What kind of holiday is this?

On September 13, all computer workers and programmers celebrate their unofficial professional holiday – Computer and programmer day. Usually, such words as “computer” and “programmer” are associated with an ordinary personal computer or laptop. However, this is not entirely true. All complex electronic devices, from a small control panel to a massive industrial machine, have a built-in computer that requires adjustment, programming and appropriate maintenance. This day we have the opportunity to honor all programmers and computer workers who make our life easier and more interesting through new technological developments.

How did the idea of ​​celebrating Computer and Programmer’s Day come about?

The holiday is celebrated on September 13 for a reason. It turns out that this is not a simple date, but the 256th day of the year. This three-digit number can be expressed in just one byte of information, and 256 is 2 to the 8th power. In a normal year, the 256th day of the year falls on September 13, and in a leap year it falls on September 12. This is how the holiday is celebrated.

Nowadays, computer scientist is not only common, but quite popular profession. Specialists who are engaged in programming, as well as adjustment and repair of computer equipment, are needed everywhere.

It is interesting that the first computer in the world appeared in 1946 in the US army. It was designed by American scientists to calculate ballistic tables, very important in aviation and artillery forces. The first computer also had its name – Enik. It introduced a binary system and allowed for quite complex calculations. The device worked effectively for 9 years. Then it was dismantled as morally obsolete.

Nowadays, when the profession of computer scientist has become quite popular, and the specialty has a large gradation from simple users to high-level programmers, a holiday was introduced, which quickly became known among a wide range of users and specialists.

How to celebrate Computer and Programmer’s Day?

There are no special traditions for celebrating this day. Usually, companies whose work is related to programming and computer technology gather their employees for festive events, arrange high-profile corporate events.

Some companies hold seminars, conferences, symposia for their employees with the participation of leading experts in the field. New approaches, technologies, methods, etc. are presented at such events. The purpose of such events is to encourage computer scientists and programmers to discover new ideas.

Computer people may be interested in the British TV series with the same name “Computers”, which was shown on the screens in the period from 2006 to 2013. It tells about the adventures of IT support staff.

We choose a gift for a programmer

• Machinery. First of all, a person whose activity is related to computers may be interested in subjects related to his profession. It can be a keyboard, a headset, some part for a PC or laptop, such as a good video card or motherboard. However, the choice of such gifts should be approached with special care, because the computer part must match the entire computer assembly. Therefore, the day before, it is worth finding out which computer the culprit of the holiday uses. Also, in choosing technical gifts, it is worth using the help of a person who understands computer technology.
• Humorous presentations. Today, the international web presents many gifts related to the topic of computers, made in a humorous context. It can be a cup with an interesting inscription or any desired item in the form of a keyboard, mouse, etc.
• Personal gifts. When choosing a gift for a computer scientist, try to abstract from his professional activity and present something valuable for his personality. For example, you can present a lady’s bag to a woman programmer, and a stylish tie to a man.
• Comfort for work. This category includes gifts that will add comfort to the workplace. After all, computer workers and programmers have to sit for a long time without changing their body position. This has a bad effect on health. It can be a neck pillow, a good work chair, a foot massager, etc.

Facts about computers

• In 1982, the editors and readers of “Time” magazine named the computer (electronic computing machine) “person of the year”.
• In addition to the Day of computer and programmers, there are several other unofficial holidays for IT professionals. This is System Administrator Day, which is celebrated on the last Friday in July, and Tester Day, which falls on September 9.
• In the period from 1985 to 2000, a real boom in the sale of computer equipment was observed in the United States of America. Back then, PCs sold like hotcakes and sold better than cars.
• The sign @ in Ukrainian is called “dog”, in other languages ​​it is “monkey” or “snail”.
• In 1998, 2 Chinese hackers who stole $31,000 by breaking the bank’s security system were sentenced to death.
• The weight of the world’s first computer reached more than 27 tons, the unit occupied a place on a length of 16,000 meters.

When will we celebrate Computer and Programmer Day?