Ep 84. The Computer

The Computer is the 84th episode of the 11th season of the popular docuseries Modern Marvels. This episode takes a deep dive into the history and evolution of the computer, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day form.

The episode starts by tracing the roots of the computer to its earliest predecessors, such as the abacus and the slide rule. It then moves on to discuss the early mechanical computers of the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Charles Babbage's difference engine and the Harvard Mark I.

Next, the episode explores the development of electronic computers, which began in earnest during World War II. The show highlights the contributions of men like John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry, who built the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), and Alan Turing, who cracked the Nazi's Enigma code using his Bombe machine.

The episode also delves into the advent of the transistor, which revolutionized computer design and allowed for the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient machines. It discusses the creation of the first integrated circuit by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce, which paved the way for the modern microprocessor.

The show then turns to the rise of personal computers in the 1970s and 1980s, with special attention paid to the contributions of Apple, IBM, and Microsoft. Viewers are treated to archival footage of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates discussing their early days in the computer industry, and the challenges they faced in bringing their products to market.

The episode also covers the impact of the internet on computing, and the development of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee. It explores the growth of e-commerce and social media, and the ways in which the internet has changed the way we communicate, do business, and live our lives.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to interviews with experts in the field of computing, as well as with people who have been directly impacted by the computer revolution. These include computer scientists, historians, inventors, and entrepreneurs, as well as everyday individuals who use computers in their daily lives.

The episode concludes with a look into the future of computing, exploring cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and biocomputing. Viewers are left with a sense of awe at the power of the computer and the remarkable evolution it has undergone over the past century and a half.

Overall, The Computer is a fascinating exploration of one of the most important inventions in human history. The episode is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in technology, history, or the ways in which our world has been shaped by innovation.