1980s

A Few Innovations for Computers During the Early 1980s

By patreides

  • IBM 5150

    IBM 5150
    Though other computers already existed, the IBM 5150 was the first computer branded and referred to as a 'personal computer' or PC. IBM was primarily a provider of business-based computer systems, so this was a new direction for them as a company. The 5150 utilized open architecture, meaning that hardware components and software could be changed or upgraded more easily. The 5150 was also able to connect to a home TV set. Modern PCs are often referred to as posterity or descendants of the 5150.

  • CDs

    CDs
    While initial prototypes were made in 1979, CDs or Compact Discs were made available to the public in 1982. Philips and Sony teamed up to develop this product. Initially intended for storing and playing audio recordings, CDs were adapted to be used as general storage devices (CD-ROM). They also are used as product delivery methods (DVDs, Software Drivers, and Video Games). At the time of their release, CDs did have much more storage space than hard drives which was likewise revolutionary.

  • Apple Lisa & Macintosh

    Apple Lisa & Macintosh
    The Apple Lisa Computer debuted in 1983. Lisa is regarded as one of the earliest computers to employ a graphical user interface (GUI). Apple further refined the GUI for their 1984 release, the Apple Macintosh. Both computers allowed users to employ a mouse to run programs and functions. Soon after, Microsoft released its own version of a GUI, Windows. GUI is now widely used across computing devices, no matter the operating system being used on the device.

  • DNS Protocol

    DNS Protocol
    Paul Mockapetris and his team were assigned with finding methods for simplifying networking and routing procedures for the ARPANET. The DNS (Domain Name System) protocol was created in 1983 as a result. DNS utilizes a master file to match computers (and now websites) to corresponding IP addresses. This eliminates the need to know every IP address for computers or sites within a network. DNS later became an Internet Standard in 1986. It is how we are familiar with navigating the internet today.

  • C++

    C++
    In 1985, a new programming language (C++) appeared as an addition to the C Language. Bjarne Stroustrup sought to enhance the 'C' Language after years of using it in programming. 'C++' can be used across multiple platforms in writing applications. Today it can be seen in various operating systems, GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces), and embedded systems (devices assigned a specific set of instructions, functioning on their own or in tandem with other connected devices).