The document discusses developments in computer technology in the 1970s and 1980s. It describes how large-scale and very large-scale integration allowed the entire processor and even simple full computers to fit on a single chip. It also mentions core memories being replaced by semiconductor memories and the dominance of high-speed vector processors like Cray 1, Cray XMP, and Cyber 205.

2. 


In this generation, there were developments of
large-scale integration or LSI (1000 devices per
chip) and very large-scale integration or VLSI
(10000 devices per chip). These developments
enabled the entire processor to fit into a single chip
and in fact, for simple systems, the entire computer
with processor; main memory and I/O controllers
could fit on a single chip.
Core memories now were replaced by
semiconductor memories and high-speed vectors
dominated the scenario
Names of few such vectors were Cray1, Cray XMP and Cyber205.

6. 1975
1976
1979

7. 1980
1981
1982

8. 1983
1984

9. 1975
• MITS, inc. advertises one of the first
microcomputers, the Altair. Named for the
destination in an episode of Star Trek, the
Altair is sold in kits for less than $400.
Although initially it has, no keyboard, no
monitor, no permanent memory, and no
software, 4200 orders are taken within the
first three months.

10. ALTAIR

11. 1976
• Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. Founder
of Apple Computers and engineer invented
one of the first computers Apple II, is an
immediate success. Adopted by
elementary school, high school, and
colleges, for many students the Apple II is
their first contact with the world of
computers.

12. APPLE II

13. 1979
• VisiCalc was the first computer
spreadsheet program. It was released to
the public in 1979, running on an Apple II
computer. While BASIC and few games
had quickly supported most early
microprocessor computers, VisiCalc
introduced a new level in application
software. It was considered a fourth
generation software program.

14. 1980
• IBM hires Paul Allen and Bill Gates to create
an operating system for a new PC. The pair
buy the rights to a simple operating system
manufactured by Seattle Computer Products
and use it as template. IBM allows the two to
keep the marketing rights to the operating
system, called DOS.
• The programming language FORTRAN 77 is
created.

15. Bill Gates & Paul Allen

16. 1981
• IBM offers Microsoft Corporation cofounder Bill Gates, the opportunity to
develop the operating system for the soon
to be announced IBM personal computer.
With the development of MS-DOS.

17. 1982
• Compaq Computer was reformed in 1982
and their first product announced in
November 1982 was the Compaq
Portable. The company even derived its
name from the “compact” nature of this
machine.

18. 1983
• Lotus Software (called Lotus Development
Corporation before its acquisition by IBM)
is an American software company
headquartered in Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
• On November 10.1983, at the Plaza Hotel
in New York City, Microsoft Corporation
formally announced Microsoft Windows.

19. 1984
• Apple introduces the Macintosh computer,
which incorporates a unique easy-to-learn,
graphical user interface. At the same year
Hewlett Packard Company announces the
first LaserJet printer for personal
computers.

20. Macintosh