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Atanasoff-Berry Computer
John Atanasoff and Clifford Beery invent the first electronic computer. Weighing over 700 pounds it was to large to move and stayed in the basement of the physics department at Iowa State University. This event was chosen because it paved the way for the modern day computer. -
Transitors
The first generation of computers relied on vaccum tubes. With the invention of the transitor came the second wave of computers that used these to operate. This event was cosen because it moved computers away from vaccum tubes and closer to modern computers. -
IBM
In 1953, IBM entered the scene and released its 701 EDPM, the first commercially sucessful general use computer. This event was chosen because it launched the world's largest computer company. -
Integrated Circut
Created at the same time by two different inventors, John Kilby and Robert Noyce, that weren't aware of the others actions the integrated circut is one of the main compents in all computers. This event was chosen because without it, computers wouldn't be where they are today. -
Computer Mouse
Created by Douglass Englebert, the computer mouse is one of the most common and used computer components. This event was chosen because the mouse is a very important par tof computers today. -
DRAM
Dr. Robert Dennard, a researcher at IBM, first created the one transistor DRAM in 1966. They were graned a patent in 1968 and publicaly released it in 1970. This was chosen because it was the beginning of Dynamic Random Access Memory, a huge component in modern computers. -
Intel 4004: The World's First Microprossesor
The microprossesor is one of the most important computer components in modern computers. This was created by Intel, the supplier of microchips to IBM and Apple, created this in 1971. This event was chosen because, like many other events, it is a huge component in modern computers. -
Scelbi, Mark-8, Altair, IBM 5100
Between 1974 and 1977, Scelbi, Mark-8, Altair, IBM 5100, Apple I and II, TRS-80, and Commodore Pet Computers are released. They were the first hobby and home computers. This is important because it introduced computers to the population. -
IBM PC (AKA Acorn)
IBM colaborated with Bill Gates to create the IBM PC, the first personal computer. This event was chosen mostly because it was a huge success. Also, when Time Magazine named their person of the year a the computer in 1982, they used this computer as part of the cover. -
Apple Lisa
The Apple Lisa is released in 1983. It is the first computer with a GUI (drop down menus, icons, backgrounds, etc.). A year later, Apple releases The Apple Machintosh, a more affordable computer with a GUI.
