The Computer That Changed the World
March 19, 2025 • EPISODE 257
How did one computer revolutionize technology as we know it? In this episode of Science LIVE, Roger Billings shares the story of a groundbreaking invention that changed the future of computing. Discover how early computers evolved and how Dr. Billings predicted the end of mainframes—an idea many doubted. But he proved them wrong by creating the first all-in-one personal computer, shaping the way we use technology today!

About DrB
Read more about DrB »
About the Roger Billings Scholarship Program »
Follow
Recent Episodes
256. Resistance and Multimeters
How do we measure electricity? In this episode of Science LIVE, Roger Billings shows how multimeters work to measure voltage, resistance, and ohms. Learn why these tools are important and how they’re used in everyday technology.
255. Ohm’s Law
What is Ohm’s Law, and how does it work? In this Science LIVE episode, Dr. Roger Billings simplifies it for students! Explore electricity basics as he explains the connection between voltage, current, and resistance with real-world examples and practical tips.
254. Nitric Oxide Crisis
Have you heard of nitric oxide and do you know why it matters? Learn more in this episode of Science LIVE as Roger Billings takes us back to 1972 and the General Motors Urban Vehicle Design Competition. Discover how he tackled the challenge of nitric oxide emissions and why his hydrogen-powered car had a cleaner exhaust than even the electric entries—with zero emissions!
This was so ironic learning about a computer while on a computer lol!
The x-man joke in the beginning made me laugh so hard!
Computers are so interesting. What’s a feature you think all computers should have? Thank you for Science Live!
Its so crazy to me how advanced computers are and how they can do so many things.
It was so interesting to learn about Spirit and Opportunity!!
Real cool stuff! The Billings Computer is so cool, all the parts are really interesting!
AI is soooo cool, i cant believe that it was able to pick up a CLEAR container. The camera makes it harder to see clear. however made must be super smart.
It’s interesting that one little microchip can do everything on a computer.
Thank you for sharing your journey in developing your own computer. I love how you never gave up and kept going even with you hit different obstacles.
I like how he show the microprocessor and how it looks.
I remember in Disney in Epcot the ride spaceship earth shows the invention and early years of the computer
wow! that was cool. Thank goodness for technology
Dr Roger has an insanely diverse mind
That is amazing !
I love watching science live. It teaches so many cool things! I love learning about things that are happening now.
I love watching science live. I learn so much about things I wonder about!
I loved listening to the story about thr rovers on Mars! So much planning has to be done.
That’s cool ! My great grandfather helped build the ENIAC!
It is so cool how much they have changed!
I didn’t know that the first rover was on mars before 1999.
You should talk more about this computer. Maybe tell more story of it.
Computers are so amazing. I still think its crazy that so many things we use everyday use computers and that they were not invented that long ago.
The astronauts should of been rescued sooner.
Thank you for the history lesson on computers.
What exactly inspired this new idea of technology, such as AI, Chat GPT and Gemini? I really enjoyed watching this!
I love this live!
Why weren’t the astronauts rescued sooner?
I can’t imagine life without our technology!
It’s really interesting how you found out to put the transponder in the power supply to fix the issue with the monitor.
It’s crazy how computers changed the world epically this one!
It is really cool they figured out to use joints instead of springs.
I am so happy that we have technology:)!
Brodee was excited to learn about the Mars rovers. She wants to go there.
technology is so interesting and so fun to learn about!
so glad the astonauts were rescued by Elons space craft.
I likes the story about the rovers to space.
That was fun; learning about computers
Love watching these
Woah, people have powerful and creative minds for these stuff to be invented!
Dr.B made the video understandable an clear to all students the way he advance his knowledge.
WOW!
This episode was really cool! I love photography and I loved how the photos taken in space and how the machines to take photos are developed. I also thought it was cool that Dr. B talked about the 2 astronauts being rescued recently on the video. I like that Acellus talks about current things too.
Mr.billings you inspire me do help other people get as smart as you.
I love mars
Mr.Billings you should put a acellus mug in the item shop
Computers are the way of the world now.
Wow this is such a cool invention, technology is so fascinating!
How long ago was the first computer created?
once computers were mainstream how much did they cost?
Computer That Changed the World, I cant say I would want to get stuck in outer pace for nine months!!!
Dear Mr Billings, I appreciate your efforts to create better computers it has helped it had incredible effects on the world I’m sorry you had to go through betrayal and that people doubted you in the past well done and i hope to see more of your science live videos.
The Billings Computer its so cool and I am so thrilled every time I hear about it because it truly did change the world.
It’s so crazy how computers can do this!
As a teenager who grew up with technology, I cannot imagine the world without it and how things got done. I am so thankful for this invention, and the continued progress.
I am also glad that the two astronauts are finally back home.
These Gemini Robots are making huge progress in so little time. Its amazing !
Prediction: in 6 months robotics will have become so advanced that they will do the dishes better than me!
In 3 years, they will be able to do backflips and drive cars.
In 10 years, they will become the strongest, fastest, smartest things on the planet.
In 15 years robots will fight for their rights!
I think mars will be the next habitable zone after earth!
Computers changed everyone’s lives for the good or the bad doesn’t matter, I wouldn’t be able to do Acellus without it!
Thank you for the Science live, or should I say Science replay!
Haha, I just love how working hard can motivate others to do the same. Friendly competition is always fun!
I’m so glad this was invented! I love technology!
I liked to learn about the AI robots and how the mars rovers actually got to Mars!
Im wondering how Dr. Roger had the guts to trust again when rehiring for the computer invention.
Great live
It’s crazy on how this computer changed the world!
Dr. Roger’s is a very smart person, it’s very interesting how he’s made multiple breakthroughs.
the joy in the control room with the successful landing of the Mars rovers was so cool to see,
How long ago was the first computer created?
Without computers, would it affect the invention of the phones?
Love the video! It was a great watch and I learned a lot from it!
Area 51 is such a funny character. I am so glad computers were created!
wow! this is so cool!
Who had the first ever idea of a computer?
Will another computer be released with more power & features?
Love watching!
That was really cool
I loved this video!
I love this.
how long did it take for you to make the computer
I love science. New inventions are the future.