Computer History in the 1970's

By AndrewJalowiec

  • Intel unveils the first DRAM chip.

    Intel unveils the first DRAM chip.
    Newly formed Intel unveils the Intel 1103, the first Dynamic Random-Access Memory chip. It is a type of semiconductor memory that is typically used for the data or program code needed by a computer processor to function.

  • Alan Shugart and IBM invent the "floppy disk."

    Alan Shugart and IBM invent the "floppy disk."
    Alan Shugart leads other IBM engineers to create the floppy disk, which allows data to be shared among computers.

  • Robert Metcalfe develops Ethernet.

    Robert Metcalfe develops Ethernet.
    Robert Metcalfe, a member of the research staff for Xerox, invents Ethernet. Ethernet uses digital packets and distributed controls to transmit data over what would become the most widely used local area network, or LAN.

  • Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak showcase the Apple II.

    Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak showcase the Apple II.
    Jobs and Wozniak show the Apple II at the first West Coast Computer Faire. It is the first PC with color graphics, and uses an audio cassette drive for storage.

  • Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston develop VisiCalc.

    Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston develop VisiCalc.
    "The father of the Spreadsheet" Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston develop VisiCalc, the first computerized spreadsheet program. It is released in 1979, running on an Apple II computer.