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Complex Number Calculator
This was the first demonstration of remote access computing, when George Stibitz stunned everyone by completing calculations on the CNC. This is important because people were able to calculate and solve equations faster and were able to get stuff done faster than when they had to calculate on their own. -
Software Languages
Konrad Zuse began creating the first algorithmic programming language, in hopes of getting further with his already created binary coded computer.
This is crucial because with the programming language it brought us so far with creating output devices to decode that language. -
Components
Jay Forrester installed a magnetic core memory on a Whirlwind computer at MIT. This is important because it makes computers faster and more reliable to hold information. -
Components
Jean Hoerni created something called the Planar process, and it protects a certain component with a layer of oxide.
This is important because it made the components more reliable and less susceptible to crash. -
Robots and Artificial Intelligence
Victor Scheinman created the first successful, electrically powered, computer controlled, robotic arm. This is important to computer history because without this advancement, we wouldn't have been able to figure out otherwise how to create a robot. -
Computers
Researchers at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center created the Alto which was the first work station, with a built in mouse. It stored and saved multiply files simultaniously, offered menus and icons, and even connected to a local area network. This is extremely important because this brought in the era of computers. By creating the first work station, brought in a breakthrough of technology all together. -
New Components
Intel and Zilog released new microprocessers that was five times faster than previous ones and were able to run any program.
That was important because it built up the speed in which a computer would be able to run faster. -
Storage
This was when Sony first introduced and shipped the first 3 1/2' floppy disks. This allowed more storage for companies than ever before.
This breakthrough in storage brought on bigger and better competitors for the title of maximum storage. -
Pixar
Originally, Pixar was a group owned by Lucasfilm and they were the Special Effects Computer Group. During this year, Apple founder Steve Jobs purchased them for 10 million dollars and renamed them Pixar. After coming out with many award winning films, Disney eventually bought them. This event's important because if Steve Jobs didn't buy them, then maybe computer illustration and special effects would be and could be totally different than how they are today. -
Iomega Zip Disk
This system was released being able to hold 100 MB and was to be stored on a 3 1/2 inch floppy disk. Later it was released again being able to hold 2GB.
This is important because it was a big step for storage systems and how much information our technology is now able to hold.
