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IBM Personal Computer (1981)
Invention: IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC)
Inventor: IBM team led by Don Estridge The IBM Personal Computer transformed the personal computing industry by establishing a new standard for PC architecture. With its open design, it became a foundational platform for other companies to develop software and hardware. This innovation made computers more accessible to both businesses and households, effectively democratizing computing. -
Compaq Portable
Invention: Compaq Portable
Inventor: Compaq, founded by Rod Canion, Jim Harris, and Bill Murto The Compaq Portable was the first IBM PC-compatible portable computer. Its success demonstrated the viability of IBM-compatible PCs, leading to the proliferation of PC clones. This increased competition and innovation in the PC market, making computers more affordable and widespread. -
GNU Project
Invention: GNU Project
Inventor: Richard Stallman The GNU Project was launched to create a free Unix-like operating system. It was a cornerstone in the free software movement and led to the development of many key components of open-source software. This project laid the groundwork for the Linux operating system, which has become integral to servers, supercomputers, and embedded systems. -
Apple Macintosh
Invention: Apple Macintosh
Inventor: Apple Inc., designed by Jef Raskin and the Macintosh team The Apple Macintosh was the first mass-market personal computer featuring a graphical user interface and a mouse. Its ease of use and graphical interface significantly influenced the design of future operating systems and made computers more user-friendly. -
CD-ROM
Invention: CD-ROM
Inventor: Sony and Philips The CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) was a major advancement in data storage technology. It allowed for the storage and distribution of large amounts of data, including software, games, and multimedia content. This technology paved the way for the multimedia revolution in computing.