By:
December 16, 2004
Previous: 1984 / Next: 1986
Intro and links to the other years in the timeline

TECHNOLOGY

  • On March 15, 1985, a Massachusetts computer systems firm named Symbolics.com registers the first .com Internet domain name.

  • The Windows operating system is released by Microsoft. (Windows had been announced in 1983.) Windows 1.0 provides a graphical operating environment for IBM compatible computers.

  • The average modem can transfer data at 2400 bps.
  • Affordable desktop publishing begins with the introduction of the Apple LaserWriter, the HP LaserJet, and software programs such as Aldus PageMaker.
  • Nintendo releases the Nintendo entertainment (video game) system.
  • The 80386, a 32-bit microprocessor with 275,000 transistors on each chip, is produced by Intel. (The chip will give the next generation of personal computers increased power and speed.)
Additional Resources
    THE MEDIA

  • Steve Case and others create the Quantum Computer Services company out of an earlier company called Control Video. On November 5, 1985 they launch the Quantum Link (or Q-Link) online service for Commodore 64 and 128 computers. (The Quantum company will later start America Online.)

  • “Q-Link Promotional Video.” Posted on YouTube.
  • The online discussion community, The WELL (Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link), is started by Stewart Brand and Larry Brilliant.
  • The PressLink service is founded by Knight Ridder. At first PressLink only distributes informational graphics and photos to Knight Ridders papers, but by 1989 the online service is available to other subscribers.
  • There are 50 newspapers offering full-text database versions of their stories through vendors such as Nexis, Vu/Text, Dialog, or DataTimes.
    (Source: News Media Libraries: A Management Handbook)
  • News Example:
    March 11, 1985 —
    “Chernenko Is Dead in Moscow at 73; Gorbachev Succeeds Him“.New York Times.
    (Story available from
    database vendor services.)
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