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Prior to the advent of computing machines, the definition for ''computer'' was a human being who performed complex mathematical calculations. This was accomplished with the aid of a manual counting device, such as an abacus or a slide rule, and was mainly used by traders and early bankers to keep a reliable record of funds

Prior to the advent of computing machines, the definition for ''computer'' was a human being who performed complex mathematical calculations. This was accomplished with the aid of a manual counting device, such as an abacus or a slide rule, and was mainly used by traders and early bankers to keep a reliable record of funds

Charles Babbage, an English scientist who lived in the 19th century, has been credited as the designer of the original computer, the Analytical Engine, a programmable machine set to do calculations reliably up to six decimal places. However, the Engine was never constructed, being deemed as "had derived no emolument whatsoever from the government" by a member of parliament. His other prototype, the Difference Engine, was built after his death by his son.[http://ei.cs.vt.edu/~history/Babbage.html]

Charles Babbage, a [[British]] scientist who lived in the 19th century, has been credited as the designer of the original computer, the Analytical Engine, a programmable machine set to do calculations reliably up to six decimal places. However, the Engine was never constructed, being deemed as "had derived no emolument whatsoever from the government" by a member of parliament. His other prototype, the Difference Engine, was built after his death by his son.[http://ei.cs.vt.edu/~history/Babbage.html]

[[Image:Babbage.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.]]

[[Image:Babbage.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.]]