Wood Technology Use Progression CIS105 (Computer Inventions of the 1980's)

By fwood

  • Graphical User Interface (GUI) - Invented by Xerox

    Before the invention of GUI, computers used a command-line interface, in which the user typed a command, like COPY as an example, and then the operating system would respond. This made it difficult for the ‘common man’ to use computers, therefore, for the sake of usability, an interface using graphical icons, pictures, and widgets was created. Without GUI, none of our computers, phones, tables, smart watches, etc. would be the same; these devices may not have ever been created.

  • Commodore 64 - Invented by Commodore Business Machine (CBM)

    The Commodore 64 was a big player back in the 80’s when home computers were being manufactured. The Commodore 64 was much more powerful and inexpensive compared to its competitors, thus allowing it to obtain the title of ‘Best-selling desktop computer of all time’ with over 12.5 million units sold.

  • Compact Disk (CD) - Invented by Sony and Phillips

    Originally made to distribute music, the compact disk quickly became the best way to store and distribute audio because of its durability, affordability, and of course, its compatibility. CDs were eventually widely used by technology companies to store and distribute information or software.

  • Flash Memory - Invented by Fujio Masuoka (with Toshiba)

    Before flash memory, most information was stored on magnetic based devices such as a floppy disk. These devices use a magnetic flux to write bytes of data as either 0s or 1s, however flash memory devices employ an electric charge to do the same thing only much faster. Since its invention, flash memory has become the standard tool for all data storage.

  • Gameboy - Invented by Gunpei Yokoi (with Nintendo)

    Although it doesn't take the title of being the first handheld gaming console, the Gameboy was one of the first handheld gaming consoles that had interchangeable cartridges and was inexpensive compared to other video game consoles at the time. Also, the Gameboy ran off an 8-bit processor and AA batteries, making its battery life much longer than its competitors. This invention paved the way for modern day handheld consoles and even education devices.