The history of computers is like a great adventure. It’s filled with unexpected discoveries, quirky facts, funny moments, and scientific breakthroughs. From the first mechanical calculators to today’s modern supercomputers, the journey has been impressive.
This evolution is full of surprising anecdotes. They’re perfect for impressing your geeky friends in a conversation… or simply to satisfy your curiosity!
DID YOU KNOW… that the first computer bug was an actual bug?
The word bug (or bogue in French) is now synonymous with an error in a computer program. But originally, it referred to… a real insect!
In September 1947, researchers at Harvard University were working on the Mark II Aiken Relay Calculator. This electromechanical machine was one of the earliest computers in history. One day, a technical problem occurred. When inspecting the machine, the operators discovered a moth stuck in the circuits.
They removed the insect, taped it into their logbook, and added this humorous note: “First actual case of bug being found.” The moment left a mark and quickly became a legend in the world of computing.
Today, that logbook—complete with the original moth—is on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. It’s tangible proof that the word computer bug really did come from an actual bug.
That said, it wasn’t the first time the word bug had been used. Long before the computer era, engineers were already using the term to describe technical problems in other types of machines.
But it’s this quirky event that cemented the word in computer science vocabulary. From that day on, the bug has been part of every programmer’s language… with or without wings!
DID YOU KNOW… some worms will heal your computer?
When we think of computer viruses, we usually imagine chaos: deleted files, stolen data, frozen systems… But one surprising exception made history in the world of cybersecurity—the Welchia virus.
In August 2003, this unusual virus spread across millions of Windows machines. But unlike others, it didn’t have bad intentions. Its goal? To fix computers that had been infected by a malicious virus called Blaster.
How did it work?
Welchia scanned networks looking for infected machines. When it found one, it deleted the Blaster virus. Then it downloaded Microsoft’s security patches. It even installed a fix to close the vulnerability that Blaster had used. Once its mission was complete, Welchia self-destructed.
A saviour… without permission
At first glance, Welchia might seem like a helpful hero. It protected, it patched, then vanished. But it still raised a serious concern. Users had never given their consent for a program to modify their systems—even if it was for a good cause.
Microsoft and cybersecurity experts were clear: a virus is still a virus, no matter the intention. Welchia used the same propagation techniques as malicious threats. It overloaded networks, caused slowdowns, and could interfere with other critical software.
An oddity in digital history
Welchia—also known as Nachi—is a rare case. It’s one of the only documented “altruistic” viruses. It was classified as a high-level threat—not because of its direct effects, but due to its invasive nature.
Its existence still sparks fascinating debates today. Can an intrusion really be justified if it’s meant to help? Where do we draw the line between hacking and protection?
Conclusion
Most computer viruses are built to steal, destroy, or spy. Welchia, on the other hand, had a strange mission: to do good through illegitimate means. Its story is a reminder that in the digital world, good intentions are never enough to excuse questionable methods.
A computer… powered by water?
Yes, you read that right. In 1936, a Russian scientist designed a computer that ran on water. Long before digital computers came onto the scene, Vladimir Lukyanov invented a machine as brilliant as it was unexpected: the hydraulic computer.
A machine to solve complex equations
Lukyanov wanted to solve differential equations—an essential tool in physics, engineering, and thermal modelling. At the time, no electronic machine could handle this task efficiently.
To work around the problem, he created a fully mechanical system. His secret? Using water as the medium for computation.
How did it work?
The machine used transparent tubes filled with water. By adjusting taps and valves, users could change the variables of the equation. The water level in each tube represented the solution.
In this way, the computer translated mathematical problems into hydrodynamic behaviours—all without electricity or electronic components.
A one-of-a-kind innovation
Lukyanov’s hydraulic computer is considered the first analog computer capable of solving differential equations. It was used in various fields across the Soviet Union, including construction, geology, and civil engineering.
This invention remained in use for several decades. It was even used to model the thermal behaviour of concrete during construction.
A rare but very real legacy
Today, digital computers have replaced these hydraulic systems. However, replicas of Lukyanov’s computer still exist. You can find some in science museums in Russia—a reminder of a time when human ingenuity filled the gap left by the absence of electronic circuits.
Can software read the sincerity of a smile?
Since 2012, the answer has been yes. Researchers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) developed software capable of distinguishing between a genuine smile and a forced one—an impressive breakthrough in the world of artificial intelligence.
The MIT experiment
To test their technology, the researchers asked participants to perform two tasks. The first was simple and satisfying. The second was intentionally frustrating. After each task, they were instructed to smile.
The software then analyzed their facial expressions. It picked up on details invisible to the naked eye, such as the timing of muscle movements and eye coordination.
Stunning results
The software outperformed humans at detecting authentic smiles. It relied on micro-movements that we don’t consciously control. For instance, a real smile tends to last longer and appears more gradually. A fake smile pops up quickly and disappears just as fast.
Fascinating… and concerning uses
This technology opens the door to many potential applications. It could be used in job interviews to detect honest reactions. It might help spot lies, or even adjust ads based on the emotions detected on your face.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This level of precision raises serious questions. Who controls this data? How do we ensure privacy is respected? And where do we draw the line between helpful tools and invasive surveillance?
A powerful double-edged sword
Artificial intelligence is advancing quickly. It can read our emotions—even when we think we’re hiding them well. While its potential is enormous, its use calls for thoughtful ethical reflection.
Conclusion
Computing is much more than just a technical field—it’s a constantly evolving domain filled with captivating stories, quirky facts, and sometimes unexpected twists. From bugs to self-healing viruses, water-powered machines to smile-detecting software, each innovation is a reminder of the human creativity that shapes our digital world.
Stay tuned to the Astral Internet blog for Part II of this blog series.
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