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Magnetic Tape Used for Inexpensive Mass Storage
IBM invented a new storage method that consistend of a "vacuum-channel" for looping magnetic tape between two points, allowing the computer to store up to two million digits. For more information on computer history from 1952, click here. -
5 MB Hard Disk Invented
IBM created the first computer (IBM 305) with a 5 MB hard disk standard. It consisted of fifty twenty-four inch magnetic platters that store and retreive data. For more information on computer history from 1956,
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Mainframe Disk Drive Released
IBM released the 1301 Disk Storage Unit. It could hold up to 28 million characters. Some of the technology it contained (such as one read/write arm for each disk and flying heads) is still in use today. For more information on computer history from 1961, click here. -
Virtual Memory Arrives
A team at the University of Manchester developed a virtual memory system that enabled their Atlas computer to switch rapidly among mutliple programs or users. For more information on computer history from 1962, click here. -
Removable Disk Drive Announced
IBM announced the 1311 Disk Drive, an updated Disk Storage Unit that consisted of a ten pound removable disk pack that could store up to two million characters. It combined advantages of tapes and disks. For more information on computer history from 1962, click here. -
Photo-Digital Storage System Delivered
IBM delivered Cypress, a photo-digital storage system to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. It could read and store over a trillion bits of data on thin strips of film; it was one of only five models built. For more information on computer history from 1967, click here. -
Floppy Disk Invented
An IBM team invented an 8 inch floppy disk. It was originally created to load data into a different disk drive, but was quickly adapted because it was easy to transport and transmit files and data from one drive to another. For more information on computer history from 1971, click here. -
Floppy Disks get Smaller
In 1976, Shugart Associates developed a 5 1/4 inch floppy disk and disk drive for use in desktop computers. More than ten other companies were making these drives by 1978. For more information on computer history from 1978, click here. -
Disk Drive for Microcomputers Invented
Seagate Technology created a hard disk drive for microcomputers; it took up the same amount of space as a floppy disk drive and held five times as much data. For more information on computer history from 1980, click here. -
DASD Mainframe Announced
IBM announced the development of a (Direct Access Storage Device) mainframe hard disk that could store between 2.5 and 20 gigabytes of data. For more information on computer history from 1980, click here. -
Floppy Disks get Smaller Yet
Sony invents a 3 1/2 inch floppy disk and floppy disk drive. It was adopted by Hewlett Packard in 1982 and helped standardize the size and format over other microfloppy sizes. For more information on computer history from 1981, click here. -
Introduction of CD-ROMs
Music CDs led to the introduction of CD-ROMs. These optical devices could hold 550 megabytes of data. In 1985, computer and electronic companies worked together to develop industry standards so all devices could use this technology. For more information on computer history from 1983, click here. -
Bernoulli Box Released
The Bernoulli Box was a removable storage system that used hard disk technology to assist people in moving large files from one computer to another when other means (like networks) were not available. These cartridge-based systems ranged in capacity from 5 to 230 megabytes. For more information on computer history from 1983, click here. -
Magnetic Tape Cartridge System Announced
IBM announced a cartridge-tape system designed to replace tape reel systems. The cartridge tape systems held 200 megabytes of data and were faster than the reel systems. The format was so popular that other computer manufacturers continued using it after IBM quit making it. For more information on computer history from 1984, click here. -
Zip Drives Released
Iomega released a zip disk and zip disk drive that allowed for portable storage of data. Disks were roughly the size of a 3 1/2 inch floppy disks, but each could store between 100 megabytes and 2 gigabytes of data. For more information on computer history from 1984, click here. -
DVDs Introduced
Digital Video Discs are another version of optical devices. DVDs are faster than CDs and can store more information (in the form of high-quality video, audio, still photos, videogames, and computer data). For more information on DVDs, click here. -
Invention of Memory Stick
Sony developed and launched a removable, electronic memory card format for portable devices. These memory cards were commonly used for storing 4 to 256 megabytes of image files from digital cameras in a format that could be accessed by PCs. For more information on memory sticks, click here. -
USB Flash Drive Invented
Flash drives are small portable devices that can be used to transfer data from one device to another. The devices consist of a flash memory storage component connected to a USB interface. For more information on USB Flash Drives, click here. -
Blu-Ray Discs Introduced
A blu-ray disc is an optical device format made for storing high definition video and high density data. Depending on whether a disc is single or double-layered, it can hold between 25 and 50 gigabytes of data. For more information on Blu-ray discs, click here.
