5 posts tagged “today in computer history”
The software gaming company Maxis releases the classic SimCity in 1989. Will Wright and Jeff Braun establish Maxis after no takers are found to distribute the game. Inspired by the complex interactions in the growth of cities, Wright studies urban planning and incorporates what he learns into the game. SimCity sells millions of copies and captures media attention, spawning three sequels and many imitations
The final Navstar satellite is launched into orbit on June 26, 1993, completing a network of satellites known as the Global Positioning System. With a GPS receiver that costs a few hundred dollars, people are now able to instantly know their location on the planet - latitude, longitude, and altitude - to within a few hundred feet. The GPS system is controlled by the Department of Defense and can be used by anyone, free of charge.
The first version of the interpersonal chat program ICQ is introduced by Israel-based Mirabilis in November 1996. The instant messaging application is enthusiastically received by hundreds of thousands of users. ICQ achieves one of the largest download rates for a start-up company in the history of the Internet. America Online acquired Mirabilis in June 1998.
And boy did I ever dump it when AOL bought it. Too sad.
http://www.printedowl.com/CalendarDetail.aspx?id=computer_history
The Apple Computer Company is born on April 1, 1975. Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs design the first Apple computer in Jobs' home. Jobs is able to convince a local electronic retailer to order 25 Apple I computers. In order to raise the money to make these machines, Jobs sells his Volkswagen microbus and Wozniak sells his HP scientific calculator, enabling them to raise $1,300. http://www.printedowl.com/CalendarDetail.aspx?id=computer_history
The National Medal of Technology is created in 1980 by the United States Congress as part of an effort to foster technological innovation in the United States. Among the first medal recipients issued by President Ronald Reagan in 1985 are Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak, founders of Apple Computers. http://www.printedowl.com/CalendarDetail.aspx?id=computer_history
