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The First Freely Programmable Computer
For the first time ever, you could freely program a computer using the Z1 invented by Konrad Zuse. I chose this event because before this there was no way to program a computer, or even use one, and because it was a HUGE step in technology. -
The Williams tube creates a random-access memory
Sir Williams creates a tube that paints dots and dashes to represent binary ones and zeros. The Williams tube was used in many vacuum tube machines as the primary memory source. I chose this point in time because for the first time in computer history, you could save information to a memory source. -
First Commercially Produced Computer
The ERA of Minneapolis builds the ERA 1101. It contained 1 millions bits on the first ever magnetic storage device. The first customer was the U.S. Navy. I chose this event because before this point in time, computers were not comercially available. -
The IBM 650 Magnetic Drum Calculator
This was the first mass produced computers. The new technology of the data-storage drum allowed much faster access to stored memory than former technology. I chose this point in time because it is when computers are starting to be more widely used than ever before. -
Use of Computers in Prosthetics
Ih a hospital in Downey, California the Rancho Arm was designed. The arm has six joints, giving it similar flexibility to a human arm. It was the first robotic arm ever. I chose this point in time because this was when computers were starting to be used for things other than computing. -
First Computer Game
Ralph Baer designes the first computer game named "Pong." Pong was based on the game ping-pong. I chose this event because for the first time, computers were starting to be used for entertainment. -
First Personal Computer
The Kenbak-1 was the first personal computer in history. It relied on switches for input, and lights for output. I chose this, because now computers are starting to be made for the home. -
The Apple I
The first Apple was invented. It was a single boarded computer. I picked this event because this is where Apple and Steve Jobs got their start. -
The World Wide Web
For the first time in history, the world wide web is launched to the public for use. This is a HUGE landmark, because now we mostly use computers only for this. I chose this point in computer history because it is a significant point, that marks when computers were starting to be used for everyday life. People could now look up questions, create websites, and do whatever they wanted without leaving their homes. -
Yahoo is Founded
Founded by Stanford graduate students, Yahoo has its start in 1994. Nobody knew that it would quickly grow into one of the most used search engines ever. I picked this event, because people are starting to figure out that websites like these will be highly useful. If it hadn't been for this, who knows if Google would have gotten their start.
