The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was first unveiled to the public today in 1946. Constructed and operated at the The Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, ENIAC became a huge milestone in computing as “the first general-purpose electronic computer.” ENIAC was massive in stature, a Goliath in power consumption, and unassailable in compute power at launch. However, in 2026, its 18,000 vacuum tube-powered performance seems laughable compared to even the lowliest throwaway consumer electronics.
