Everyone is familiar with the term "word processing," but computers were really developed for "data processing"—the organization and manipulation of large amounts of numeric data, or in computer jargon, "number crunching." Some examples of data processing are calculation of satellite orbits, weather forecasting, statistical analyses, and in a more practical sense, business applications such as accounting, payroll, and billing.

Since the beginning of time people have sought ways to help in the computing, handling, merging, and sorting of numeric data. Think of all the labor that Bob Cratchit performed when keeping track of Ebenezer Scrooge's figures and accounts (in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol). Certainly Cratchit wished for an easier approach and undoubtedly Mr. Scrooge longed for a more accurate method to keep track of his accounts.

The story of the development of the computer reveals that for centuries people were creating and...