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World Computer Literacy Day
MonDec 2

World Computer Literacy Day – December 2, 2024

World Computer Literacy Day is celebrated annually on December 2. Instituted by N.I.I.T in 2001, the holiday was created in honor of the company’s 20th anniversary and as a way to increase computer literacy among people, especially women and children. Though computers have become commonplace in our futuristic world, computer literacy day reminds us to contribute our quota towards making computers accessible and easy to understand for those who may struggle with innovation.

History of World Computer Literacy Day

World Computer Literacy Day was launched in 2001 by an Indian company called N.I.I.T to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Founded in 1981 by Rajendra Singh Pawar and Vijay K. Thadani, N.I.I.T, which stands for National Institute of Information Technology, is a skills and talent development company.

World Computer Literacy Day was founded by the company in response to a study that revealed that men formed the majority of computer users in the world. As a result, N.I.I.T took up the cause to educate more women and children by equipping them with computer literacy skills. Since its inception in 1981, the company has spread to over 30 countries of the world.

The history of the computer can be traced back to the early 1820s when Charles Babbage designed the ‘Difference Engine,’ a mechanical computer capable of performing simple calculations. Before this invention, people used all kinds of inventions to perform calculations, using the abacus, Napier’s bones, Pascaline adding machine, and Leibniz Wheel. However, what differentiated the ‘difference’ engine from others before it was that it was driven by steam and could solve logarithm tables.

Since then, computers have gone through various improvements and designs to become our laptops, phones, and desktop computers. In the past, computers could be so big as to occupy the length of a whole room! But, thanks to modern technology, we can hold all that scientific technology in the palm of our hands.

World Computer Literacy Day timeline

1946
The First Generation

“First Generation Computer” is invented.

1947
The First Keyboard

The first keyboard is created, replacing the old system of punch cards.

1958
Tennis for Two

The first computer video game, called “Tennis for Two,” is invented.

2001
Computer Literacy Day

World Computer Literacy Day is created.

World Computer Literacy Day FAQs

What percentage of people are not computer literate?

In the United States, only 16% of people are not computer literate. 

What are the levels of computer literacy?

There are three levels of computer literacy: basic; the foundational level, intermediate; a step higher than the foundational level, and proficient; the highest level above the basic and intermediate levels.

What countries have the highest rate of computer use?

Switzerland, San Marino, Sweden, the United States, and Israel were the countries with the highest per capita rate of ownership of personal computers.

How To Celebrate World Computer Literacy Day

  1. Give to charity

    Support the cause of computer literacy by donating to a charity. This will help more people to gain access to computers.

  2. Use the computer

    Most of us probably don’t need a reminder to pick up our computers but today, go out of your way to use a computer. Whether it’s for sending an email or playing a video game, put your computer to good use as a way to celebrate!

  3. Post the hashtag

    Celebrate this day by going on social media and using the hashtag #computerliteracyday. Spread awareness on this important day!

5 Important Facts About The Five Generations Of Computers

  1. First Generation Computers (1946 - 1959)

    First Generation Computers were invented and in use between 1946 and 1959 — they were bulky and relied on a batch-operating system, which was time-consuming.

  2. Second Generation Computers (1959 - 1965)

    Second Generation Computers were smaller in size and consumed less power than First Generation Computers, however, they also used the batch-operating system.

  3. Third Generation Computers (1965 - 1971)

    Third Generation Computers utilized integrated circuits and operated time-sharing, multiprogramming, and remote processing systems.

  4. Fourth Generation Computers (1971 - 1980)

    Fourth Generation Computers used very large-scale integrated (V.L.S.I) circuits and were faster, more affordable, and much smaller in size than previous generations.

  5. Fifth Generation Computers (1981 - present)

    Fifth Generation Computers use artificial intelligence and parallel processing hardware — laptops, phones, and desktops are part of the fifth generation of computers.

Why We Love World Computer Literacy Day

  1. It promotes education

    World Computer Literacy Day is important because it seeks to promote the cause of computer education. Though most parts of the world have been exposed to technology, a vast majority still needs education on the subject.

  2. Technology is celebrated

    World Computer Literacy Day is a celebration of computers and all things technological. It’s an innovation that has single-handedly changed the course of the world.

  3. It promotes charity

    The day is also a reminder that many people still don't have access to computers, often due to factors such as poverty and underdevelopment. World Computer Literacy Day reminds us to open our hands in charity to provide access to others.

World Computer Literacy Day dates

Year Date Day
2024 December 2 Monday
2025 December 2 Tuesday
2026 December 2 Wednesday
2027 December 2 Thursday
2028 December 2 Saturday