Significant Inventions

  • First Computer Mouse - Invented by Douglas Engelbart

    First Computer Mouse - Invented by Douglas Engelbart
    Invented by Douglas Engelbart, the computer mouse allowed for much more control of the computer in conjunction with the keyboard. The keyboard and mouse have been the primary source of user input ever since.
  • First Portable Computer (IBM 5100) - Invented by Dr. Paul Friedl and Bill Low at IBM

    First Portable Computer (IBM 5100) - Invented by Dr. Paul Friedl and Bill Low at IBM
    The IBM 5100 played a large role in the evolution of personal computing. Invented by a team including Dr. Paul Friedl and Bill Lowe, at the IBM Los Gatos Scientific Center. This invention enhanced lives by putting computer capabilities into the hands of many people in a much smaller form than ever before.
  • Flash Memory - Invented by Fujio Masuoka and Toshiba

    Flash Memory - Invented by Fujio Masuoka and Toshiba
    Invented by Fujio Masuoka, the small storage device offered the capabilities for storing, transferring, and erasing data very quickly. Found in the form of memory sticks or USB drives, and in SD cards. Flash memory is able to retain data for an extended period of time and still is a reliable way of holding computer information today.
  • First Version of Microsoft Word - Invented by Charles Simonyi and Richard Brodie

    First Version of Microsoft Word - Invented by Charles Simonyi and Richard Brodie
    Launched in 1983 by the Microsoft Corporation. The software had plenty of kinks to be worked out but offered a solid foundation that led to much better versions later on. It completely enhanced the efficiency of typists and left electric typewriters in the dust.
  • Raspberry Pi (Single-board Computer) - Invented by Eben Upton

    Raspberry Pi (Single-board Computer) - Invented by Eben Upton
    A low-cost tiny computer about the size of a deck of cards. Invented by Eben Upton, each component is placed on a single electronics board. Originally designed as an inexpensive computer for teaching programming but opened up more creative possibilities to people that wanted to diy there own computer powered projects.