Timeline: History of the PC

Apr 25, 1947

First PC Connection

* Scientists at Bell Telephone Laboratories invent the transistor. Miniaturization of electronic circuits via the transistor is a key development making personal desktop computers small, reliable, and affordable.

Apr 25, 1958

first IC

At Texas Instruments, Jack Kilby completes building the first integrated circuit.

Apr 25, 1960

First Minicomputer

Digital Equipment introduces the first minicomputer, the PDP-1. It is the first commercial computer equipped with a keyboard and monitor. The minicomputer represents an important size and power step from mainframe toward personal computers.

Apr 25, 1964

First Programming language

John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz develop the BASIC programming language at Dartmouth College. BASIC becomes the most popular introductory programming language for microcomputers.

Apr 25, 1968

first mouse and keyboard

Douglas C. Engelbart, of the Stanford Research Institute, demonstrates his system of keyboard, keypad, mouse, and windows at the Joint Computer Conference in San Francisco's Civic Center. He demonstrates use of a word processor, a hypertext system, and remote collaborative work with colleagues.

Apr 25, 1970