Venable, Matthew

venablema@appstate.edu
Computer Systems I
The First Computer

John Atanasoff was in many ways the father of modern computing. Atanasoff's interest in electronics
began early. By the time he was nine he was repairing faulty electrical wires on his back porch. This interest
continued to grow throughout his life leading him to one momentous discovery, the creation of the very first
electronic computer. Atanasoff's contributions to the field of computer science are amazing and are some of the
most rudimentary blocks upon which modern computing is built.

Early in life Atanasoff became extremely interested in mathematics. His interest in mathematics was
triggered by nothing other than a common slide rule. When Atanasoff's father came home with his new slide
rule from work John became fascinated with it. This fascination propelled Atanasoff into the world of
logarithms and trigonometry. This mathematical obsession did not end with trigonometry but continued on into
the investigation of different base sets of numbers as well as theoretical physics.

While Atanasoff's main interest at this point in life was physics the university he was attending did not
offer a major in theoretical physics. This prompted Atanasoff to enter into the field of electrical engineering.
While pursuing this degree Atanasoff continued pursue his love of higher mathematics. He also acquired a
growing interest in electronics. Atanasoff continued through the ranks of education writing his doctoral thesis
on “The Dielectric Constant of Helium,” and eventually gaining a Ph.D. In theoretical physics From Iowa State
College.

During his years in school Atanasoff was exposed to electrical computing in a more serious way.
Atanasoff used a Monroe calculator often during these days and finally decided that he would attempt to create
a better and faster computing machine. Atanasoff became a professor of mathematics and science after
graduation which granted him access to a large amount of resources allowing him to proceed with his dream of
a faster computing machine. Using his vast knowledge of electronics and mathematics Atanasoff began using a
series of vacuum tubes and radio signals to implement his most recent vision for the “computer.” This type of
configuration would later be used to implement the ENIAC.

As a result of his research Atanasoff decided that electronics could be partitioned into two well defined
classes. The first, analog, was a classification of machines whose accuracy was dependent upon the
performance of all of the parts in the machine. The second classification was known as “computing machines
proper” which would later become known as “digital” electronics.

Atanasoff's frustration with the inaccuracy of analog devices drove him to continue dreaming about
possible ways to build his “computer.” Atanasoff received a grant of $650 from Iowa State College in 1939
and then began to construct his first models with help from Clifford Berry, an electrical engineering graduate
student. After four years of working on the ABC( Atanasoff-Berry Computer) all efforts on the computer came
to a standstill due to the beginning of World War II. The ABC was never patented and so it eventually faded
into obscurity.

While Atanasoff's first computer the ABC may not have rocked our nation his following work surely
did. After resigning from his teaching job Atanasoff sought a job with the Naval Ordinance Laboratory. This
position required Atanasoff to work on developing a computer for the United States Navy. While employed for
the N.O.L. Atanasoff became involved in the creation and testing of the United States' very first atomic bomb.

During the time that Atanasoff was employed by the Naval Ordinance Laboratory Atanasoff returned
home only to realize that the ABC( Atanasoff-Berry Computer) had been completely dismantled without
notifying Atanasoff or Berry. All but a few of the parts used to build this machine were disposed of before they
could be salvaged by its creators.

Atanasoff continued working at the Naval Ordinance Laboratory until 1951. Whenever Atanasoff
retired from his position he decided to create “The Ordinance Engineering Company” with his former student
David Beecher. This company was only independent for approximately five years. After this period of time it
was sold to Aerojet General Corporation. Atanasoff continued working for this new company eventually
becoming a vice-president of the company. Atanasoff retired from Aerojet and began a second company,
Cybernetics Inc., which handled automated package handling. This company was later turned over to his son's
supervision.

In 1971, shortly after the invention of the ENIAC, a law-suit began. This lawsuit would later become
known as Sperry-Rand Honeywell Suit. This suit was filed because Honeywell refused to pay royalties to the
creators of the ENIAC despite their patent. He declared that ENIAC was not the first computer. The judge
sided with Honeywell and declared that Atanasoff was indeed the creator of the first computer. This ruling has
always been controversial as Atanasoff never actually created an entire general-purpose computer but rather
only the ABC which was never used as anything more than a basic calculator.

John Atanasoff died in 1995 of a stroke. He lived an amazing life and contributed greatly to the field of
computer science, among other fields. The creation of the first computer has led to the creation of a whole
industry revolving solely around Atanasoff's “computing machines proper”(digital electronics). Atanasoff
created the first “digital” computing machine and contributed greatly to many more. He was also a very
knowledgeable professor who was passionate about his work. Atanasoff was a great man and lived by the US
Navy Motto “Non sibi sed patriae”, Not self but country.
Bibliography

Bellis, Mary. "John Atanasoff." Inventors. Web. 08 Dec. 2009.

<http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blatanasoff_berry.htm>.

Gale, Thompson. "John Atanasoff Biography | Encyclopedia of World Biography Biography." BookRags.com:
Book Summaries, Study Guides. Encyclopedia of World Biography. Web. 08 Dec. 2009.
<http://www.bookrags.com/biography/john-atanasoff/>.

"Navy Traditions." Naval History and Heritage Command. Naval Historical Center, 25 Apr. 2006. Web. 08 Dec.
2009. <http://www.history.navy.mil/trivia/trivia01.htm#anchor249090>.