The world of IT is filled with fascinating details and incredible stories. While we’re all probably familiar with some of the basics, from what we’ve picked up at work or what we can remember from our school days, there are still many aspects of IT that are truly mind-blowing and relatively unknown. From the origins of computers to the vast scale of data creation, IT is full of surprises that shape our daily lives in ways we don’t even realise. So, here are ten amazing facts they didn’t teach you in ICT class.

The First Computer Wasn’t What You’re Thinking

When we think about computers, we tend to picture the sleek devices we use every day. However, the first “computer” wasn’t what you might expect. In fact, the first-ever computing device dates back over 2,000 years to ancient Greece. The Antikythera Mechanism, discovered in a shipwreck off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera, is considered the first known analogue computer. It was used to predict astronomical events like eclipses, and its complexity is astonishing. The machine was powered by a series of gears, with a level of ingenuity that continues to amaze modern-day engineers.

The ENIAC: The First Electronic Computer

When it comes to more modern computing, the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), developed in 1945, is often referred to as the first electronic computer. Unlike the Antikythera Mechanism, which was mechanical, the ENIAC was the first to use electronic components for computation. This massive machine was about the size of a room and weighed over 30 tons! Yet, it was revolutionary for its time, capable of performing complex calculations in a fraction of the time it would take humans. While today’s computers are much smaller and more efficient, the ENIAC paved the way for modern computing as we know it.

The Scale of Data Creation

Every day, we create an unbelievable amount of data. According to experts, it’s estimated that 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are generated daily. To put that into perspective, that’s 25 followed by 17 zeros. This data is created in many ways, including social media posts, videos, emails and e-commerce activity. The scale of data creation is so immense that it’s almost impossible to comprehend, but it’s a constant reminder of how much information is being processed and shared around the world every second. This flood of data drives the development of storage solutions, cloud computing and data centres that work tirelessly to keep everything organised and accessible.

The Cloud is More Physical Than its Name Suggests

When you hear people talk about “the cloud,” it might sound like some ethereal, floating space in the sky. However, the cloud is much more grounded in reality than the name suggests. In fact, the “cloud” refers to vast networks of data centres around the world, which house servers and infrastructure to store and process data. The term itself comes from the way the internet was often depicted in flowcharts as a cloud-shaped symbol, representing all the unknown elements of the web. Today, cloud computing is integral to modern life, offering services like email, data storage, and even software applications all remotely accessible over the internet.

Time-Sharing: The Precursor to Cloud Computing

Before cloud computing as we know it, a similar concept called time-sharing was developed in the 1960s. This was a method of allowing multiple users to access a single computer system at the same time, effectively “sharing” the computer’s resources. Time-sharing systems were expensive, but they made the best use of limited computing power, allowing many people to benefit from one machine.

Creeper: The First Computer Virus

Most of us are aware of the dangers of computer viruses today, but did you know the first-ever computer virus was created back in 1983? It was called the “Creeper Virus,” and it was more of a prank than a destructive program. The Creeper Virus, created by a programmer named Bob Thomas, didn’t do any damage; Instead, it simply displayed a message saying, “I’m the creeper, catch me if you can.” Despite its harmlessness, it marks the beginning of the virus era, eventually leading to more dangerous and malicious malware that we see today.

The Internet Was Once a Government Project

The internet all started as a government project; The earliest version of the internet, known as ARPANET, was developed in the late 1960s by the U.S. Department of Defence. It was designed as a way for researchers and military personnel to communicate with each other, but it eventually evolved into the internet we know today. The transition from ARPANET to the worldwide internet was driven by several innovations, including the development of the World Wide Web and the invention of web browsers.

Email Revolutionised Communication

Email has become such a routine part of our lives that it’s hard to imagine a time before it existed. The first email system, however, wasn’t created until the early 1970s. Ray Tomlinson, a computer engineer, is credited with developing the first true email system, which allowed messages to be sent between computers on different networks. Initially, email was used by government and academic institutions, but as the internet grew in the 1990s, email quickly became a staple of everyday communication.

The First Smartphone Wasn’t from Apple

While Apple’s iPhone is often credited with revolutionising the smartphone industry, the first true smartphone wasn’t created by Apple. In 1992, IBM developed a device called the Simon Personal Communicator, which combined the features of a mobile phone with the functionality of a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The Simon allowed users to make phone calls, send and receive emails, and even use applications like a calendar and address book, all on a touch screen. It was ahead of its time but didn’t catch on until the smartphone market exploded in the mid-2000s.

The Unstoppable Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Finally, one of the most fascinating aspects of IT today is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). While the idea of AI has been around for decades, recent advancements have pushed it to the forefront of technology. From chatbots and voice assistants to self-driving cars and smart devices, AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of our daily lives. It’s estimated that by 2030, AI could contribute as much as $15.7 trillion to the global economy. The potential for AI is limitless, and it will continue to shape the future of IT in ways we can only begin to imagine.

These 10 mind-blowing facts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the vast and fascinating world of IT. From ancient computing devices to the revolutionary technology of the cloud and AI, the IT industry continues to evolve in incredible ways. As technology continues to advance, who knows what new facts and innovations will emerge in the years to come?