- Computer Dictionary and Glossary - ABC Short for Atanasoff-Berry Computer, the ABC is considered the first electronic digital computer, and was the first machine to use vacuum tubes. Professor John Vincent Atanasoff and graduate student Cliff Berry developed the ABC in 1937 and continued development until 1942 at the Iowa State College (now Iowa State University). On October 19, 1973, US Federal Judge Earl R. Larson signed his conclusion that the ENIAC, patent by Eckert and Mauchly was invalid and named Atanasoff the inventor of the first electronic digital computer. Above, is a public domain picture from the United States Department of Energy illustrating the major components of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer. Also see: Computer History page, ENIAC