Computer History of the 90's

By CarrieRuble

  • First Web Browser

    First Web Browser
    WorldWideWeb, written by Tim Berners-Lee, was the first browser. Working with many operating systems, this was the first application that presented the information from the internet in a succinct, user-friendly manner. (Not to be confused with what is commonly referred to as the World Wide Web.)

  • Linux Operating System

    Linux Operating System
    Following the National Science Foundation’s lifting of restrictions on commercial use of the internet in 1991, Linus Torvalds releases Linux in '92. It was the first open-source/free operating system. Although Linus never imagined this OS would be popular or professional, it is used by corporations around the world and on countless personal devices. Not only does this OS have a cult-like following, it’s open-source nature it has driven the belief that technology should be accessible to everyone.

  • Solid State Drive (SSD)

    Solid State Drive (SSD)
    SunDisk (now known as SanDisk) released the first Solid State Drive. This invention replaces spinning disk drives (HDD) in computers. Although initially cost-prohibitive for the average computer user, the SSD is by all counts a superior technology to the HDD. SSDs are 250%+ faster than HDDs, can store much more data in less space, consume less power, and are more reliable.

  • MQ-1 Predator

    MQ-1 Predator
    Created by General Atomics, entered service for use by the US Air Force and CIA as the first combat drone in history. Initially engineered to perform reconnaissance missions, this unmanned, remotely piloted aircraft stands out from predecessor RPAs mainly due to the addition of the ability to fire weapons and continue service. It enhances the lethality of the US military, and has also been used in NATO operations in an effort to establish peace in regions of the world otherwise riddled with war.

  • The Palm Pilot

    The Palm Pilot
    1996 – The Palm Pilot was created by Jeff Hawkins, Donna Dublinsky, and Ed Colligan. The first personal digital assistant (PDA) paved the way for smart phones as something more than a cell phone but less than a laptop. It enabled its user to take notes as well as manage documents and contacts. It could also be synced to a desktop computer via serial cable.