By:
December 16, 2004
Previous: 1980 / Next: 1982
Intro and links to the other years in the timeline

TECHNOLOGY

  • IBM introduces its first successful personal computer. The IBM 5150 quickly becomes the industry standard. (In 1973 IBM developed a PC prototype called the “Special Computer, APL Machine Portable” or SCAMP. IBM sold an expensive portable computer in 1975 called the Model 5100.)
  • The PC-DOS operating system designed for the IBM PC is also marketed separately by Microsoft as MS-DOS. Microsoft’s ability to retain the marketing and licensing rights for MS-DOS transforms Bill Gates’ small Seattle company.
  • The BITNET computer network is created at the City University of New York. BITNET is an educational network that connects university mainframe computers around the world.
  • The Hayes Smartmodem is introduced. This new modem can transfer data at 300 bps (the average speed in 1981) and it doesn’t need an acoustic coupler.

THE MEDIA
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