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1980
In 1980, Shugart Technology (now Seagate) released the first hard disk drive made for microcomputers the ST506. The disk held 5MB of data and fit into the space of a floppy disk. Shortly after the release, the company became popular with IBM and Apple Computer. It has shaped the availability of computers for personal use, due to the increased size and speed. Without this invention, we would not be where we are today in terms of storage on our personal computers. -
Bernoulli Box
The Bernoulli Box, released by IOMega, used a cartridge-based system using hard disk technology. This invention allowed users a more portable way to move large files between computers. The cartridges came in capacities ranging from 5MB to 230MB. This device paved the way for modern-day portable hard drives that are increasing in capacity and reducing in physical size. -
CD-ROM
With the ability to hold 550MB of pre-recorded data, CD-ROMs from Sony and Philips were released. Born from the music industry's compact disc's (CDs) the CD-ROM gained interest after announcing the release of Grolier´s Electronic Encyclopedia on CD-ROM format. This new format could hold 9 million words and take up only 12% of available space. Without the creation of the CD-ROM, we would not have DVD or Blu-Ray technology today. -
Flash Memory
Fujio Masuoka invented flash memory in 1984, it was quickly picked up in the computer memory industry. It had the ability to be programmed, erased, and re-programmed multiple times. Flash memory is used in many parts of computers, including our phones. It gives us the ability to store data and erase data quickly. -
SCSI-1 Standard
Before the invention of the SCSI-1, external devices had specific and non-standardized interfaces for connecting to computers. Larry Boucher invented a common, single adapter for types of external devices such as hard disks. This set the standard for USBs we use today.