From ciphers to smartphones: 70 years of modern day computing

To mark 70 years since the birth of modern computing this month, IT service provider Akita has created an interactive timeline to show how the technology grew out of a secret military project to dominate our daily lives.

On 8th December 1943, the Colossus computer was successfully operated in North London, UK. Better known for its WWII code-breaking work at Bletchley Park, it was the world’s first truly electronic, programmable computer. Since then computers have consistently got smaller and more powerful. Now it's common for users to own multiple computer devices - tablets, phones, laptops, desktops and countless microcomputers around the home in appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves and televisions.

Take a look at the major developments from each decade as we pick out key facts and trends. Computer use became popular amongst businesses following the 1950's releases of LEO, by J. Lyons and Co, the British Tea company, and later more popular in homes, once their form factor had reduced significantly.

The Commodore PET and Sinclair ZX80 were two popular computers - the ZX80 especially, as it is regularly cited as being the first mass produced model for homes.