went on. Viewers will learn how World War II was a turning point in the history of computers, with the invention of Colossus, a machine that cracked secret German codes by breaking down complex arithmetic problems.

The episode highlights key figures such as Alan Turing, who is considered the father of computer science, and his development of the Turing machine- a theoretical device that helped lay the foundation for modern computing. The show delves into how the first computers looked like and how they functioned. Viewers will see some of the earliest computers, such as the Harvard Mark I and the UNIVAC-1, and how they were used for applications such as scientific research, tracking inventory, and processing census data.

As the episode progresses, it discusses the increasing importance of software in computing and how computer languages like FORTRAN and COBOL revolutionized the field. The show talks about the history of personal computing, from the Altair 8800 to Apple II and IBM's first PC, and how it influenced the development of home computing.

The episode gradually moves towards the present day by examining how modern computers have evolved to become sleek, powerful machines within the last few decades. It looks at recent transformations in computing, such as the rise of cloud computing and the internet of things and explains the impact they have had on society.

Overall, thinking machines is a fascinating journey through the history of computing, from the earliest mechanical calculators to handheld devices in today's world. The episode does an excellent job of breaking down complex technological concepts into comprehensive, engaging segments, and it is sure to captivate anyone interested in the evolution of technology.