The History of Computers For those of us who grew up during the computer age, computers seem like a normal part of our daily lives. The idea that just a few decades ago computers were virtually unknown is inconceivable. Computers are now so essential that they essentially run our society and the entire modern world. They track hurricanes, predict the weather, predict natural disasters, monitor satellites and missiles, and keep countries around the world in constant contact. The technology surrounding the computing industry is constantly evolving and growing, becoming more and more advanced and accomplishing things that seem to be beyond anyone's wildest dreams. The development of computers in recent decades is astronomical and could be one of the fastest inventions ever created. The dawn of the computer age can be traced back to the period from 1936 to 1945, when the first computers were built in several countries (Tomaselli vii). Even though they were born following the war, it can certainly be said that they developed on their own in the commercial sector. Regardless, computer technology has made great strides since its inception, and as Barnes says, “we have been living in the midst of the fastest technological revolution of all time” (vii). Every couple of years something completely new and more advanced comes out that takes over the previous style of production and practically exterminates it. Technology is constantly evolving and growing. There are so many technologies associated with the computer industry that it's almost difficult to keep track of them all. The technology most directly related to society as a whole, at least in this country, is the personal computer, or PC. A personal computer can be defined as a computer built around a microprocessor for use by an individual, such as in an office or office. home or school. The PC, also known as a microcomputer, was developed by the semiconductor industry (Barnes 622). In 1968, Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore created Intel and began developing a photolithography method of putting three components on a single chip (Barnes 622).