The rapid and transformational development of computing technology and its broad acceptance that took place in the second half of the 20th century and continue into the 21st century are referred to as the "computer revolution." It has significantly influenced society, the economy, and practically every facet of daily life. Here is a synopsis of the history preceding the computer revolution:

Pre-World War II: The origins of the computer revolution can be traced back to the early 20th century when the concept of automated computing started to emerge. Pioneering work was done by inventors and mathematicians like Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace, who conceptualized the "Analytical Engine," considered one of the first programmable mechanical computers.

Early electronic computers were created as a result of the necessity for calculations to be performed more quickly and accurately during World War II. The British Colossus, which was created to decode German codes, is the most well-known of them. Additionally, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) of the United States Army, which was utilized for military calculations, became the first general-purpose electronic digital computer in history.

1950s: After the war, research and development in computing continued to advance. The concept of stored programs was introduced by John von Neumann, which became the basis for modern computer architecture. Commercial computers like UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) were introduced during this decade, but they were primarily used for scientific and military applications due to their size and cost.

1960s: The 1960s saw the emergence of mainframe computers, which were large, centralized machines used primarily by businesses and government organizations. IBM dominated the mainframe market during this era with its System/360 series, which offered a range of compatible models with varying capabilities.

1970s: The introduction of microprocessors in the early 1970s revolutionized the computer industry. Microprocessors allowed for the integration of all the central processing unit's functions on a single chip, making computers smaller, cheaper, and more accessible. Companies like Intel and Motorola were at the forefront of microprocessor development.

1980s: The 1980s witnessed the rise of personal computers (PCs). IBM's release of the IBM PC in 1981, based on Microsoft's MS-DOS operating system, marked a significant milestone in the history of computing. The PC revolutionized the way people worked, communicated, and accessed information.

The World Wide Web, created by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, became increasingly popular during the 1990s. The internet and web changed communication on a worldwide scale and sped up the expansion of e-commerce and online services.

2000s and Beyond: The 21st century brought further advancements in computing technology. The growth of the internet accelerated, leading to the development of social media, cloud computing, and mobile devices. Smartphones and tablets enabled people to have computing power at their fingertips, transforming the way they interact with technology and each other.

The computer revolution has continued to evolve with innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual reality, and more. It has become an integral part of modern life, driving progress in various industries and shaping the way we live, work, and connect with the world around us.