First computers built by men and women

It’s pretty easy to recall the name of Charles Babbage when you want to talk about the 19^th century’s first mover in the development of the computer.

It’s pretty easy to think of some of the prominent men who were among the pioneers in the successful rush to build computers in the mid-20^th century: John Atanasoff, Max Newman, Alan Turing, John von Neumann, Bertrand Russell….

It’s not so easy to remember that Augusta Ada King, the Countess of Lovelace, was the entirely capable mathematical whiz who worked alongside Babbage in their drive to build a working “Analytical Engine” in the 1830s.

It’s not so easy to grasp the role of women in the 20^th century’s spectacular creation of powerful, programmable computers, because no one ever mentions their names.

When the ENIAC—the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer—was unveiled in 1946, a very long line of men AND women had contributed to its birth.

In fact, most of the programming of ENIAC was done by six women: Kay McNulty, Betty Jennings, Betty Snyder, Marlyn Wescoff, Fran Bilas and Ruth Lichterman.

It’s not too late to give them credit.

America is empty, more or less

America is Fat City

"No, mama, like this. With your hands"

Oldie but goodie....

I think I can!

Copyright © Richard Carl Subber 2014