Historical Events tagged with "computer"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Science & Technology

First Unsolicited Bulk Commercial Email Sent

May 3rd, 1978 46 years ago

A Digital Equipment Corporation marketing representative sent an unsolicited bulk email to every ARPANET address across the west coast of the United States. This marked the beginning of a new era in digital communication, as the email aimed to promote a new computer product. The action was intended to reach a vast audience, but it also raised ethical questions regarding unsolicited communication.

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Technology & Innovation

Creation of the Apple I Computer

April 11th, 1976 48 years ago

The Apple I, designed by Steve Wozniak, was launched by Apple Computer, Inc. in 1976. This groundbreaking computer was sold as a motherboard with CPU, RAM, and basic textual-video chips. It was one of the first highly successful mass-produced personal computers. The Apple I was crucial for the success of Apple Computer, showcasing a shift towards user-friendly computing solutions.

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Science & Technology

TOPS-10 12-bit Field Overflow Bug

January 4th, 1975 50 years ago

A significant overflow issue occurred in the TOPS-10 operating system, where the date formatting exceeded its 12-bit field limit, leading to multiple system crashes and unpredictable behavior. Developers scrambled to address these critical failures while a new date format was being devised. The seriousness of this flaw highlighted the limitations of the existing system and prompted discussion within the tech community about the need for more robust date handling methods in computing systems.

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Science & Technology

First Computer-to-Computer Link Established

October 29th, 1969 55 years ago

A landmark moment in technology occurred when a team at UCLA successfully connected to a second computer located at Stanford Research Institute, marking the first-ever connection on ARPANET. This initial message, intended to be 'LOGIN,' encountered an unexpected crash after just two letters were transmitted. The event represented not only a technical triumph but also a significant leap toward the development of the internet as we know it today, illustrating the potential for networked communication.

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Science & Technology

Engelbart Demonstrates Pioneering Computer Interfaces

December 9th, 1968 56 years ago

Douglas Engelbart presented a groundbreaking demonstration of the oN-Line System (NLS) in San Francisco, showcasing innovations such as the computer mouse, hypertext, and a bit-mapped graphical user interface. The demo captured the attention of computer scientists and thinkers, illustrating the potential of interactive computing. Engelbart's visionary concepts underlined the need for enhanced human-computer interaction, paving the way for future advancements. The presentation, seen as a pivotal moment, inspired generations of engineers and programmers.

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Science & Technology

UNIVAC I Computer Delivered to Census Bureau

March 31st, 1951 73 years ago

The first UNIVAC I computer was delivered to the United States Census Bureau by Remington Rand. This marked a significant milestone in computing as the UNIVAC I was one of the first commercially available computers and played a crucial role in automating the census process. The delivery was received with anticipation as it represented a leap forward in data processing technology. The United States Census Bureau utilized this advanced machine to enhance its ability to analyze and compile extensive demographic data.

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Science & Technology

EDSAC Runs Its First Calculation Successfully

May 6th, 1949 75 years ago

The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC) performed its first operation at the University of Cambridge. Developed by a team led by Maurice Wilkes, the EDSAC marked a significant milestone in computing history. This machine was the first practical electronic digital computer to operate using a stored-program architecture, laying the groundwork for future generations of computers. The successful execution of a program calculating a mathematical function validated the machine's design and capabilities.

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Science & Technology

First Computer Bug Discovered in Harvard Mark II

September 9th, 1947 77 years ago

A moth caused a malfunction in Harvard Mark II's relay, marking the first documented case of a computer bug. The team at Harvard University, led by Grace Hopper, discovered the insect during routine maintenance. This incident highlighted the complexities of early computing technology and the inevitability of faults and errors in machinery.

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