-
The first minicomputer
Digital Equipment introduced the first minicomputer, the PDP-1. It was the first commercial computer that had a keyboard and monitor. The minicomputer was a huge step toward personal computers. -
Keyboard, keypad, mouse, and windows
Douglas C. Engelbart demonstrated the system of the keyboard, keypad, mouse, and windows. This system also used a word processor and a hypertext system. -
Bill Gates and Paul Allen
Bill Gates and Paul Allen implemented BASIC for the Altair and founded Microsoft. -
Apple
Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computer and began selling Apple I computer boards. -
Apple II
Apple Computer introduced the Apple II computer. The Apple II had a 6502 processor, 4 kB RAM, keyboard, game paddles, color graphics, and text inferface. The price was $1300. -
Atari
Atari introduced the Atari 400 and 800 computers. These computers were based on the 6502 processor. -
Osborne
Osborne Computer introduced the Osborne 1 portable computer that had a built-in 5-inch monitor, 64 kB RAM, two 5.25-inch disk drives, and $1500 worth of computer software. The Osborne 1 sold for around $1800. -
TIME Magazine
Time magazine named the computer “Machine of the Year." -
Windows 1.0
Microsoft shipped Windows 1.0. -
QuickTime 2.0
Apple Computer introduced QuickTime 2.0, with support for interactive television, music, and full-screen video. -
Microsoft, USB, Netscape
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) debuts. Netscape Communications released the Netscape Navigator web browser. Microsoft shipped Windows 95 and one million copies of it were sold in four days. Internet Explorer was also introduced. -
iMac and Microsoft
Apple Computer introduced the iMac computer and the price was $1300. Also at this time Microsoft became the world's most valuable company. -
Apple and Microsoft
Apple Computer shipped the Mac OS X operating system and Microsoft introduced the Tablet PC. Microsoft also launched the Windows XP operating system and became the most popular OS with 76% usage. -
One billion
To date, about one billion personal computers have been shipped worldwide.
