Small Step for Machines, Giant Leap for Mexico: A Local History of Computing

This article presents a brief history of how computing started and evolved in Mexico. From the first computer installed in 1958 to the present day, the authors analyze the role computer science has played in Mexico, looking at its limitations, opportunities, academic programs, government, and related industries as the motor of computer science development. They describe how research has gone from an approach centered only on applications development to the creation of research institutions granting advanced degrees and a growing community of researchers.