Explore CHM’s informative and engaging timelines to learn something new about key events, people, documents, and artifacts in the history of computing.
The moth shown on the left was taped into the Harvard Mark II computer logbook by pioneering computer scientist Grace Murray Hopper in 1947. She jokingly wrote, “First actual case of bug being found” underneath the insect. While common today, the term “bug” was used as early 1876 by Thomas Edison to describe any problem or error in an invention he was working on.
This comprehensive chronology of technology and culture includes important people, inventions, and events of the computing revolution as well as untold stories and hidden histories.
Why is Silicon Valley in California? In 1956, Bell Labs’ star scientist William Shockley left New Jersey and headed west to found his own company. His talented team soon deserted their mercurial boss to start Fairchild Semiconductor and its innovative silicon chips spawned a vibrant new industry.
From the first documented semiconductor effect in 1833 to the transition from transistors to integrated circuits in the 1960s and 70s, explore milestones in the development of the extraordinary silicon chips that power the information age.
Trace the early history of our connected world in this timeline.
How many bits of data can fit into an area the size of a postage stamp with today’s magnetic storage techniques? More than 1 trillion.
From simple punched cards, to magnetic tape, CDs, and thumb drives to the all pervasive “cloud,” storage devices have evolved through a complex history of technological innovation and intense worldwide competition. Learn about important people, processes, and products in computer data storage.
Founded in a humble garage by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976, Apple is one of the world’s most valuable companies. It revolutionized computing over and over with products and services ranging from the Apple II and the Macintosh to iTunes and the iPhone. Easy to use and beautifully designed, Apple’s products embody and promote both creativity and iconoclasm, inspiring passionate loyalty from users and fans.
Follow Apple through key moments in the company’s 50-year history to date.
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