Early computers in Europe

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the early history of computers in Europe, notably in Germany, Holland, France, Italy and the Scandinavian countries as well as Great Britain.

Of necessity, in such a short paper, information is given in a fairly short form, but the paper also includes a detailed description of the birth and foundation of the most successful first British commercial computer company---Leo Computers Limited, and this gives an insight into the thinking which lay behind British early computer development.

Three appendices are included which give the names and addresses of the early computer manufacturers and sales organizations in Europe, and short notes on the early computers and calculators.