1500

• Mechanical calculator invented by Leonardo da Vinci.

1621

• Slide rule invented.

1640

• Blaise Pascal invents the Arithmetic Machine.

1800

• First punch cards for storing data invented by Jacquard.

1822

• Charles Babbage invents the Difference Engine.

1830

• Charles Babbage invents the Analytical Engine.

1857

• Sir Charles Wheatstone uses paper tape to store data.

1926

• First patent for semiconductor transistor.

1936

• Dvorak keyboard created.

1937

• Alan Turing invents the Turing Test.

1940

• Konrad Zuse completes the first fully functioning electro-mechanical computer of the world.

1943

• First electronic general purpose computer: ENIAC

1944

• First stored program computer is invented, the EDVAC.

1945

• First computer "bug" reported.

1947

• First point-contact transistor invented.

1948

• First commercial computer is created, called the UNIVAC.
• John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Schockley of Bell Labs file for a patent on the first transistor.

1954

• Texas Instruments announces the start of commercial production of silicon transistors.

1956

• The first transistorized computer is completed, the TX-O (Transistorized Experimental computer).

1958

• At Texas Instruments, Jack Kilby completes building the first integrated circuit.

1959

• Control Data Corporation delivers the air traffic control display, for use in tracking planes.

1960

• IBM develops the first automatic mass-production facility for transistors, in New York.

1962

• Teletype ships its Model 33 keyboard and punched-tape terminal, used by many early microcomputers.

1963

• Digital Equipment sells its first minicomputer, to Atomic Energy of Canada.
• Control Data Corporation announces and delivers the 3600 computer, 603 tape drive, and 405 card reader.
• Douglas Engelbart receives a patent on the mouse pointing device for computers.

1964

• Moore's Law is printed by a magazine in an article written by Gordon Moore.
• John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz develop the BASIC programming language at Dartmouth College.

1966

• IBM introduces the first disk storage system, the IBM RAMAC 305.

1967

• IBM builds the first floppy disk.

1968

• Douglas Engelbart, of the Stanford Research Institute, demonstrates his system of keyboard, keypad, mouse, and windows.
• Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore found Intel Corporation.

1969

• Advanced Micro Devices Incorporated is founded.
• Intel announces a 1 KB RAM chip, which has a significantly larger capacity than any previously produced memory chip.
• Unix is developed at AT&T's Bell Laboratories.
• Gary Starkweather, at Xerox's research facility in Webster, New York, demonstrates using a laser beam with the xerography process to create a laser printer.

1970

• Xerox opens the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC).
• Intel creates the first 4004 microprocessor.
• Intel creates the 1103 chip, the first generally available DRAM memory chip.

1971

• Intel introduces its 4-bit bus, 108-KHz 4004 chip - the first microprocessor.
• Niklaus Wirth invents the Pascal programming language.
• IBM introduces the "memory disk", or "floppy disk", an 8-inch floppy plastic disk coated with iron oxide.
• Intel introduces the 1101 chip, a 256-bit programmable memory, and the 1701 chip, a 256-byte erasable read-only memory (EROM).

1972

• Intel introduces its 200-KHz 8008 chip, the first 8-bit microprocessor.
• Atari is founded and ships Pong, the first commercial video game.
• Canada's Automatic Electronic Systems introduces the world's first programmable word processor.
• Bill Gates and Paul Allen form the Traf-O-Data company.
• 5.25 inch diskettes first appear.

1973

• The first prototype Alto workstation computer is turned on at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center.
• Design work is completed on the Micral, the first non-kit computer based on a microprocessor.
• The term "microcomputer" first appears in print, in reference to the Micral.
• Gary Kildall writes a simple operating system in his PL/M language, called CP/M.
• IBM introduces the IBM 3340 hard disk unit, known as the Winchester.
• Scelbi Computer Consulting Company offers the first computer kit in the U.S. using a microprocessor.
• Bob Metcalfe invents the Ethernet connectivity system.

1974

• Intel releases its 2-MHz 8080 chip, an 8-bit microprocessor.
• Bravo, the first WYSIWIG program, is developed for the Xerox Alto computer.
• Lauren Solomon, 12 year old daughter of Les Solomon, suggests the name "Altair" for the microcomputer.
• Railway Express loses Ed Robert's only prototype Altair computer.
• Popular Electronics publishes an article by MITS announcing the Altair 8800 computer.
• Motorola introduces its 6800 chip, an 8-bit microprocessor.
• Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie develop the C programming language.
• RCA releases the 1802 processor, running at a speedy 6.4 MHz.

1975

• Bill Gates and Paul Allen license their newly written BASIC to MITS.
• Gates and Allen's Traf-O-Data company is renamed Micro-Soft.
• Heiser opens the first retail computer store in the USA called "The Computer Store".
• IBM's Entry Level Systems unit unveils "Project Mercury", the IBM 5100 Portable Computer.
• The first issue of Byte magazine is published.
• Zilog is founded.

1976

• Intel introduces the 5-MHz 8085 microprocessor.
• Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak form the Apple Computer Company, on April Fool's Day.
• Wang Laboratories announces a word-processing system using advanced computer technology.
• The Apple I computer board is sold in kit form, and delivered to stores by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
• Zilog releases the 2.5-MHz Z80.
• The tradename "Microsoft" is registered.
• Advanced Micro Devices and Intel sign a patent cross-license agreement, giving AMD the right to copy Intel's microcode.
• U.S. Robotics is founded.

1977

• Apple Computer moves from Jobs' garage to an office in Cupertino.
• Microsoft ships "Microsoft FORTRAN" for CP/M-based computers.
• Radio Shack (a division of Tandy Corp.) announces the TRS-80 microcomputer.
• Apple Computer releases Applesoft, a version of BASIC with floating-point capabilities.

1978

• Intel introduces the 4.77-MHz 8086 microprocessor.
• Atari announces the Atari 400 and 800 personal computers.
• Dennis Hayes begins Hayes Microcomputer Products.
• Microsoft begins developing BASIC for the Intel 8086 processor.
• Taito develops and releases the Space Invaders arcade game in Japan and arcade centers.
• Magnavox releases the Odyssey2 cartridge-based console game system.

1979

• Apple Computer releases DOS 3.2.
• Zilog ships samples of the 16-bit Z8000 processor.
• Software Arts demonstrates VisiCalc at the 4th West Coast Computer Faire.
• Intel introduces the 4.77-MHz 8088 microprocessor.
• Bob Metcalfe founds 3Com Corporation.
• CompuServe begins a service to computer hobbyists called MicroNET, offering bulletin boards, databases, and games.
• Clive Sinclair creates Sinclair Research.
• Motorola's 68000 16-bit microprocessor appears.
• Personal Software releases VisiCalc for the Apple II.
• Atari develops the Asteroids computer game.
• Alan Shugart founds Seagate Technologies, a maker of hard disk drives.
• Atari founder Nolan Bushnell leaves the company, to manage Pizza Time Theatre.
• IBM introduces the IBM 3800 laser printer.
• Hayes Microcomputer Products introduces the 110/300 baud Micromodem II for the Apple II, for US$380.

1980

• Morrow Designs advertises the 26 MB DISCUS M26 hard drive system for US$5000
• Microsoft begins development on an 8086 version of AT&T's Unix operating system.
• Sinclair Research announces the ZX80 computer in the North American market.
• Microsoft Corp. announces its first hardware product, the Z-80 SoftCard for the Apple II.
• Satellite Software International ships WordPerfect 1.0 for Data General minicomputers.
• Seattle Computer Products decides to make their own disk operating system (DOS).
• Apple Computer introduces the Apple III at the National Computer Conference.
• Universal Data Systems announces the 202LP 1200 bps modem.
• Seagate Technologies announces the first Winchester 5.25-inch hard disk drive.
• Steve Ballmer joins Microsoft.
• Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Pocket Computer.
• IBM representatives meet with Microsoft's Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer to talk about Microsoft products.
• IBM meets with Microsoft again, and shows plans for Project Chess, a personal computer.
• QDOS 0.10 (Quick and Dirty Operating System) is shipped by Seattle Computer Products.
• Microsoft announces the Microsoft XENIX OS, a portable and commercial version of Unix.
• Microsoft's Paul Allen contacts Seattle Computer Products, asking for the rights to sell SCP's DOS.
• Apple Computer becomes a publicly held company.
• Seattle Computer Products renames QDOS to 86-DOS, releasing it as version 0.3.
• Philips and Sony create the CD-Audio standard for optical disk storage of digital audio.
• Intel announces the iAPX-432 32-bit microprocessor.
• Intel introduces the 8087 math coprocessor.
• CompuServe merges with H&R Block, and renames MicroNET to CompuServe Information Service.
• Sony Electronics introduces the 3.5 inch floppy disk and drive.
• Panasonic and Quasar unveil hand-held computers, made by Matsushita.

1981

• Commodore announces the VIC-20.
• The director of Canada' Radiation Protection Bureau declares that video display terminals carry no radiation hazard.
• Microsoft reorganizes into Microsoft Incorporated.
• Microsoft buys all rights to DOS from Seattle Computer Products, and the name MS-DOS is adopted.
• IBM introduces its first desktop computer, the Datamaster.
• The first IBM PCs roll off the assembly lines.
• IBM announces the IBM 5150 PC personal computer, in New York.
• Apple Computer introduces its first hard drive, the 5MB ProFile, for US$3500.
• Novell Data Systems ships the Novell Data Management Computer, with the ability to share its hard drive space with other computers.
• Hayes Microcomputer Products advertises the Smartmodem 300, which becomes the industry standard.
• College professor James Clark found Silicon Graphics.
• Intel and Advanced Micro Devices agree to collaborate on the design and production of new products.

1982

• Commodore announces the Commodore 64 microcomputer.
• Sharp introduces the Sharp PC-1500 Hand Held Personal Computer.
• Microsoft signs an agreement to develop applications for the Macintosh.
• Intel introduces the 6-MHz 80286 microprocessor.
• Sun Microsystems is founded.
• IBM first offers CP/M-86 for the IBM PC.
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 1.1.
• The first IBM PC clone is released by Columbia Data Products.
• Digital Equipment announces Rainbow 100.
• IBM ships the 200,000th IBM PC.
• Hercules announces the Hercules Graphics Card.
• Lotus Development announces of Lotus 1-2-3.
• VisiCorp announces the VisiOn graphical user interface.
• Apple Computer becomes the first personal computer company to reach US$1 billion in annual sales.
• Microsoft releases Microsoft COBOL for MS-DOS.
• Microsoft ships its Multiplan spreadsheet program to IBM for testing and marketing.
• Advanced Micro Devices and Intel sign a 10-year technology exchange agreement.
• John Warnock founds Adobe Systems.
• Mouse Systems introduces the first commercial mouse for the IBM PC.
• Drexel University in Philadelphia announces it will require all students to own a personal computer.

1983

• Apple Computer officially unveils the Lisa computer.
• Apple Computer introduces the Apple IIe.
• Media Distributing offers a 44MB hard drive.
• Sony Electronics announces the 3.5 inch floppy disk and drive, double-sided, double-density, holding up to 1MB.
• Lotus Development ships Lotus 1-2-3 Release 1.0 for MS-DOS.
• Microsoft introduces Multi-Tool Word for DOS.
• Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Model 4.
• The one millionth Apple II is made.
• AT&T Bell Labs designs C++.
• IBM announces the IBM PC-XT Model 370.
• Texas Instruments withdraws from the personal computer market.
• Microsoft formally announces Microsoft Windows.
• Satellite Software International ships WordPerfect 3.0.
• Microsoft again shows Windows to IBM.
• Apple unveils the new Macintosh to the press.
• In an obscure television market Apple Computer runs its "1984" Macintosh ad.
• IBM and Microsoft begin co-developing OS/2.
• Dan Silva and others leave Xerox to form Electronic Arts.
• In its first year, Compaq Computer sells 47,000 computers, worth US$111 million.
• Borland International is founded by Philippe Kahn.
• Novell introduces the NetWare network operating system for the IBM PC.
• Wang announces the single in-line memory module (SIMM).

1984

• Apple Computer runs its "1984" commercial during the NFL SuperBowl.
• Apple Computer's Steve Jobs introduces the Apple Macintosh.
• Commodore announces that during 1983 Commodore sold US$1 billion worth of computers.
• IBM announces the IBM Portable PC.
• NEC introduces the 8-MHz V20 microprocessor.
• 74 days after the introduction of the Macintosh.
• Compaq Computer introduces its PCs to Europe.
• Silicon Graphics begins shipping its first 3-D graphics workstations.
• Apple Computer announces that computers have been selling well since its announcement.
• Motorola adds the 68020 32-bit processor to its line.
• Commodore announces the Commodore 16.
• Commodore purchases Amiga Corporation.
• IBM announces the PC-AT.
• IBM announces the Enhanced Graphics Adapter.
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 3.0 for PCs.
• Microsoft gives a demonstration of the final version of Windows to IBM.
• The number of hosts on the Internet reaches 1000.
• Apple Computer launches the "Test Drive a Macintosh" promotion.
• Several companies introduce 2400 baud modems at COMDEX.
• Tandy introduces the Tandy 1000.
• Sierra On-Line releases King's Quest.
• Hewlett-Packard introduces the LaserJet laser printer.
• Apple Computer buys 15% of Adobe.
• MIPS Computer Systems is founded.
• Philips announces CD-ROM players for personal computers.
• MIT begins developing the X Window System.

1985

• Apple Computer runs a TV ad during the SuperBowl called "Lemmings".
• Compaq Computer reports second year revenues of US$329 million.
• Atari introduces the 520ST.
• Former Microsoft founder Paul Allen founds Asymetrix.
• Apple Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak resigns from Apple Computer.
• Apple Computer's board of directors removes Steve Jobs as head of the Macintosh division.
• IBM abandons production of the IBM PCjr.
• Microsoft demonstrates Microsoft Windows at Spring Comdex.
• Mike Markkula backs John Sculley's decision to "banish" Steve Jobs from any official duties at Apple Computer.
• Microsoft and IBM sign a joint-development agreement to work together on future operating systems and environments.
• Aldus releases Aldus PageMaker for the Apple Macintosh.
• Steve Jobs and five senior managers of Apple Computer Inc. found NeXT Incorporated.
• Computer company Gateway 2000 is formed.
• Apple Computer releases the Apple ImageWriter II printer.
• Cauzin releases Cauzin SoftStrips.
• Intel introduces the 16-MHz 80386DX microprocessor.
• Microsoft France releases a French version of Multiplan 2.0 for the IBM PC.
• IBM introduces its token ring network.
• General Electric Information Services begins the GEnie online service.
• Iomega introduces its storage cartridge system to the Macintosh market.
• Microsoft ships Microsoft Windows 1.0.
• Apple Computer and Microsoft sign an agreement regarding Microsoft's use of Apple's visual display.
• VisiCorp files for bankruptcy.
• Nintendo introduces the Nintendo Entertainment System in the US.
• Apple Computer's board of directors strips Steve Jobs of all operational responsibilities.
• Novell introduces NetWare 2.0 network operating system.
• Software Arts sells the rights to VisiCalc to Mitch Kapor.

1986

• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Plus.
• IBM announces the IBM RT Personal Computer.
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 3.2.
• IBM boosts the speed of the IBM PC AT by replacing the CPU with a 8-MHz Intel 80286.
• Compaq Computer joins the Fortune 500 list faster than any company in history.
• Microsoft first sells shares to the public.
• Apple Computer discontinues the original Macintosh.
• WordPerfect ships WordPerfect 4.2.
• Ashton-Tate ships the one millionth copy of dBase.
• Lotus Development releases a French version of Lotus 1-2-3 v2.0 in France.
• MIPS Technologies unveils the 8-MHz R2000 32-bit CPU. With 110,000 transistors.
• Adobe introduces Adobe Illustrator.
• NEC Home Electronics introduces its NEC JC-1401P3A Multisync monitor.
• The Small Computer System Interface standard is finalized as ANSI X3.131-1986.

1987

• Intel introduces the 20-MHz 80386DX microprocessor.
• Apple Computer introduces the open architecture Macintosh II.
• Apple Computer makes its 1 millionth Macintosh personal computer.
• U.S. Robotics unveils its 9600 bps Courier HST modem.
• IBM introduces the IBM Personal System/2 (PS/2) line.
• IBM unveils its Video Graphics Array (VGA).
• IBM introduces its Micro Channel Architecture (MCA).
• IBM and Microsoft announce Operating System/2 (OS/2).
• IBM announces DOS 3.3 for PCs.
• Microsoft announces Microsoft Windows 2.0.
• Advanced Micro Devices files suit against Intel.
• Sun Microsystems introduces its first SPARC-based system.
• Microsoft acquires Forethought.
• Apple Computer creates the Claris software company.
• Microsoft ships Microsoft Bookshelf, the firsy CD-ROM application.
• Microsoft unveils the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Windows/386.
• Ven-Tel unveils its EC18K-34 modem.
• Ad Lib Incorporated unveils its Ad Lib Personal Computer Music System.
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 4.0 for the PC.
• Borland International ships the Quattro spreadsheet program.
• Intel introduces the 80387 math coprocessor.
• IBM discontinues the IBM PC line.

1988

• ANSI formally adapts SCSI as a standard.
• Apple Computer releases its first Ethernet networking product.
• Spectrum Holobyte introduces Tetris.
• Apple Computer sues Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard for copyright infringement.
• Intel introduces the 25-MHz 80386DX microprocessor.
• Motorola unveils the 88000 processor.
• Apple Computer contracts with Quantum Computer Services to create AppleLink.
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 4.0.
• Intel introduces the 16-MHz 80386SX microprocessor.
• Compaq Computer introduces its first laptop PC with VGA graphics.
• Steve Jobs of NeXT Inc. unveils the first NeXT computer.
• Digital Research transforms CP/M into DR DOS.
• The bus standard used on IBM AT compatibles is given the name Industry Standard Architecture.
• W.H. Sim founds Creative Labs, Inc.
• Atari sues Nintendo.
• Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP DeskJet inkjet printer.
• The CD-ROM format ISO 9660:88 is adopted.

1989

• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh SE/301
• The VESA graphics standard emerges.
• Intel begins production of the 80486 microprocessor.
• Intel announces the 25-MHz 486 microprocessor.
• Intel introduces the 33-MHz version of the 80386DX microprocessor.
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 5.0 for DOS.
• The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) is formed.
• Apple Computer introduces 1.4MB floppy drives for the Macintosh.
• Apple Computer and Microsoft announces an alliance to develop a new font standard.
• Cyrix introduces the FasMath 83D87 math coprocessor.
• WordPerfect ships WordPerfect 5.1.
• At Fall Comdex, IBM and Microsoft strongly endorse each other's operating systems.
• Xerox files a US$150 million lawsuit aginst Apple.
• Intel unveils the i860 RISC processor.
• Creative Labs introduces the Sound Blaster.
• Sun Microsystems announces the 12.5 MIPS 20-MHz SPARCstation.

1990

• Motorola announces the availability of its 32-bit 25-MHz microprocessor.
• Intel introduces the 33-MHz 486 microprocessor.
• Microsoft introduces and ships Microsoft Windows 3.0.
• Digital Research releases DR DOS 5.0.
• The US Federal Trade Commission begins an investigation of Microsoft Corp.
• Microsoft's sales revenues hit US$1 billion for the past year.
• Acer Incorporated buys Alto Computer Systems for US$94 million.
• The IEEE approves the 10BASE-T Ethernet specification.
• IBM and Microsoft end cooperative work on operating systems.
• Apple Computer discontinues many of it's Macintoshes.
• IBM introduces the XGA MCA graphics card.
• Apple Computer's AppleLink - Personal Edition is renamed America Online.
• Motorola announces a new line of single-chip RISC processors.
• A judge rules that competitors to Intel can use the x86 designation.
• US District Court throws out 5 of 6 claims in Xerox' suit against Apple Computer.

1991

• MIPS Technologies unveils the R4000 RISC processor architecture.
• IBM gets rid of its printer and typewriter operation to a New York investment firm.
• Advanced Micro Designs introduces the Am386DX.
• Lotus Development announces Lotus 1-2-3 for the Macintosh.
• Apple Computer announces QuickTime software for integration of dynamic media for Macintosh computers.
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 5.0.
• Intel introduces the 50-MHz 486 microprocessor.
• Microsoft changes the name of the operating system shared with IBM called OS/2 v3.0 to Windows NT 3.0.
• The ban on business is lifted on the Internet.
• Apple Computer ships its System 7.0 Macintosh operating system for US$100.
• The PCMCIA card specification v2.0 is released.
• Microsoft and others announce the Multimedia PC (MPC) standard.
• Apple Computer, Motorola, and IBM officially sign an accord on technology sharing.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Classic II.
• Apple Computer unveils the Macintosh PowerBook 100.
• MIPS Technologies officially introduces the 100-MHz R4000, its 64-bit RISC processor.
• IBM and Intel sign a 10-year joint development agreement to create a series of integrated processors.
• The Pearl Agency in Germany develops the first software vending machine.
• Creative Labs introduces the Sound Blaster Pro Deluxe, the first stereo PC sound card.
• Hewlett-Packard introduces its first color image scanner, the HP Scanjet IIc.
• Pixar begins work with the Walt Disney Company on a full-length computer animated film.
• Intel introduces the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local-bus standard for personal computer systems.

1992

• Microsoft stock reaches US$113 per share, making Bill Gates the richest man in the United States.
• NEC introduces the first double-speed CD-ROM drive.
• Microsoft launches its first TV advertising campaign, for Windows.
• Intel and Microsoft announce the Advanced Power Management (APM) specification for laptop computers.
• Intel introduces the i486DX2 microprocessor, with clock speeds of 25/50-MHz (external/internal).
• Microsoft ships Windows 3.1.
• IBM and Microsoft sign a "divorce" document.
• Advanced Micro Devices begins work on a fifth-generation x86 processor (in the class of Intel's Pentium chip).
• Apple Computer introduces the PowerBook 145.
• Intel introduces the 66-MHz i486DX2 microprocessor.
• Intel introduces the 66-MHz OverDrive chip as a companion to the 486SX/33.
• Digital Equipment unveils the 150-MHz Alpha 21064 64-bit microprocessor.
• Novell buys Unix Systems Laboratories from AT&T, gaining all rights to the Unix source code.
• Novell purchases Digital Research Inc. for US$80 million.
• Creative Labs introduces the Sound Blaster 16, a 16-bit stereo PC sound card.

1993

• IBM reports a year-end loss of US$4.96 billion.
• NeXT announces that it will drop its hardware line.
• Pinnacle Micro introduces the RCD-202 recordable CD-ROM drive.
• Apple Computer ships the 10 millionth Macintosh computer.
• Digital Equipment announces the 200-MHz Alpha 21064 processor.
• Intel introduces the Pentium processor.
• The Software Publishers Association reports that MS-Windows applications are outselling MS-DOS programs for the first time.
• Sun Microsystems, Novell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and the Santa Cruz Operation announce that they will work together toward a unified Unix operating system standard.
• Compaq Computer, Intel, Microsoft, and Phoenix Technologies define the Plug and Play specification for PCs.
• Microsoft formally launches Windows NT 3.1.
• The PCI Special Interest Group completes the version 2.0 specification of the PCI local-bus standard for microcomputers.
• The United States Environmental Protection Agency officially launches the Energy Star program.
• Apple Computer introduces the Newton MessagePad 100 personal digital assistant at Macworld Expo.
• PC Gamer, the first computer magazine devoted totally to computer gaming, begins publication.
• Corel completes its purchase of Ventura Software.
• Compton's New Media Incorporated receives a patent on multimedia search and retrieval technology.
• Gateway 2000 introduces the industry's first VESA VL-bus system.
• Novell transfers the Unix trademark to the international X/Open standards organization.
• Apple Computer discontinues the Apple II line of computers.
• Benny S. Lee, of Everex Systems, Inc. is sentenced to one year in prison for manufacturing and selling counterfeit MS-DOS software.
• The Multimedia PC Marketing Council sets the MPC Level 2 standard, dictating the minumum configuration required of a PC to run MPC-2 class software.
• Commodore Business Machines stops producing Intel-based personal computers.

1994

• Silicon Graphics co-founder leaves to start Mosaic Communications.
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Windows 3.11.
• Apple Computer introduces QuickTime 2.0, with interactive television, music and full-screen video support.
• Apple Computer unveils and ships its first computers based on the PowerPC 601 processor.
• Apple Computer releases MacOS System 7.1 and later 7.5.
• Apple Computer introduces QuickTake 100, the first 24-bit color digital camera for under US$1000.
• Intel ships its 100-MHz IntelDX4 435 processor.
• Novell buys WordPerfect Corporation for US$850 million.
• Aldus and Adobe Systems announce plans to merge the two companies.
• Commodore International and Commodore Electronics, components of Commodore Business Machines, file for voluntary liquidation.
• Mosaic Communications releases Netscape Navigator 1.0, a world-wide web browser.
• The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office decides to reject all 41 of Compton's New Media Incorporated's patent application's claims.
• Apple Computer delivers the DOS Compatible Card.
• Microsoft is granted a trademark to the name "Windows" for software products.
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 6.22, with disk compression under the name DriveSpace.
• Borland International sells its Quattro Pro spreadsheet to Novell for about US$140 million.
• Digital Equipment Corporation formally introduces its next-generation Alpha AXP processors.
• The International Telecommunications Union ratifies the 28.8Kbps V.34 modem standard.
• U.S. Robotics ships the Courier v.34 28.8Kbps modems. List price: US$329 internal, US$349 external.
• IBM introduces the Aptiva line. They are built to replace the PS/1 line and are aimed at the home PC market.
• Microsoft announces and ships Windows NT Workstation 3.5 and Windows NT Server 3.5.
• IBM formally launches OS/2 Warp version 3.
• Seagate Technologies announces the first disk drive and interface achieving a transfer rate of 100 MB per second.
• Apple Computer, Motorola, and IBM announce that they will create a computer platform to run all major operating systems, except Microsoft Windows.
• Cyrix announces the M1 next-generation x86 processor.
• Intel confirms that about 2 million Pentium chips have been shipped with a defective floating-point unit.
• Apple Computer demonstrates a PCI-based Power Macintosh using a 120-MHz PowerPC 604 processor.
• WordStar International, Spinnaker Software, and SoftKey Software Products merge companies.
• Number Nine Computer Corp. ships the first PC video board using a 128-bit accelerator chip.
• Iomega Corp. introduces its Zip drive and Zip disks, floppy disk sized removable storage in sizes 100MB.
• The SCSI-2 standard is finalized.

1995

• Apple Computer ships QuickTime VR.
• Radius Incorporated demonstrates the first Power Macintosh clone.
• Compaq Computer reaches worldwide number one PC marketshare position.
• Apple Computer signs a licensing agreement with three companies, allowing them to produce Macintosh compatible computers.
• IBM releases PC DOS 7.
• At an auction in New York, ESCOM buys all rights, properties, and technologies of Commodore.
• Microsoft asks Netscape Communications to agree to not develop Netscape Navigator for Windows 95 and successors. Netscape refuses.
• Intel introduces the P6 processor, to be called the Pentium Pro.
• Intel announces the immediate availability of the 133-MHz Pentium processor.
• Apple Computer introduces the first commercial color laser printer, the Color Laser Printer 12/600PS.
• Iomega introduces the Jaz line of high capacity removable cartridge drives.
• Microsoft releases Windows NT v3.51.
• U.S. Robotics begins shipping enhanced Courier V.Everything modems capable of transmitting data at up to 33.6Kbps.
• Cyrix announces the 100-MHz CX5x86 microprocessor.
• Microsoft releases Windows 95.
• Microsoft introduces Office 95.
• A unified standard for DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) technology is announced.
• Diamond Multimedia Systems acquires modem maker Supra, for cash and stock worth US$54 million.
• Intel introduces the 83-MHz Pentium OverDrive processor, for replacement in 33-MHz 486DX and 486DX2/66 systems.
• Seagate Technologies and Conner Peripherals agree to a US$1.1 billion merger.
• Digital Equipment announces its Alpha 21164 processor running at 333-MHz.
• Novell announces its decision to exit from the personal productivity applications business.
• Amiga Technologies ships the A4000T microcomputer.
• Intel announces the Pentium Pro microprocessor at speeds of 150-, 180-, and 200 MHz.
• Sun Microsystems introduces new Ultra 1 and Ultra 2 workstations, based on the 64-bit UltraSparc microprocessor.
• IBM, Apple, and Motorola release the PowerPC Platform specifications, called the Common Hardware Reference Platform (CHRP).
• Sony Electronics introduces its 32-bit game system, PlayStation.
• Sega introduces the 32-bit game system, Saturn.

1996

• Advanced Micro Devices and NexGen complete their merger, with AMD paying US$623 million for NexGen.
• Intel announces the immediate availability of the 66/166-MHz Pentium processor.
• Corel purchases WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, and the PerfectOffice application suite from Novell for US$180 million.
• Intel renames the P7 processor Merced.
• Advanced Micro Devices and Intel sign a five-year patent cross-license agreement.
• Santa Cruz Operations releases SCO UnixWare 2.1.
• Silicon Graphics buys Cray Research, at a cost of about US$765 million.
• Corel releases Corel WordPerfect Suite 7, and Corel Office Professional Suite.
• Netscape Communications releases Netscape Navigator 2.02.
• Microsoft releases the first real version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, 2.0.
• Intel introduces the 200-MHz Pentium processor, in small quantities. Price is US$599.
• Digital Equipment ships 366-MHz and 400-MHz versions of its Alpha 21164 microprocessor.
• Nintendo announces the Nintendo 64, a 64-bit console system.
• Microsoft releases Windows NT 4.0.
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0.
• Microsoft unveils Windows CE operating system for hand-held PCs.
• Seagate Technology introduces the Cheetah ST19101 9.1 GB, a 10,000 RPM hard disk drive.
• Enorex Microsystems introduces the Enorex Ultra PC line of Digital Equipment Alpha processor-based workstations.
• Microsoft unveils Microsoft Office 97 at Fall Comdex.
• Apple Computer buys Steve Jobs' NeXT Software company for about US$425 million in cash and Apple stock.
• Digital Equipment announces availability of the 500-MHz Alpha 21164 processor.
• At the Microprocessor Forum, Advanced Micro Devices announces the K6 processor.
• At the Microprocessor Forum, Cyrix announces the M2 processor.

1997

• Microsoft buys WebTV for US$425 million.
• Steve Jobs announces an investment of US$150 million from Microsoft.
• Apple Computer releases the Mac OS 8.0.
• Apple announces it will only sell computers via the CompUSA retail chain adn online via the Apple Store.
• Netscape Communications releases the Netscape Communicator suite, which includes Navigator 4.
• Motorola announces it is leaving the Macintosh market.
• The U.S. justice department asks a federal court to hold Microsoft in contempt.
• Sun Microsystems takes legal action against Microsoft for using non-standardized Java in Internet Explorer 4.
• Apple announces the G3 processor, which is twice as fast as a comparably megahertz-rated Pentium II chip.

• 1998
• Compaq buys Digital Equipment for US$9.6 billion.
• Microsoft ships Windows 98.
• Netscape announces that it will make its source code available to anyone who wants it.
• Value of internet stocks such as Yahoo! and Infoseek skyrocket.
• Apple Computer ceases development of its Newton operating system and Newton OS-based products.
• Apple Computer releases the iMac.
• Intel releases the Pentium II 300, 333, 400, 450, and faster processors to the market.

1971

• Steve Wozniak and Bill Fernandez build a computer with lights and switches, from parts rejected by local companies. They call it the Cream Soda Computer.

1972

• At Xerox PARC, Alan Kay proposes they build a portable personal computer, called the Dynabook, the size of an ordinary notebook. PARC management does not support it.

1976

• Kentucky Fried Computers is founded.
• Steve Wozniak proposes that Hewlett-Packard create a personal computer. Steve Jobs proposes the same to Atari. Both are rejected.

1979

• Ross Perot asks Bill Gates about buying Microsoft.

1980

• Atari ad: "Atari promises to be the most popular Personal Computer System of the 1980's!"
• Sol Libes quote in Byte magazine's ByteLines: "The 32-bit machine would be 'overkill' for a personal computer."

1981

• Quote from Tandy president John Roach, regarding IBM's entry into the microcomputer field: "I don't think it's that significant".
• Apple Computer runs a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal with a headline that reads "Welcome IBM. Seriously.".
• "640k should be enough for anybody." -Bill Gates.

1982

• Future Computing Inc. quote: "CP/M 2.2 is extremely important, and the Z80 chip will live forever because of it."

1983

• Quote by Steve Jobs, of Apple Computer, "We're prepared to live with Lisa for the next ten years."
• Quote from Spinnaker Software chairman William Bowman: "We're just sitting here trying to put our PCjrs in a pile and burn them. And the damn things won't burn. That's the only thing IBM did right with it - they made it flameproof."
• Quote by Apple Computer's Mike Markkula to Steve Jobs, on seeing the "1984" Macintosh TV ad: "You mean you really want to show this?"

1988

• Quote by Bill Gates, of Microsoft, when asked if he would develop software for the NeXT computer: "Develop for it? I'll piss on it."

1989

• Quote from a Lotus Development official, while demonstrating a new DOS version of Lotus 1-2-3: "We don't see Windows as a long-term graphical interface for the masses."

1991

• Microsoft vice president Brad Silverberg quote: DOS will be "with us forever. We've learned how passionate people are about DOS."
• Quote from IBM's Lee Reiswig: "We will be enhancing OS/2 until the late 1990s."
• Quote by Aaron Goldberg, of International Data Corp.: "I don't know if anyone has tried to run Windows on a 286 machine, but frankly I'd rather have knitting needles in my eyes."
• Quote from Alex. Brown & Sons analyst, Mark Stahlman: "(Commodore) is likely to be one of the big success stories of the early 1990s."