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Category Archives: Computer history
Dead Media: My First PC!
Old-Computers.com description of the Osborne Executive
Posted in Computer history, Dead media
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35th Anniversary of the Apple II
Today in 1977, on the second day of the West Coast Computer Faire, Apple Computer formally introduced the Apple II.
Posted in Apple, Computer history, This day in information
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The WELL: Oldest continuing online community
Today in 1985, The Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link (the WELL) opened for business, allowing customers to register on-line to use it for $8 per month plus $2 per hour. The Well was started by Stewart Brand and Larry Brilliant as a dial-up bulletin board system … Continue reading
The Sound of Digital Crushing Analog
Posted in Analog, Computer history, Dead media, Telephone
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“Homebrew and How the Apple Came to Be”
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Apple, Computer history, PCs, This day in information
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Magnetic Core Memory Patented
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
From Analog to Digital: Bank Checks
Today in 1925, New York banker, George McCarthy received a patent for the Checkograph, the first bank check photographing device and the first practical use of commercial microfilm. In 1928 Eastman Kodak bought McCarthy’s invention and began to market it under … Continue reading
Posted in Computer history, Data growth, Digitization, Imaging, Paper, This day in information
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Computer Tape Automation Born
Fifty years ago today, IBM announced the Hypertape Automatic Cartridge Loader, the first device to permit automatic loading and unloading of magnetic tape for electronic computers. Ten years earlier, IBM introduced the magnetic tape drive vacuum column, making it possible for … Continue reading
First Integrated Circuit Patent Application
Today in 1959, Jack Kilby filed a patent application for the Integrated Circuit, titled: “Method of making miniaturized electronic circuit.” Harold Evans in They Made America: “The University of Illinois gave him only average grades in electrical engineering, a disappointment … Continue reading
Posted in Computer history, This day in information
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First U.S. “Calculating Machine”
Today in 1850, the first US patent for a push-key operated adding machine is issued to Dubois D. Parmelee of New Paltz, New York (US No. 7,074). The first commercially successful calculator will be invented forty years later by William … Continue reading
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