Computers are now part of our daily lives, and the invention voted at No 7 was one that started our obsession.  

The Pilot ACE was ran its first program on May 10, 1950 and was demonstrated to the press in December 1950. Though only intended as a prototype, it became apparent that it was perfectly capable and after a few upgrades it was fully operational.

The computer remained in service until May 1955 when it was shut down and given to the Science Museum where it remains to this day.