Evolution
Of Computing
The Age of the Internet: 1990s
Networked computers have changed the way people interact with each other, empowering anyone to navigate the world at the click of a mouse, and transforming our lives like never before.
1990
Tim Bernes Lee lays the foundation for the World Wide Web and heralds a whole new world in cyberpsace. Microsoft launches Windows 3.0, its first graphical user interface for MS-DOS users. Sony introduces the first writable CD.
Apple PowerBook 100 (photo credit: Apple)
1991
Linus Torvalds unveils the first official release of Linux. HP launches the world’s first palmtop computer with HP95LX. HP also debuts the world’s first network printer, the HP LaserJet IIISi. Apple launches its first three PowerBooks, the 100, 140 and 170. The PowerBook pioneers implementations that are now de facto standards on laptops, particularly the placement of the keyboard away from the user, leaving space for palm rest.
1992
Marc Andreessen develops Mosaic, the first graphical Web browser. Microsoft ships Windows 3.1 and soon after 3.11, which becomes the most popular version until the launch of Windows 95.
1993
Intel releases the Pentium microprocessor, its 5th-generation CPU, while Motorola and IBM unveil the PowerPC 601 processor. The White House goes online and President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore use email extensively in their 1992 presidential campaigns. Mosaic is released to the public. IBM launches PC-DOS, a clear breakaway from its old alliance with Microsoft. HP rolls out the HP Omnibook 300, one of the most advanced palmtop computers in its time. Apple introduces what is the world's first personal digital assistant in the Newton. It weighs 0.41 kg and has handwriting recognition capability.
Iomega Zip Drive (photo credit: Iomega)
1994
The Internet grows to 25 million users. The first 3D computer game Doom is launched. A multiplication flaw in the Pentium chip hits the news and almost brings Intel to its knees. Andreessen starts a new company called Netscape. Yahoo is launched. Iomega launches its ZIP drives and disks.
1995
Microsoft launches Windows 95. With the launch of Windows 95, the laptop market begins to proliferate. This is because of the power management features that are now built into the operating system, leading to standardization of certain aspects in laptop design. Toy Story becomes the first full-length animation to be created by computers, and the company behind the tech wizardry is Pixar.
PalmPilot 1000 and 5000 (photo credit: Palm)
1996
Microsoft unveils NT 4.0 as well as Windows CE for palmtop computers and consumer electronics devices. Pointcast rolls out the beta of its “push” software which is simply too far ahead at the time. Yahoo!, Lycos and Excite, all search engines, go public. eBay is founded. Microsoft unleashes its Internet Explorer browser to challenge Netscape. The PalmPilot is launched and goes on to be an extremely successful series because of its affordability.
1997
Bluetooth is invented. IBM releases the supercomputer Deep Blue, designed to be "smart enough" to defeat chess prodigy Gary Kasparov. Steve Jobs returns to Apple as interim CEO.
1998
Apple releases the first iMacs which become wildly popular. The US Government privatizes the registration of Internet domain names. AOL buys Netscape. Google is founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
1999
The world is gripped with fear over the Millennium bug.
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