1975

February
       Paul Allen meets with Ed Roberts to demonstrate the newly written BASIC interpreter for the Altair. Despite never having touched an Altair before, the BASIC works flawlessly. [346.24] [346.257]
       [606.17]
February
       Bill Gates and Paul Allen license their newly written BASIC to MITS, their first customer. This is the first computer language program written for a personal computer. [123] [176.122] [389.28]
March
       Fred Moore and Gordon French hold the first meeting of a new microcomputer hobbyist's club in French's garage, in Menlo Park, California. 32 people meet, including Bob Albrect, Steve Dompier, Lee
       Felsenstein, Bob Marsh, Tom Pittman, Marty Spergel, Alan Baum, and Steven Wozniak. Bob Albrect shows off an Altair, and Steve Dompier reports on MITS, and how they had 4000 orders for the Altair.
       [185.110] [266.104] [301.55] [346.18] [353.200] [346.257] [930.31] (April [208.67] 266.39)
April
       Bill Gates and Paul Allen found Micro-Soft (the hyphen is later dropped). [41] (July [346.26]) (August [346.257])
April
       MITS delivers the first generally-available Altair 8800, sold for US$375 with 1KB memory. [208.67] (256 bytes [266.38])
June
       MOS Technology announces the MC6501 at US$20 and the MC6502 at US$25. At this point, the Intel 8080 costs about US$150. [9] [261.304]
July
       Dick Heiser opens Arrow Head Computer Company, subtitled "The Computer Store", in Los Angeles, selling assembled Altairs, boards, peripherals, and magazines. This is the first retail computer store
       in the USA. [266.185] [684.41]
(month unknown)
       (summer) IMSAI announces the IMSAI 8080 microcomputer. [346.32] [647.95]
September
       The first issue of Byte magazine is published. [9] [266.159]

1976

March
       Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs finish work on a computer circuit board, that they call the Apple I computer. [46]
March
       Intel introduces the 5-MHz 8085 microprocessor. Speed is 0.37 MIPS. It uses 6500 transistors, based on 3-micron technology. It supports an 8-bit bus. Operates on a single 5-volt power supply. [62]
       (1978 [120])
April
       Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak form the Apple Computer Company, on April Fool's Day. [9] [46] [140] [218] [606.18]
June
       Processor Technology unveils the Sol-20 to the public at PC '76 at the Shelbourne Hotel in Atlantic City. It is sold in kit form, using the Intel 8080 CPU. [205.20] [266.116] [353.242]
July
       Zilog releases the 2.5-MHz Z80, an 8-bit microprocessor whose instruction set is a superset of the Intel 8080. [32] [202.168] (early 1975 [9]) (1975 [556.11]) (1975 December [346.257])
November
       ComputerLand opens a pilot store in Hayward, California, as a retail outlet and a training facility for franchise owners. [266.194] [346.258] [548.433]
December
       Michael Shrayer completes writing Electric Pencil, the first popular word-processing program for microcomputers. [9] [266.148] [346.258] [662.33]
(month unknown)
       MOS Technology ships the 6502 microprocessor. The 6502 was developed by Chuck Peddle. [556.11]
(month unknown)
       MOS Technology Inc. announces the KIM-1 Microcomputer System, with 1-MHz 6502 CPU, 1KB RAM, 2KB ROM monitor, 23-key keypad, LED readout, cassette and serial interfaces, for US$245.
       [193.14] [261.304] (1975 [9])

1977

January
       Commodore first shows a prototype PET computer at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show. [713.32]
February
       Bill Gates and Paul Allen sign a partnership agreement to officially create the Microsoft company. [123]
April
       Commodore Business Machines Inc. shows its PET 2001 computer at the West Coast Computer Faire. The PET includes a 6502 CPU, 4KB RAM, 14KB ROM, keyboard, display, and tape drive, for
       US$600. The computer shown is a one-off prototype. [9] [266.182] [346.46] [445.256] [713.30] [747.74] (US$800 [176.54] [190.81]) (March [41]) (June [624.172])
April
       Apple Computer introduces the Apple II at the West Coast Computer Faire. The computer features a 6502 CPU, 4KB RAM, 16KB ROM, keyboard, 8-slot motherboard, game paddles, graphics/text
       interface to color display, and built-in BASIC, for US$1300. It is the first personal computer with color graphics. [9] [41] [46] [120] [140] [176.54] [203.7] [266.182] [346.47] [593.350] (March
       [185.114]) (July [716.234])
August
       Radio Shack (a division of Tandy Corp.) announces the TRS-80 microcomputer, with Z80 CPU, 4KB RAM, 4KB ROM, keyboard, black-and-white video display, and tape cassette for US$600. [9]
       [195.49] [202.198] [319.43] [548.413] [862.14] (US$300 [266.198]) (June [41]) (1978 [205.24])

1978

June
       Intel introduces the 4.77-MHz 8086 microprocessor. It uses 16-bit registers, a 16-bit data bus, and 29,000 transistors, using 3-micron technology. Price is US$360. It can access 1 MB of memory. Speed
       is 0.33 MIPS. Later speeds included 8-MHz (0.66 MIPS) and 10-MHz (0.75 MIPS). [108] [176.74] [177.102] [216.22] [296] [447.144] [465.25] [477.124] [540.64] [62] [690.94] [879.116] (April
       [346.61]) (1979 [120])
December
       Epson announces the MX-80 dot matrix printer, which established a new standard in high performance with low price for printers. [9]
December
       Atari announces the Atari 400 and 800 personal computers, using the 6502 microprocessor. The Atari 800 was code-named "Colleen". [9] [231.83] [252.50] (1979 [624.178])

1979

May
       Software Arts demonstrates VisiCalc at the 4th West Coast Computer Faire. Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston wrote it during 1978-79, under the company name Software Arts, under contract to Personal
       Software. [9.202] [80.126] [176.64] [203.9] [218] [266.xv] [346.102] (June [41])
June
       Apple Computer introduces the Apple II Plus, with 48KB memory, for US$1195. [46] [200.1] [218] [593.350]
June
       Intel introduces the 4.77-MHz 8088 microprocessor. It was created as a stepping stone to the 8086, as it operates on 16 bits internally, but supports an 8-bit data bus, to use existing 8-bit
       device-controlling chips. It contains 29,000 transistors, using 3-micron technology, and can address 1MB of memory. Speed is 0.33 MIPS. A later version operates at 8-MHz, for a speed of 0.75 MIPS.
       [296] [477.124] [536.502] [540.64] [203.12] [62] [879.116] [900] (February [177.102]) (1981 [120])
June
       Texas Instruments introduces the TI-99/4 personal computer, for an initial price of US$1500. It uses the TI 9940 16-bit microprocessor. [9] [202.209] (late 1979 [714.135]) (US$1150 [246.81])
June
       MicroPro releases the WordStar word processor, written by Rob Barnaby. It is made available for Intel 8080A Zilog Z-80 based CP/M-80 systems. [266.153] [346.259] [862.202] (written by Seymour
       Rubenstein [176.64])
September
       Motorola's 68000 16-bit microprocessor appears. It uses 68,000 transistors, giving it its name. [176.75] [423.136] (1980 [120])
October
       Personal Software releases VisiCalc for the Apple II, for US$100. [46] [140] [218] [266.230] [346.102] [618.70] (November [120])

1980

January
       Hewlett-Packard completes work on the Capricorn project, producing the HP-85. With a 32-character wide CRT display, small built-in printer, cassette tape recorder, and keyboard, it sold for US$3250.
       [266.265]
February
       Sinclair Research announces the ZX80 computer in the North American market. It uses a 3.25-MHz NEC Technologies 780-1 8-bit microprocessor, and comes with 1KB RAM and 4KB ROM. [9]
       [185.117] [198.vii] [201.vi] [255.94] [624.170]
May
       Apple Computer introduces the Apple III at the National Computer Conference, in Anaheim, California. The Apple III uses a 2-MHz 6502A microprocessor, and includes a 5.25-inch floppy drive. Price
       ranges from US$4500 to US$8000. [9] [176.145] [252.50] [258.208] [266.234] (September [120] [203.58] [593.350])
June
       Seagate Technologies announces the first Winchester 5.25-inch hard disk drive. It uses four platters, holds 5 MB, and costs US$600. [346.260] [838.S3]
July
       Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Color Computer. It uses the Motorola 6809E CPU, comes with 4KB RAM, and sells for US$400. [9] [253.172] [266.199] (August [256.30])
July
       Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Pocket Computer. It features a 24 character display, with 1.9KB of programmable memory. Price is US$230. [253.172] [266.198] (August [256.30])
August
       Microsoft announces the Microsoft XENIX OS, a portable and commercial version of the UNIX operating system for the Intel 8086, Zilog Z8000, Motorola M68000, and Digital Equipment PDP-11. [123]
       [258.252] [259.6] [369.24]
October
       Microsoft's Paul Allen contacts Seattle Computer Products' Tim Patterson, asking for the rights to sell SCP's DOS to an unnamed client (IBM). Microsoft pays less than US$100,000 for the right.
       [346.76]

1981

January
       Commodore announces the VIC-20, with full-size 61-key plus four function key keyboard, 5KB RAM expandable to 32KB, 6502A CPU, 22 character by 23 line text display, and color graphics, for
       US$299. During its life, production peaks at 9,000 units per day. [254.214] [190.81] [267.54] [268] [275.43] [713.188] [804.17] (1980 June [9])
April
       Adam Osborne, of Osborne Computer Corporation, introduces the Osborne 1 Personal Business Computer at the West Coast Computer Faire. It features a Z80A CPU, 5-inch display, 64KB RAM,
       keyboard, keypad, modem, and two 5.25-inch 100KB disk drives for US$1795. Weight: 24 pounds. It also includes US$1500 worth of software, including CP/M, BASIC, WordStar, and SuperCalc. Osborne
       anticipated selling 10,000 in total, but sales quickly reached 10,000 in a single month. [9] [257.8] [203.22] [273.104] [548.412] [862.38] (July [41] [346.99]) (nearly US$2000 worth of software [266.263])
May
       Xerox unveils the Star 8010, at the National Computer Conference. Many features that were developed on the Alto are incorporated. It includes a bitmapped screen, WYSIWYG word processor, mouse,
       laser printer, Smalltalk language, Ethernet, and software for combining text and graphics in the same document. At a starting price of US$16-17,000, the computer is not a commercial success. During its
       lifetime, 100,000 units are produced. [185.121] [203.60] [263.6] [274.28] [275.11] [275.56] [346.261] [444.492] [606.141] [930.57] (cost US$50,000 [9]) (April [394.242] [477.158] [716.233]) (June
       [266.268]) (Star 820 [716.238])
August
       IBM announces the IBM 5150 PC Personal Computer, in New York. The PC features a 4.77-MHz Intel 8088 CPU, 64KB RAM, 40KB ROM, one 5.25-inch floppy drive (160KB capacity), and PC-DOS 1.0 (Microsoft's MS-DOS), for about US$3000. Also included is Microsoft BASIC, VisiCalc, UCSD Pascal, CP/M-86, and Easywriter 1.0. A fully loaded version with color graphics costs US$6000. [9]  [35] [41] [108] [120] [123] [146] [202.205] [205.28] [266.276] [277.14] [288.192] [346.86] [389.28] [415.48] [443.50] [606.27] [620.108,110] [716.237] [862.170]
September
       Microsoft begins work on a graphical user interface for MS-DOS, initially called Interface Manager, because it would effectively hide the interface between programs and devices like printers and video
       cards. [346.175]
November
       Ashton-Tate ships dBase II, the early industry-standard database program. [41] (January [346.261])
December
       Intel ships the 8087 math coprocessor. [446.504]

1982

January
       Commodore announces the Commodore 64 microcomputer, showing a prototype at the Winter CES. It features a 6510 processor, 64KB RAM, 20KB ROM with Microsoft BASIC, custom SID sound chip, 8
       sprites, 16-color graphics, 40-column screen, for US$600) for US$595. It is the first personal computer with an integrated sound synthesizer chip. [9] [190.81] [285.64] [713.235] [812.6] (Summer
       [804.17]) (June [405.61])
February
       The first issue of PC Magazine is released. [778.112]
February
       Intel introduces the 6-MHz 80286 microprocessor. It uses a 16-bit data bus, 134,000 transistors (1.5 microns), and offers protected mode operation. Initial price is US$360 each, in quantities of 100. It can
       access 16 MB of memory, or 1 GB of virtual memory. Speed is 0.9 MIPS. Later versions operate at 8-MHz, 10-MHz (1.5 MIPS), and 12-MHz (2.66 MIPS). [177.102] [296] [540.64] [690.94] [879.116]
       (130,000 transistors [447.144] [477.124]) (June [405.60]) (July [9] [346.263]) (1984 [108 [120])
March
       Non-Linear Systems introduces the Kaypro II for US$1795. It features 193KB dual 5.25-inch floppy drives, 2.5-MHz Z80 processor, 64KB RAM, CP/M 2.2, Perfect Software family, and a 9-inch
       80-column green monochrome screen. It measures 18 x 18 x 15 1/2 inches, and weighs 26 pounds. [396.16] [885.212]
May
       Microsoft releases MS-DOS 1.1 to IBM, for the IBM PC. It supports 320KB double-sided floppy disk drives. Microsoft also releases MS-DOS 1.25, similar to 1.1 but for IBM-compatible computers.
       [146] [346.251] (June [346.263])
June
       The first IBM PC clone, the MPC, is released by Columbia Data Products. [9] [346.263]
June
       Intel announces the 80186 microprocessor. [405.60] (July [9]) (1984 [108] [120])
June
       Digital Equipment announces the dual-processor Rainbow 100. It incorporates both Zilog Z80 and Intel 8088 microprocessors, allowing it to run CP/M as well as CP/M-86 or MS-DOS. It includes 64KB
       RAM, expandable to 832KB, monochrome or color monitor, 80x24 or 132x24 text, optional graphics, dual 5 1/4-inch disk drives holding 400KB each. Prices start at US$3000. [266.279] [290] [880.100]
       (8085 and 8088 [289.272]) (March [396.20])
November
       Lotus Development announces the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program at Comdex in Las Vegas. [41] [346.111] (October [9])
November
       Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Portable PC: 4.77MHz 8088, 128KB RAM, 9-inch monochrome monitor, one 320KB 5.25-inch disk drive, price US$3000. It cost Compaq US$1 million to create
       an IBM-compatible ROM BIOS that did not violate IBM's copyright. [1] [108] [117] [346.263] [618.171] (January 1983 [47] [203.23] [346.95]) (March 1983 [41])

1983

January
       Apple Computer officially unveils the Lisa computer. It features a 5-MHz 68000 microprocessor, 1MB RAM, 2MB ROM, a 12-inch B/W monitor, 720x364 graphics, dual 5.25-inch 860KB floppy drives,
       and a 5MB Profile hard drive. It is slow, but innovative. Its initial price is US$10,000. The Lisa cost Apple Computer US$50 million to develop. It is the first personal computer with a graphical user
       interface (GUI). The software for it cost Apple Computer US$100 million to develop. "Lisa" stands for Local Integrated Software Architecture. During its lifetime, 100,000 units are produced. [9] [41] [46]
       [75] [80] [140] [176.145] [180.16,102] [202.211] [203.63] [346.149] [443.4] [443.42] [447.457] [477.158] [593.350] [606.141] [862.494] ("Lisa" was name of original chief engineer's daughter [930.12])
       (1982 January [120])
January
       Apple Computer introduces the Apple IIe. It features 64KB RAM, Applesoft BASIC, upper/lower case keyboard, seven expansion slots, 40x24 and 80x24 text, 1-MHz 6502 processor, up to 560x192
       graphics, 140KB 5.25-inch floppy drive, Apple DOS 3.3, for US$1400. [46] [75] [120] [199.1] [200.1] [443.4] [443.68] [593.350] [862.494]
January
       Atari introduces the 1200XL home computer, with 64KB RAM, and 256 color capability. Price: US$900. [300.46]
January
       Commodore introduces the SX-64, the first color portable computer. Weight is 10.5 kg. It incorporates a 5-inch color monitor and one or two 5.25 inch floppy drive. Price is US$1600. [190.81] [349.16]
       [444.496] [713.255]
January
       Lotus Development ships Lotus 1-2-3 Release 1.0 for MS-DOS. US$1 million was spent on promoting the release. It requires 256KB of RAM, more than any microcomputer program at the time.
       Jonathan Sachs was the programmer, with Mitch Kapor as the software designer. [41] [217] [120] [346.111] [502.49] [548.429] [627.5,73] [618] [618.149]
March
       IBM announces the IBM Personal Computer XT. It features a 10 MB hard drive, eight expansion slots, serial port, 128KB RAM, 40KB ROM, keyboard, one 360KB floppy drive, and uses Intel's 8088
       microprocessor. Cost is US$4995. [35] [41] [75] [116] [120] [205.31] [346.264] [902.256,298] (February [9])
March
       Microsoft announces MS-DOS 2.0 for PCs. It was written from scratch, supporting 10 MB hard drives, a tree-structured file system, and 360 KB floppy disks. [117] [130] [146] [346.264] [748.29]
April
       Microsoft gives a "smoke-and-mirrors" demonstration of Interface Manager (later called Windows), which consists entirely of overlapping windows, appearing to be running programs simultaneously.
       [477.160]
May
       Microsoft introduces its first mouse, "The Microsoft Mouse", including card and software, for US$200. [3] [123] [389.28] (April [346.264])
June
       Coleco announces the Coleco Adam, at the Summer CES. The Adam is a Z80-based computer with 15 cps 80-column SmartWriter daisy wheel printer, two game controllers, 80KB RAM (64KB user
       RAM, 16KB video RAM), 3 sound channels, 16-color graphics, compatibility with ColecoVision games, 4 MC6801 microprocessors controlling operation of peripherals, word processor in ROM, full
       keyboard, CP/M compatibility, BASIC compatible with Applesoft BASIC, and 512KB tape-cartridge device, for US$599. [9] [336.4] [364.43] [202.210] [363.54] [364.43] [530.200] [885.230] (1984
       [176.146])
June
       At the Consumer Electronics Show, Atari introduces the Atari 800 XL, with 64 KB RAM. [885.230]
October
       IBM introduces PC-DOS 2.1 with the IBM PCjr. [146]
November
       IBM announces the IBM PCjr. It features an Intel 8088 CPU, 64KB RAM, detached keyboard, two cartridge slots, joystick, light pen, serial port, for US$669. Price with 5 1/4-inch floppy drive and 128 K  RAM is US$1269. Code name during development was "Peanut". [9] [116] [120] [266.281] [35] [41] [357.28] [483.D4] [658.41] [880.104] [910.7]
November
       Microsoft formally announces Microsoft Windows, at the Plaza Hotel in New York. It is promised for release in April, 1984. [9] [45] [123] [137] [228.53] [346.177] [389.28] [416.67] [477.158] [548.159]
       [909.228]
November
       Borland International releases Turbo Pascal for CP/M and 8086-based computers. [176.122] (first advertised in October [9] [346.265]) (ships in 1984 [795.90])
November
       Microsoft officially releases Microsoft Word 1.0, for US$375, or US$475 with the Microsoft Mouse. [346.129] [502.49]
(month unknown)
       Iomega introduces the Bernoulli Box storage device. [656.37]
(month unknown)
       Syquest introduces its SyQuest storage cartridge system to the PC market. [612.209]

1984

January
       Apple Computer runs its "1984" commercial during the NFL SuperBowl, introducing the Macintosh computer. Apple Computer runs the ad only once, but dozens of news and talk shows replay it, making it one of the most memorable ads in TV history. The ad cost US$1.5 million. [46] [180.169] [185.121] [203.64] [582.116] [617.16] [716.13]
January
       Judge Harold Greene breaks up AT&T Bell Systems. [701.52]
February
       Microsoft releases Multiplan v1.1 for the PC. [346.111]
(month unknown)
       Hewlett-Packard introduces the LaserJet laser printer, featuring 300dpi resolution, and 8 page-per-minute speed, for about US$3,600. [16] [117] [218] [314.173] [582.90] [618.220] [912.50]
April
       Apple Computer unveils the Apple IIc with an intense publicity extravaganza, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Priced at US$1300, 2,000 dealers place orders for more than 52,000 units on the day  of its introduction. The IIc uses a 65C02A microprocessor, 128KB RAM, weighs 7.5 pounds, includes a 3.5-inch floppy drive, supports 40- or 80-column screens, and allows both QWERTY and Dvorak  keyboard layouts. [46] [75] [120] [199.1] [200.14] [218] [358.76] [593.350] [880.94,127] (May [9])
(month unknown)
       Phoenix Software begins licensing its IBM PC compatible ROM BIOS to computer manufacturers. [912.10]
June
       Commodore announces the Commodore 16 at the Consumer Electronics Show. Former name was TED-16. The machine looks like the VIC-20 and Commodore 64, but has 16KB of RAM, and is expected
       to sell for around US$100, and marketed as "The Learning Machine". [366.7] [366.16] [804.18]
June
       At the Summer CES, Commodore shows the 1531 Cassette Unit. [804.18]
June
       At the Summer CES, Amiga demonstrates a new computer, code-named "Lorraine". [341.6] [804.18]
August
       Commodore purchases Amiga Corporation. [6] [9] [341.6] [713.297] [804.18]
August
       IBM announces the Professional Graphics Controller card, for US$3000. The card takes up two adjacent slots of a PC, and includes an 8-MHz 8088 chip and 384KB of memory. [81]
(month unknown)
       Apple Computer buys 15% of Adobe for US$2.5 million. [618.220]

1985

January
       At the Winter CES, Commodore unveils the Commodore 128 Personal Computer. It functions as three computers in one: a complete Commodore 64, a CP/M mode, and a new 128KB mode. [8] [342.6]
       [343.14] [804.18]
January
       Atari introduces the 520ST: 512KB RAM, 192KB ROM, 512 color graphics, MIDI interface, and mouse for US$600. [343.14] [335.18] [357.7]
July
       Commodore unveils the new Amiga 1000 in New York. It features a multitasking, windowing operating system, using a Motorola 68000 CPU, with 256KB RAM, and 880KB 3.5-inch disk drive, for
       US$1300. [16] [187] (US$1200 [190.81]) (Fall 1985 [814.30])
July
       NEC Home Electronics introduces its NEC JC-1401P3A Multisync monitor, the first multisyncing monitor. [582.91] [909.230] (1986 [109])
August 22
       Microsoft and IBM sign a joint-development agreement to work together on future operating systems and environments. [45] [106] [123] [346.267] [909.230]
September
       Apple Computer co-founder Steve Jobs resigns from Apple Computer. [16] [46] [75] [346.213] [346.268] [734.11,73]
October
       Intel introduces the 16-MHz 80386DX microprocessor. It uses 32-bit registers and a 32-bit data bus, and incorporates 275,000 transistors (1.5 microns). Initial price is US$299. It can access 4 gigabytes   of physical memory, or up to 64 terabytes of virtual memory. [41] [75] [176.74] [177.102] [296] [347.61] [477.125] [540.64] [62] [690.94] [879.116] [900]
November 20
       Microsoft ships Microsoft Windows 1.0, for US$100. It is delivered two years after the initial announcement of the product. [16] [107] [117] [120] [123] [130] [134] [146] [477.159] [548.159] [909.230] (v1.01 [136] [346.192]) (v1.03 [346.187] [346.268])
(month unknown)
       CD-ROM drives are introduced for computer use. [849.18]

1986

June
       At the Summer CES, Commodore announces the Commodore 64C, bundled with GEOS. [804.19] [805]
September
       Little-known company Advanced Logic Research announces the first Intel 386-based PC, the Access 386 PC. [16] [620.123] [909.231]
September
       Compaq Computer introduces the first 16-MHz Intel 80386-based PC, the Compaq Deskpro 386. [31] [41] [108] [117] [203.87] [346.197] [346.269] [620.123]
September
       Apple Computer introduces the Apple IIGS, with the Apple 3.5 drive, for US$1000. It uses the Western Digital Center W65C816 (65816) microprocessor, operating at 1-MHz or 2.8-MHz. [46] [75]
       [120] [199.1] [218] [593.350]

1987

January
       At the Winter CES, Commodore announces the Amiga 500. It features a 68000 processor, 512KB RAM, floppy disk drive, and custom chips for animation, video, and audio. [16] [442.40] [804.19] [814.22]
January
       At the Winter CES, Commodore announces the Amiga 2000. [16] [804.19] [814.22]
March
       Apple Computer introduces the open architecture Macintosh II. It uses a 16-MHz 68020 processor. The basic system sells for US$3900. A system with 1MB RAM, one 800K floppy drive, and a 40MB   hard drive is priced at US$5500. The system features a plug-and-play architecture for expansion cards. [16] [41] [46] [75] [120] [140] [203.68] [593.350] [597.94]
March
       Apple Computer introduces the expandable Macintosh SE. It uses a 8-MHz 68000 processor, and comes with 1 MB of RAM. A dual floppy system sells for US$2900. With a 20 MB hard drive, price is about US$3800. [16] [46] [75] [120] [593.350] [597.94]
April 1
       IBM and Microsoft announce Operating System/2 (OS/2) for the IBM PS/2 computer line. [16] [31] [41] [123] [130] [146] [150] [346.200] [346.269] [379.256] [389.28] [415.59] [858.70] [909.231]
April
       IBM introduces the IBM Personal System/2 (PS/2) line, with IBM's first 386 PC, and 3.5-inch floppy drives as standard. The PS/2 Model 30 uses a 8-MHz 8086, the Model 50 and 60 use the 10-MHz  80286, and the Model 80 uses a 20-MHz 80386. [35] [75] [116] [120] [203.27] [205.34] [330.132] [346.199] [346.269] [415.59] [620.124] [618.285]
April
       IBM unveils its Video Graphics Array (VGA) in its Model 50 and higher of the PS/2 line. VGA offers 256 simultaneous colors at a resolution of 320x200, and 16 colors at 640x480. The colors displayed
       have six bits of depth for each primary color, giving a palette of 262,144 different colors to select from. [116] [120] [346.199]
April
       IBM introduces its Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) on its Model 50 and higher of the PS/2 line. [116] [346.199] [346.269] [415.59] [522.165]
October
       Microsoft unveils the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for Windows, the first major application for Windows. [119] [123] [346.204] [389.28] [477.159] [909.230] (November [346.270])
December
       Microsoft releases OS/2 1.0. Code name during development was CP DOS. It requires an 80286 and 3 MB RAM. It includes a DOS-compatibility box. [346.270] [379.256] [858.71] [909.231]
(month unknown)
       Motorola unveils the 68030 microprocessor. [120]

1988

June
       Intel introduces the 16-MHz 80386SX microprocessor, like the 80386 but with a 16-bit data bus. Price is US$219 each, in quantities of 100. Speed is 2.5 MIPS. [177.103] [296] [477.126] [540.64] [62] [627.82] [879.117]
July
       IBM ships DOS 4.0. It adds a shell menu interface and support for hard disk partitions over 32 MB. [31] [146]
September
       Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh IIx computer, using Motorola's 16-MHz 68030 and 68882 processors. Base price is US$7770 with a 1.4 MB SuperDrive floppy drive, and 4 MB RAM, or
       US$9200 including an 80 MB hard drive. [46] [75] [593.350] [597.95]
October
       Steve Jobs of NeXT Inc. unveils the first NeXT computer, at the Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. For US$6500, it features: 25-MHz Motorola 68030 processor and 68882 math coprocessor, 8MB  RAM, 17-inch monochrome monitor, 256MB read/write magneto-optical drive, and object-oriented NeXTSTEP operating system. It is dubbed the "Cube" because its system box measures 1 foot on all sides. [139] [170.65] [191.76] [203.7] [206.289] [344] [346.280] [734.14,162,166] (August [11])
October 31
       Microsoft and IBM ship OS/2 1.1 Standard Edition with Presentation Manager. Code name during development was Trimaran. [16] [45] [123] [134] [135] [313.105] [379.256] [477.160] [522.41]
       [620.125] [778.113] [909.231] (November [858.71])

1989

January
       Commodore announces that 1 million Amiga computers have been sold. [412.6] (March [638.6])
April
       Intel announces the 25-MHz 486 microprocessor at Spring Comdex in Chicago, Illinois. It integrates the 386, 387 math coprocessor, and adds an 8KB primary cache. It uses 1.2 million transistors,
       employing 1-micron technology. Initial price is US$900. Speed is 20 MIPS. [16] [75] [176.75] [177.103] [296] [310.8] [312.8] [540.64] [62] [620.131] [879.117] [900] (US$950 [477.126] [690.94])
April
       Motorola announces the 68040 microprocessor. It uses about 1.2 million transistors. [312.8] [423.136]

1990

February
       IBM unveils its new RISC-based workstation line, the RS/6000. Development work had been done under code name "America" for the RISC chip research, and "RIOS" for systems using the America  technology. The architecture of the systems is given the name POWER, standing for Performance Optimization With Enhanced RISC. [205.116] [734.282]
May 22
       Microsoft introduces and ships Microsoft Windows 3.0. Microsoft spends US$3 million for opening-day marketing, as part of a US$10 million promotional campaign. [15] [28] [45] [75] [123] [146] [150 ] [346.239] [346.272] [379.256] [389.29] [477.161] [479.128] [548.159] [595.26] [606.81] [620.130] [618.296] [721.156] [769.4] [909.232]
September
       NewTek ships the Video Toaster, a hardware/software video effects tool for the Commodore Amiga 2000, for US$1600. [19] [409.21] [539.A-41] [640.6] [644.10] (December [857.68])
October
       Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh IIx. [75]
(month unknown)
       IBM introduces the 10-MHz 80286-based IBM PS/1 systems, with built-in VGA and monitor. Prices range from US$1000 to US$2000. [138]
(month unknown)
       Commodore announces the Amiga 3000, at the Palladium in New York City. The system features a Motorola 16- or 25-MHz 68030, 68881 or 68882 math coprocessor, new Enhanced Chip Set, Zorro III  bus, 2MB RAM, 40- or 100-MB hard drive, AmigaDOS v2.0, and AmigaVision authoring system. Prices start at US$4100 with a monitor. [407.19]

1991

January
       Commodore releases the CDTV (Commodore Dynamic Total Vision) package. It features a CD-ROM player integrated with a 7.16-MHz 68000-based Amiga 500. List price is US$1000. [406.21]
       [411.30] (April [641.8])
March
       Advanced Micro Designs introduces the Am386DX, its first clone chips of Intel's i386DX, at speeds of 20- to 40-MHz. [19] [141] [176.75] [477.127] [540.64] [696.118]
April
       Intel introduces the 20-MHz i486SX microprocessor. The i486SX is like the 486DX, but without the math coprocessor. Price is US$258. Speed is 16.5 MIPS. [26] [177.103] [296] [477.127] [540.64] [62]  [879.117] [900]
May
       Apple Computer ships its System 7.0 Macintosh operating system, two years after its announcement, for US$100. [27] [46] [75] [346.243] [414.230] [416.196] [548.159] [679.13] [750.52] (1990
       [176.65])
June
       Microsoft releases MS-DOS 5.0. It adds a full-screen editor, undelete and unformat utilities, and task swapping. GW-BASIC is replaced with Qbasic, based on Microsoft's QuickBASIC. [28] [146]
       [479.128] [748.29]
July
       Apple Computer and IBM sign a technology sharing agreement, to integrate the Mac into IBM's enterprise systems, to allow future RISC-based Macs to use IBM's Power PC chip, to work together on  common multimedia standards, and to cooperatively produce a new object-oriented operating system. [22] [37] [46] [170.13] [205.13] [414.231] [525.3] [618.310] [733.23] [704.96] [881.81]
(month unknown)
       Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP 95LX hand-held computer. It runs MS-DOS 3.2, includes Lotus 1-2-3 v2.2 in 1MB of ROM, displays MDA graphics, and weighs 11 ounces. 512KB RAM is
       standard, with optional 128KB and 512KB RAM cards. Two AA batteries can power the system for six weeks. Price is US$699. [808.128]

1992

March
       IBM ships OS/2 2.0. It requires an Intel 386 processor, 4 MB RAM, and adds WIN-OS/2 3.0 for Windows 3.0 compatibility. Code name during development was Cruiser. [477.165] [479.128] [688.107] [734.347] (April [688.44] [858.71])
March
       Intel introduces the i486DX2 microprocessor, with clock speeds of 25/50-MHz (external/internal). For the most part, the DX2 acts like a 25-MHz 486 that internally runs twice as fast. Price is US$550
       each in quantities of 1000. Speed is 41 MIPS. Code-name during development was P24. [152] [177.103] [477.128] [540.64] [62] [661.19,20] [879.117]
April
       Microsoft ships Windows 3.1. 1 million copies of the new and upgrade versions are sold through retail channels within the first 50 days. [75] [123] [388.6] [477.165] [479.128] [620.131] [688.44] (May [509.177] [534.130] [721.156])
June
       Intel introduces the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local-bus standard for personal computer systems. Bus speed is 8-33MHz, supporting up to 10 devices. [545.359] [551.197] [752.7]
       [477.102] [750.177]
October
       IBM and Motorola announce the PowerPC 601 microprocessors, in 50-MHz and 66-MHz versions. PowerPC stands for "Power Performance Chip". [540.64] [671.2]
October
       IBM introduces its ThinkPad laptop computer, with a radical new pointer device. [75] [582.91]

1993

February
       Apple Computer makes its largest product announcement in its history, and makes it in Japan: the Macintosh Color Classic, Macintosh LC III, Macintosh Centris 610 and 650, Macintosh Quadra 800, and  PowerBook 165c. [46] [53] [75]
February
       Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Color Classic, replacing the Macintosh Classic II. It features a Sony Trinitron 10-inch built-in color display (512x384 pixels), 4 MB RAM, 80 MB hard drive,  16-MHz 68030, 256 KB video RAM, LC Processor Direct Slot, math coprocessor slot, for US$1389. [579.94] [718.100] [916.21]
February
       Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh LC III. It features a 25-MHz 68030, 80 MB hard drive, 4 MB RAM, 512 KB video RAM, System 7.1, and 14-inch monitor, for US$1349. [581.94] [579.102]
       [718.100] [916.21]
March
       Intel introduces the Pentium processor. It uses 32-bit registers, with a 64-bit data bus, giving it an address space of 4 GB. It incorporates 3.1 million transistors, using 0.8-micron BiCMOS technology.   Speeds are 60-MHz (100 MIPS) and 66-MHz (112 MIPS). Prices are US$878 (60-MHz) and US$964 (66-MHz). [54] [75] [177.103] [212.191] [220.6] [376.29] [540.64] [62] [557.134] [575.147]  [620.131] [690.94] [691.191] [755.308] [900]
May
       IBM releases OS/2 2.1, now including Win-OS/2 3.1 Windows 3.1 support. Code name during development was Borg. [60] [479.129] [858.71] (June [689.231])
May
       Microsoft formally launches Windows NT 3.1. [123] [374.4] (July [548.159] [721.156]) (July 1992 [387.98] [479.129])
August
       Apple Computer introduces the Newton MessagePad 100 personal digital assistant at Macworld Expo, in Boston's Symphony Hall. It features 640KB RAM, 3MB of ROM storing applications and the operating system (Newton Intelligence), a low-voltage 20-MHz 32-bit ARM 610 microprocessor, 240x336 resolution (85 dpi) 2.8 x 4-inch LCD screen, one PCMCIA Type II expansion socket, data  transfer of 9600bps, and runs on four AAA batteries. 50,000 units sell in the first 10 weeks, but only 80,000 are sold during the product's life. [46] [140] [271.N7] [424.187] [429.36] [545.148] [582.21]
       [588.61] (4MB of ROM [634.104]) (July [548.159])
November
       Apple Computer quietly discontinues the Apple II product line. In its 17 year history, 5 million units were shipped. [46] [75]
(month unknown)
       Linus Torvalds develops Linux, a UNIX operating system variant, in Finland. [791.38] (1989 [835.169])

1994

March
       Apple Computer unveils and ships its first computers based on the PowerPC 601 processor, the Power Macintosh 6100/60, 7100/66, and 8100/80. All come with 8MB RAM, Ethernet, CD-quality stereo  sound, and on-board video. Prices range from US$2000-4000 for complete systems. 145,000 systems ship in the first two weeks. [46] [75] [140] [205.97] [384.48] [397.12] [429.92] [507.36] [538] [548.159] [588.39,58] [589.41] [592.21] [625.26] [693.209] [881.81] (April [550.39])
March
       Intel ships its 33/100-MHz IntelDX4 435 processor. Speed is 70.7 MIPS. It uses 1.6 million transistors, employing 0.6-micron technology. The chip has 16KB onboard caches, and operates on 3.3 volts.  Price is US$580. [78] [177.103] [62] [551.259] [584.43] [602.4]
April
       Commodore International and Commodore Electronics (two of the many international components of Commodore Business Machines) file for voluntary liquidation. [476.6] [491.52] [600.19]
April
       Mosaic Communications releases Netscape Navigator 1.0, a world-wide web browser. [236.34] (December [919])
June
       Dr. Thomas R. Nicely of Lynchburg College notes that the Pentium processor sometimes produces flawed floating-point results, yielding only 4-8 decimals of precision. [265]
September  Digital Equipment Corporation formally introduces its next-generation Alpha AXP processors, including a 300-MHz version that can execute 1 billion instructions per second. [92] [265]
October
       IBM formally launches OS/2 Warp version 3. [95] [142] [188.1] [858.71]
(month unknown)
       Iomega Corp. introduces its Zip drive and Zip disks, floppy disk sized removable storage in sizes of 25MB or 100MB. [239.68]

1995

February
       IBM announces PC DOS 7, with integrated data compression from Stac Electronics (Stacker). [142]
May
       ESCOM announces the creation of a subsidiary company, Amiga Technologies, in Germany. [187]
August
       US District Court Judge Thomas Jackson approves the consent decree between Microsoft and the US Department of Justice. The decree will govern Microsoft's licensing practices of Windows for the next  6.5 years, barring it from linking unrelated software licenses. The ruling comes after 4 years of investigation of monopolistic licensing practices. [387.32] [389.29] [765.14] [775]
August 24
       Microsoft releases Windows 95. More than 20,000 retail stores offer copies for sale. Microsoft prepares for support calls, with 1600 people staffing tech support lines. [182] [123] [271.70] [272.A5]
       [301.3] [323.20] [387.1] [388.6] [389.29] [428.12] [439.12] [548.159] [620.134] [626.72] [721.156] [794.39] [877.17]
September
       Amiga Technologies ships the A1200 microcomputer. It features a 14-MHz Motorola 68EC020 microprocessor, 2 MB RAM, 24-bit color, 3.5 inch 880KB floppy drive, optional 170 MB hard drive, and the  AmigaOS 3.1 operating system. [186]
November
       Amiga Technologies ships the A4000T microcomputer. It features a 25-MHz Motorola 68040 microprocessor (or 50-MHz 68060), 2 MB chip RAM, 24-bit color, 4-channel stereo sound, IDE and SCSI II  adapters, 3.5 inch 880KB floppy drive, 1 GB hard drive, and the AmigaOS 3.1 operating system. [186]
November
       Intel announces the Pentium Pro microprocessor, at speeds of 150-, 180-, and 200 MHz, available initially for US$974 to US$1682. The processor uses 5.5 million transistors. [215.24] [216.26] [265]
       [397.12] [439.12] [518.182] [62] [557.135] [575.147] [829.14] (March [900]) (166-, 180-, and 200-MHz versions announced in February 1996 [557.136])

1996

January
       Corel purchases WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, and the PerfectOffice application suite from Novell for US$180 million in cash, stock, and future licensing royalties. [297.6] [299.1] [430.42] [451.1] [455.4]
       [435.43] [467.6] [828.22]
June
       Intel introduces the 200-MHz Pentium processor, shipping it initially in small quantities. Price is US$599 in quantities of 1000. [523.6] [62] [557.136] [609.108]
August
       Microsoft releases Windows NT 4.0. [721.157] [779.42] (July 31 [847.13])
September
       Microsoft unveils Windows CE operating system for hand-held PCs. Code-name of the project was Pegasus. "CE" stands for Consumer Electronics. [565.32] [599.4]
September
       IBM launches OS/2 Warp 4, in San Francisco, California. Price is US$249. [566.94] [607.62] (October [573.109])
October
       CD-ReWritable (CD-RW) is announced. The technology was developed by a five-company consortium. [849.18]
December
       Apple Computer buys the NeXT Software company for about US$425 million in cash and Apple stock. [616.16] [637.1] [763.26] [882.25] [889.35] (late spring 1996 [886.52])

1997

July
       Apple Computer releases the Mac OS 8.0. for US$99. [749.4]
August
       At Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs announces an alliance with Microsoft, including an investment of US$150 million. [763.24] [739.34]
October
       The U.S. justice department asks a federal court to hold Microsoft in contempt because it may be forcing PC makers to distribute Internet Explorer as a condition of selling Windows 95. Microsoft is
       formally charged with violating the terms of the 1995 Final Judgement. [674.16] [765.15] [775]

1998

January
       Compaq Computer announces its intent to buy Digital Equipment for US$9.6 billion. [757.6] [787.30] (US$8.5 billion [872.6])
April
       Intel releases the 350-MHz and 400-MHz Pentium II processors, with 100-MHz memory interface. [798.29] [839.9]
May
       Steve Jobs introduces the iMac: 233 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 32 MB RAM, 4 GB hard disk, 24X CD-ROM, 15-inch monitor, 66-MHz system bus, for US$1299. [762] [851.24]
June 25
       Microsoft releases Windows 98. [797.12] [929.49]
September
       Microsoft becomes the world's most valuable company, at US$261.1 billion. Microsoft and General Electric were both valued at over US$300 billion in July, but Microsoft survived a stock market plunge  better, putting it on top. [792.10]
November 5
       US Judge Thomas Jackson rules that Microsoft has monopoly power over personal computer operating systems, and it uses that power to harm American consumers. [929.47]
November 24
       America Online buys Netscape Communications for US$4.2 billion in stock. [788.1] [929.50] (December 24 [835.30])

1999

(month unknown)
       Apple Computer releases the Power Mac G4 computer. It features a 400 MHz PowerPC G4, 64 MB RAM, CD-ROM drive, 10 GB hard disk. Prices start at US$1599. [925.37]