Continued from page 1
Gaming, Mice, &
Internet
For many computer users now, games are a vital part of computing experience. 1962 saw creation of first computer game, which was created by Steve Russel and MIT, which was dubbed Spacewar.The mouse, one of most basic components of modern computers, was created in 1964 by Douglass Engelbart. It obtained its name from "tail" leading out of device.
One of most important aspects of computers today was invented in 1969. ARPA net was original Internet, which provided foundation for Internet that we know today. This development would result in evolution of knowledge and business across entire planet.
It wasn't until 1970 that Intel entered scene with first dynamic RAM chip, which resulted in an explosion of computer science innovation.
On heels of RAM chip was first microprocessor, which was also designed by Intel. These two components, in addition to chip developed in 1958, would number among core components of modern computers.
A year later, floppy disk was created, gaining its name from flexibility of storage unit. This was first step in allowing most people to transfer bits of data between unconnected computers.
The first networking card was created in 1973, allowing data transfer between connected computers. This is similar to Internet, but allows for computers to connect without use of Internet.
Household PC's Emerge
The next three years were very important for computers. This is when companies began to develop systems for average consumer. The Scelbi, Mark-8 Altair, IBM 5100, Apple I and II, TRS-80, and Commodore Pet computers were forerunners in this area. While expensive, these machines started trend for computers within common households.One of most major breathroughs in computer software occurred in 1978 with release of VisiCalc Spreadsheet program. All development costs were paid for within a two week period of time, which makes this one of most successful programs in computer history.
1979 was perhaps one of most important years for home computer user. This is year that WordStar, first word processing program, was released to public for sale. This drastically altered usefulness of computers for everyday user.
The IBM Home computer quickly helped revolutionize consumer market in 1981, as it was affordable for home owners and standard consumers. 1981 also saw the mega-giant Microsoft enter scene with MS-DOS operating system. This operating system utterly changed computing forever, as it was easy enough for everyone to learn.
The Competition Begins : Apple vs. Microsoft
Computers saw yet another vital change during year of 1983. The Apple Lisa computer was first with a graphical user interface, or a GUI. Most modern programs contain a GUI, which allows them to be easy to use and pleasing for eyes. This marked beginning of out dating of most text based only programs. Beyond this point in computer history, many changes and alterations have occurred, from Apple-Microsoft wars, to developing of microcomputers and a variety of computer breakthroughs that have become an accepted part of our daily lives. Without initial first steps of computer history, none of this would have been possible.
Rebecca Blain is a professional hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care of her fish and educating people about how to build your own computer which you can learn about here: http://www.build-your-own-computer-tips.com
