Core Memory: Photographs of Vintage Computers
Ballistics Research Laboratory
ENIAC Tubes, 1944
Commonly regarded as the first electronic digital computer ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), was developed at the end of World War II to help the U.S. maintain its technological edge over its perceived enemies. It cost $500,000 and incorporated 18,000 tubes.
Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.