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Period: to
1960-2055
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IBM's System/360 Released
The System/360 was the first computer on the market to base its data processing off of microminiturized computer circuits. It changed how computers were made. Before, they were specially made and often customized based on the customer's needs. However, this computer used a basic structure to suit the needs of a large userbase. This allowed greater compatibility- no longer did customers have to edit the programming of a file to use it on another computer. -
General Public Introduced to Online Networking
In 1969, the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) put out a press release regarding possible wireless transmissions of data through networks. The triggered a series of events that would lead to the creation of email and the internet. -
First email sent
Ray Tomilson sends an email for the first time in computing history. -
First Form of Internet Released
Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn collaborate to create the TCP, considered to have codified the basics of the internet. -
Xerox Alto Created
Considered one of the most innovative computers of all time, the Alto featured a mouse, menus, and many eatures that are now standard. However, its contributer, Xerox, did not see itself as a computer company, and thus did not market it until 1981 as the Star 8010. Unfortunately for Xerox Steve Jobs took a lot of inspiration from the Alto and beat the 8010 to the market. Jobs's company, Apple is now a technological leader, and the handling of the Alto is considered one of Xerox's biggest errors. -
MS-DOS 1.0 Released
The MS-DOS 1.0 was Microsoft's first computer. It could hold up to 32 megabytes of data, and was actually quite primitive. However, it allowed programmers to have peer-to-peer interactions through the creation of PC user groups, and opened up the door for new talent to make a mark. -
First Macintosh Released
The first computer in Apple's Macintosh line, simply called the Macintosh. It was the first commercially successful computer to use a mouse and a graphical user interface (GUI). It cannot accept new chips or be opened with ease, perhaps forshadowing similar issues with changing iPhone batteries. -
T1100 Released
The T1100, manufactured by Toshiba, was the first laptop to be released to the market. Bulky by today's standards, but at the time the mere concept of a portable computer was viewed as revolutionary. -
Intel Releases Celeron Processor
A cheaper alternative to the Pentium processors, the Celeron families are considered much slower than the Pentium families. It used to lack an L2 cache, making it difficult to run intensive programs such as video games. However, with the right modicfications, it could reach overclock speeds of up to 400MHz. Modern Celerons have more caches now, but are still considered best for users who only want to use basic computer functions. -
iPad Launched
The iPad was the first tablet to hit the market. It proved to be a huge success and lead to similar devices, such as the Kindle Fire and the Samsung Galaxy, being released. -
HBGary Hacked by Anonymous
HBGary was a well-known internet security company. Its CEO Aaron Burr decided to try to take down Anonymous, a 4Chan-based hacktivist group. He did so by threatening to reveal the names of 70,000 of its leaders. Anonymous responded by hacking HBGary's security website, stealing over 70,000 emails and defacing Burr's Twitter feed. Some of the emails exposed HBGary's dirty practices, and caused many other tech companies to distance themselves from HBGary. -
Obamacare Website Fails to Deliver
Obamacare is the name for a series of controversial new health reform ideas created under President Obama. He wanted to create a website which would make it easy to sign up for government healthcare, and hyped it as the next step in buying government insurance. However, it was plagued by server and security issues and enunciated many of the criticisms brought in by the program. -
Laptops and Tablets Overtake Desktops
Multiple innovations allow laptops and tablets to be lighter and smaller while still having a sizable memory and reasonable cost. With this newfound portability, desktops (which are heavy and stuck in one place) won't be able to keep up. -
Accessability over Security Rears Ugly Head
Companies have been undermining online security for the sake of user convenience for years, from an Microsoft help topic recommending a password book to website allowing people to get a password for their account with merely an email addresss. Eventually, companies will go too far on the convinience side, which will be exploited by hackers and cause a major security breach. -
Internet Hacking Resolved
Hacking has been a major issue for internet security, even before groups such as Anonymous were formed. Over time, the law will become accustomed with the avant of technology and devise an effective solution and law processes to deal with technology's new issues. -
Tablets Can Be Small Enough to Fit in One Hand
Over the years, tablets have come in various sizes but have been increasing in capabilities. Eventually, the components that allow these capabilities will be compact enough to not require a large tablet to hold them. However, large tablets will still be in style and thus the smaller, palm-sized ones will be merely an option on the market.
