Author Archives: GilPress

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About GilPress

I launched the Big Data conversation; writing, research, marketing services; http://whatsthebigdata.com/ & https://infostory.com/

Automated Telephone Switching

Posted on March 10, 2013 by GilPress

Today in 1891, Almon Brown Strowger was issued a patent for his electromechanical switch to automate telephone exchanges. Steven Lubar in InfoCulture: “…a Kansas City undertaker, Strowger had a good practical reason for inventing the automatic switchboard. Legend has it that his … Continue reading →

Posted in AT&T, Automation, Bell Labs, Telephone, This day in information | 1 Comment

The Evolution of Web Hosting (Infographic)

Posted on March 8, 2013 by GilPress

Cloud Hosting Infographic Created by PEER 1 Hosting

Posted in Cloud Computing, Computer history, World Wide Web | Leave a comment

Technology in the Classroom

Posted on March 7, 2013 by GilPress

Teaching 2.0: Is Tech In The Classroom Worth The Cost? (Podcast) “[Skype] enables me, as a writer based in New York, to get to places I’d otherwise never be able to get to. I’ve seen teachers completely dedicated to making their … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Internet, Internet access, Social Impact, Statistics | Leave a comment

The Homebrew Club and the Birth of Apple

Posted on March 5, 2013 by GilPress

Today in 1975, the Homebrew Computer Club met for the first time. Wikipedia: “Several very high-profile hackers and IT entrepreneurs emerged from its ranks, including the founders of Apple Inc. The short-lived newsletter they published was instrumental in creating the technological … Continue reading →

Posted in Apple, Computer history, Innovation | Leave a comment

First Photo Studio

Posted on March 4, 2013 by GilPress

Today in 1840, Alexander S. Wolcott and John Johnson opened the first commercial photography studio in New York.  Burton’s Gentleman’s Magazine described Wolcott as having “nearly revolutionized the whole process of Daguerre… [who] as is well known, could not succeed in taking … Continue reading →

Posted in Photography, Social Impact, This day in information | Leave a comment

The Rights of Photographs

Posted on March 3, 2013 by GilPress

Today in 1865, photographs and photographic negatives were added to protected works under U.S. copyright law.

Posted in Law, Photography, This day in information | Leave a comment

The Social Impact of the Internet

Posted on March 2, 2013 by GilPress
Posted in Economic Impact, Information Economy, Internet, Internet Economy, Social Impact, Stats, World Wide Web | Leave a comment

Birth of The Optical Telegraph

Posted on March 2, 2013 by GilPress

Today in 1791, at 11 A.M., the Chappe brothers sent the message “si vous réussissez, vous serez bientôt couverts de gloire” (if you succeed, you will soon bask in glory) between Brulon and Parce, a distance of ten miles, over their … Continue reading →

Posted in Social Impact, Telegraph, This day in information | Leave a comment

First U.S. Census and the Census of Occupations

Posted on March 1, 2013 by GilPress

Today in 1790 Congress passed the Census Act of 1790 and President George Washington signed the law, which authorized the collection of population data by U.S. Marshals.  Although the act included the specific inquiries marshals asked at each home they visited, they did not … Continue reading →

Posted in Censuses, Social Impact, Statistics, This day in information, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Magnetic Core Memory Patented

Posted on February 28, 2013 by GilPress

Today in 1956, Jay Forrester of MIT was awarded a patent for his magnetic core memory. It became the standard for computer memory until it was supplanted by solid state RAM in the mid-seventies. It has continued to be used, … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer history, Memory, This day in information | 2 Comments