The oh-so-elegant Altair 8800, seemingly the first "desktop" microcomputer, which could be purchased (as an unassembled kit) for as little as $397 in the 1970's, was just the beginning of the in-home computer revolution. As Bill Gates was getting shoved in lockers with his underwear pulled over his head in junior high school, the now Microsoft Corporation was being established by his (and Paul Allen's) computer programming creativity based on this computer. Therefore, Microsoft was essentially formed because of the invention of the Altair 8800, which says a lot (seeing as how Microsoft runs the computer world nowadays). While the Altair eventually failed as a company, "Some fifty different companies developed and marketed their own home microcomputers," (90). This was just the start of the of the in-home computer revolution.
Meanwhile, Steve Wozniak, founder, creator and designer of the Apple I and II, launched a huge succes with his invention. Most of his computers were put into schools and these were the first computers students ever got to interact with. So not only were computers being introduced into the home, but they were being put into school systems. Although this was a phenomenon during the 1970's, it ultimately became a necessity to have computers in the classroom since then. Then came IBM's invention of the PC (personal computer). In conjunction with Gates and Microsoft, IBM chose them to be their operating system, and business boomed from there. "Despite the other efforts, the successful combination of IBM and Microsoft killed most of the rest of the personal computer market," (96). With marketing and retail success, IBM established a computer that could easily be used in businesses, schools and homes throughout the world. It is no wonder that companies like Microsoft and IBM are still around today. It seems as though the technological world would not be the same without the success of these companies. Microsoft is one of the world's largest and everyone now knows the name Bill Gates. With his genius ideas, creative mind and billions of dollars in his bank account, he's no longer getting shoved into lockers or being called a nerd. Windows and Microsoft Office also helped establish a world where people from all ages could play games, write papers, create professional spreadsheets and document pretty much anything they wanted to in a professional format. Schools, businesses and personal-usage were all reaping the benefits of these programs and are doing so currently as well.
During the Cold War, J.C.R. Licklider, a psychologist, was "driven by his beliefs that computers could significantly enhance the ability of humans to think and solve problems," (112). His beliefs during the time of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union were the foundation for computer networking. Seeing as his ideas were formed during the 1950's, it is quite impressive to realize and experience how far they have come since then. With the invention of the telephone and communicating through a series of wires and cables, it is no wonder computers would eventually connect us to the other side of the world. The Internet was the direct source for transmitting data through wires from computer to computer. Finding marketing success with the internet, it is no wonder how big of an impact (economically and socially) it has on the world today. This fascinating invention allows us (now) to connect with anyone we want with a touch of a button. With the development and fast-forward use of domain names such as .com, .net, .org and .gov, we are now forced to come up with unique and original names to proceed these extensions just to establish a website on the internet. We are forced to buy the most up-to-date computers to staisfy our need for speed and connectivity. We are are forced to connect to everyone through sites such as facebook and Myspace just to feel socially acceptable. The invention of computers has led our society into a technology-crazed freinzy of social networking, online business meetings, online classes, video-web communication and many other fascinating ways of communication and isolation. So as I sit here (physically alone) in my room, I don't feel alone because I know that just a click away is my best friend in Rome, Italy, waiting for me to "talk to her" on Skype. What a long way we have come from lunar and solar calenders.
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