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Intel 1103
Invented in 1970 by Joel Karp and William Regitz, the Intel 1103 was the most widely used dynamic random access memory. This invention signaled the beginning of the widespread use of semiconductor DRAMs, as they were faster and used less power than their magnetic core predecessors and could still store a decent amount of data. This invention was a vital step in the progression of random-access memory devices. -
Floppy Disk
Invented in 1971 by Alan Shugart and a team of IBM engineers, the floppy disk was a revolutionary piece of computer technology. It allowed data from a computer to be written onto a disk and uploaded onto another device. They made it possible to transfer data from computer to computer and, due to their small size, the disks were easy to transport. Floppy disks revolutionized data sharing for working professionals and the average person. -
C Programming Language
Invented in 1972 by Dennis Ritchie, C is a programming language designed to help people operate the operating system UNIX as UNIX used assembly language. C was the successor to B programming language and improved upon its predecessor by supporting new features like data types and structures. C evolved over time and has become one of the most influential programming languages in the field today. -
Apple 1
Invented in 1976 by Stephen Wozniak, the Apple 1 set the stage for future personal computers. Unlike other PCs of the time, it came with a completed circuit board and could be plugged into a regular TV instead of requiring a specialized monitor. This made it much easier and less expensive to set up. The Apple 1 has been referred to as the first personal computer (despite not being the first desktop computer) and was important as a starting point for all of Apple’s future advancements into PCs. -
Atari VCS (Atari 2600)
Invented in 1977 by Nolan Bushnell, the Atari VCS (later renamed the Atari 2600) is referred to as the machine that started the home console industry, though it was not the first to use programmable ROM cartridges. The VCS was different from first-gen consoles because it used CPU-based game logic instead of transistor-based game logic and supported color graphics and audio. It emphasized social gaming and was incredibly popular, reportedly selling over twenty million units throughout the 1980s.