IndexInventionsThe Difference EngineThe Analytical EngineOther Babbage InventionsInspirationsComputer Design DevelopmentProgrammingConclusionThe word "computer" had a very different meaning 100 years ago. It once referred to a person who did calculations; and later referred to more basic machines that completed certain calculations. Today, computers are an integral part of the technology we rely on daily for a variety of tasks. Along the way there have been a multitude of innovators who have contributed to technological progress, all contributing to the culmination of what we recognize today as computers. However, the most significant person in the history of computers is undoubtedly Charles Babbage. Babbage was not only an inventor who created designs for some of the most simplistic modern computers, but he inspired others to develop further technologies. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Inventions The Difference Engine In 1821, Babbage designed the Difference Engine. This computing machine was steam powered and borrowed from previous available technology, with information input via metal punch cards (Reed, 2011). The Difference Engine was not a calculator in the way we would recognize it today. Calculations were simply achieved through the use of repetitive addition (as opposed to the use of multiplication or division). Babbage never completed a fully functional version of the Difference engine; however, a prototype he completed was usable for naval calculations (Reed, 2011). While the Difference Engine may not seem that critical in the transition to modern computing, it represents an important stepping stone. This design and limitations inspired Babbage to design another, more advanced type of engine: the analytical engine. The Analytical Engine Babbage produced the Analytical Engine design in 1934. The design of this machine looked more like typical calculators, but it also featured many concepts of modern computers. Also. In addition to basic arithmetic functions, the analytical engine design also involved storage, processing, programming, and output in the form of printouts and punched cards (Computer History Museum, 2018). This was essentially the first design of what would meet our modern definition of a computer: a machine characterized by multiple components that work together to process input and generate an output. Although no working models were completed in Babbage's lifetime, this project truly shaped the concept of what computers could be and inspired other innovators to develop the concepts Babbage laid out in his project. Babbage's Other Inventions Less well known, Charles Babbage was responsible for a number of other inventions. Living during the rise of the industrial age, Babbage had the opportunity to observe firsthand and notice inefficient processes. Many of his other inventions were solely intended to improve the quality of life in the workplace (Park, 1996). Some of these inventions included inking rollers, seismic activity recording devices, and a clock. While these inventions are not as relevant to modern computers as his other designs, the principles that led to them are. Modern computers are designed and programmed to facilitate the completion of tasks and therefore improve the quality of our lives. Babbage was the first person to really try to develop that concept through the use of machines. Inspirations Design development of.