Final answer:
The first digital mechanical computer was the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), invented by John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry in the late 1930s. It laid the foundation for modern digital computers and had a significant impact on today's technologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first digital mechanical computer was called the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), invented by John Vincent Atanasoff and his graduate student Clifford Berry. It was invented in the late 1930s and was completed in 1942. The ABC used vacuum tubes for circuitry and punched cards to input data.
The significance of this invention was that it laid the foundation for modern digital computers. The ABC introduced the concept of using binary digits (bits) to represent and process information. It also demonstrated the feasibility of using electronic circuits to perform calculations, which paved the way for the development of faster and more powerful computers.
This invention had a profound impact on today's technologies. The development of digital computers revolutionized various fields, including science, engineering, finance, and communication. It enabled the automation of complex calculations and data processing, leading to advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and computer programming.