John von Neumann

1903-1957

 

Von Neumann was a child prodigy, born into a banking family in Budapest, Hungary. When only six years old he could divide eight-digit numbers in his head. 

Von Neumann's interest in computers differed from that of his peers. Johnny, as he was called, perceived the application of computers to applied mathematics for specific problems, rather than their mere application to the development of tables.One of his greatest contributions to the field of Computer Science is the concept of the stored program concept, one of the two components that define a computer – along with the mechanization of arithmetic.