Computer science has revolutionized the world in more ways than one. From the world wide web to artificial intelligence to video games, we can thank computer science for a multitude of things. In this blog, we touch on some interesting facts about computer science, from the first computer virus, to how much the first computer weighed, and more!
1 The first website was created in 1991
The first website was created by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN, a European nuclear research agency. The creation of the very first website was a significant moment in computer science history. This event marked the internet's rapid evolution and computer scientists' role in developing and advancing this technology. You can still visit the first website today!
2 The very first computer virus was created in 1986
The first PC virus was named Brain and it began infecting 5.2" floppy disks in 1986. The virus was the work of two brothers, Basit and Amjad Farooq Alvi, who ran a computer store in Pakistan. The creation of the first computer virus highlighted the risks associated with technology and the importance of cybersecurity. Since then, viruses and other malware have become much more sophisticated, making cybersecurity a critical concern for businesses and individuals.
3 The first computer weighed 30 tons and took up an entire room
The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, or ENIAC, was built in the 1940s and was a massive breakthrough in computer science. Compared to the small computers of today, the ENIAC is a stark contrast and shows just how far technology has advanced in a short amount of time.
4 The first computer network was developed in the late 1960s
The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, or ARPANET, was developed by the United States Department of Defense as a way for researchers to communicate and share resources. Eventually, ARPANET evolved into the internet we know and use today.
5 The first computer game is called "Tennis for Two”
Created in 1958, "Tennis for Two" was a groundbreaking game that laid the foundation for modern video games. Before arcades or home video games were readily available, visitors waited in line at Brookhaven National Laboratory to play “Tennis for Two.”
We hope you learned a little something today! Follow us on our social media pages, @youthcodejam, to learn more fun facts about computer science and more!