Computer history - 1977
Major computer events in 1977
Apple Computers introduced the Apple II, the first personal computer with color graphics was demonstrated at the West Coast Computer Faire on April 16, 1977, and went on sale on June 10, 1977.
Dennis Hayes and Dale Heatherington released the 80-103A Modem, the first Modem for the home user.
New computer products and services introduced in 1977
Commodore announced in January 1977 that the PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) would be a self-contained unit, with a CPU (central processing unit), RAM (random-access memory), ROM (read-only memory), keyboard, monitor, and tape recorder all for $495.00.
Ward Christensen developed a popular modem transfer modem called Xmodem.
ARCnet (Attached Resource Computer network), the first commercial network, was developed in 1977.
The Principles of Compiler Design, also known as the Dragon Book, was published in 1977.
Apple released the Apple II series of computers on June 10, 1977.
Atari released the Atari 2600 (originally called the Atari VCS) on September 11, 1977. It was credited as the first game system to utilize ROM cartridges for storing game code, instead of having games built into the gaming system.
The first VAX (virtual address extension) computer, the VAX-11/780, was released on October 25, 1977.
BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) was introduced in 1977.
FAT (file allocation table) was introduced in 1977.
The first LED display was generally considered to have been developed by James P. Mitchell in 1977.
VMS (virtual memory system) was introduced in 1977.
Marc Blank and Dave Lebling began developing the influential text adventure game named Zork.
The Bourne shell was developed in 1977 by Stephen Bourne at AT&T's Bell Labs.
IBM's DES (Data Encryption Standard), an enciphering and deciphering algorithm, was accepted as a standard by the National Bureau of Standards in 1977.
IBM announced the IBM 3033 processor, a top-of-the-line, high-capacity computer for customers requiring large scale systems.
Siemens developed the first DOD (drop-on-demand) inkjet printer in 1977.
IBM released the 3895 Deposit Processing System for banks.
IBM introduced the 3250 graphics display system, offered to help shorten product design and manufacturing time.
IBM released the Office System/6 Information Processors.
IBM introduced the 6240 Mag Card Typewriter.
IBM introduced the 2997 Blood Cell Separator.
IBM released the Cryptographic Subsystem programming to safeguard information stored and sent by computer.
IBM introduced the System/34, a low-cost data processing system with multiple workstations, designed for experienced and first-time data processing users.
Computer and technology-related events in 1977
Apple Computer Inc., Radio Shack (Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1), and Commodore (Commodore PET) all introduced mass-market computers and the earliest VDUs.
The first West Coast Computer Faire in San Francisco's Brooks Civic Auditorium was held on April 15, 1977.
Peter G. Neuman coined the term peopleware.
Microsoft sold the license for BASIC to Radio Shack and Apple and introduced the program in Japan.
The CP/M operating system was the most popular operating system.
Tandy announced it would manufacture the TRS-80 Model 1, the first mass-produced computer, on August 3, 1977. This computer was commonly called the Trash 80.
NASA Voyager 1 was launched into space on September 5, 1977. This spacecraft was the farthest human-made object in space.
John Backus introduced the FP (functional programming) programming language in 1977.
Computer companies and organizations founded in 1977
Oracle was founded on June 16, 1977, by Larry Ellison, Robert Miner, and Ed Oates.
Acer America was established in 1977.
Datamax-O'Neil was founded in 1977.
Trenton Technology was founded in 1977.
Zoom Telephonics was founded in 1977.
Computer company events in 1977
Apple Computer became Incorporated on January 3, 1977.
The Funai Corporation, Inc. in the United States was established in 1977 and was a subsidiary of Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
Computer-related TV shows and movies released in 1977
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was released on May 25, 1977.
Computer pioneers born in 1977
Kevin Rose was born on February 21, 1977.
Derek Gehl was born on March 10, 1977.
Chad Hurley was born on July 21, 1977.
Danah Boyd was born on November 24, 1977.
Dennis Fong was born in 1977.
Renukanth Subramaniam was born in 1977.
Computer pioneer deaths in 1977
Frederic Williams passed away on August 11, 1977 (Age: 66).
Joe Ossanna passed away on November 28, 1977 (Age: 48).