The Apple Computer Company is incorporated.

Apple employees move into an office on Stevens Creek Boulevard in Cupertino, California.

A working model of the first Radio Shack computer is demonstrated to company president Charles Tandy.

Xerox puts David Liddle in charge of developing the Alto computer into a marketable product.

The first ComputerLand franchise is opened in Morristown, New Jersey, under the name Computer Shack.

Bill Gates and Paul Allen sign a partnership agreement to officially create the Microsoft Company.

The First West Coast Computer Faire is held, in San Francisco's Brooks Civic Auditorium. Nearly 13,000 attended the weekend event.

Apple Computer introduces the Apple II at the West Coast Computer Faire. The computer features a 6502 CPU, 4KB RAM, 16KB ROM, keyboard, 8-slot motherboard, game paddles, graphics/text interface to color display, and built-in BASIC, for $1300. It is the first personal computer with color graphics.

Apple Computer delivers its first Apple II system.

The movie Star Wars is released in theaters.

10 months after its introduction, 175 Apple I kits have been sold.

Pertec buys MITS and the Altair line for $6 million in stock.

Camp Retupmoc (read it backwards), the first weeklong computer camp, is held in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Apple II computers are shipped to Europe by independent distributor Eurapple.

Microsoft ships "Microsoft FORTRAN" for CP/M-based computers.

Radio Shack (a division of Tandy Corp.) announces the TRS-80 microcomputer, with Z80 CPU, 4KB RAM, 4KB ROM, keyboard, black-and-white video display, and tape cassette for $600.

One month after launching the TRS-80, 10,000 have been sold, despite sales projections of only 3,000 per year.

Radio Shack opens its first all-computer store, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Pertec released the Altair 8000b-turnkey with the MITS name on the cover but the Pertec name on the serial number plate. This is the last computer design to carry the MITS name.

Paul Terrell sells his chain of 74 Byte Shops, valued at $4 million.

Apple Computer releases Applesoft, a version of BASIC with floating-point capabilities. It is licensed from Microsoft.

At an Apple Computer executive board meeting, President Mike Markkula lists the floppy disk drive as the company's top goal.

Microsoft wins a legal battle with Pertec over ownership of the BASIC Gates and Allen wrote and licensed to MITS.

Bill Gates arrested for excessive speeding and driving without a license (if you can believe the article).

Vector Graphic Inc. introduces the Vector Graphic I system. This was a Z-80 based S-100 system.

Dan Bricklin conceives the idea for the VisiCalc spreadsheet program.

Heath Company introduces the H-8 personal computer kit, based on the Intel 8080.

Bally completes designs of a home computer.

Compu-Serv changes its name to CompuServe Incorporated.

David Bunnell publishes the first issue of Personal Computing. The magazine is later renamed PC Magazine.

IMSAI licenses use of CP/M for its microcomputers for $25,000.

Atari introduces the Atari Video Computer System, later renamed the Atari 2600.

Ward Christiansen and Randy Seuss begin building the Computerized Bulletin Board System, in Chicago, Illinois.

Apple Computer demonstrates its first working prototype Apple II disk drive at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The first major microcomputer bulletin board, run by Ward Christensen and Randy Seuss, goes online in Chicago, Illinois.

The Second West Coast Computer Faire is held in San Jose, California.

Exidy Systems introduces the Z-80 based Sorcerer Microcomputer at the PERCOMP convention in Long Beach, California. Price $895.

Dennis Hayes begins Hayes Microcomputer Products

Intel begins production of the 8086 microprocessor.

Intel introduces the 4.77-MHz 8086 microprocessor. It uses 16-bit registers, a 16-bit data bus, and 29,000 transistors. Price is $360. It can access 1 MB of memory.

Microsoft ships Microsoft COBOL.

Apple Computer introduces the Disk II, a 5.25-inch floppy disk drive linked to the Apple II by cable. Price: $495, including controller card.

Pertec ceases production of the Altair line of computers.

The National Computer Conference is held in Anaheim, California. Attendance is 57,240.

Apple Computer hires Chuck Peddle, designer of the 6502 microprocessor and Commodore's PET.

MicroPro introduces WordMaster.

Digital Equipment opens a retail store in a shopping mall, for selling small computer systems priced below $10,000.

The first Personal Computer Expo is held in New York City.

The first issue of SoftSide is published, for TRS-80 enthusiasts.

Microsoft begins developing BASIC for the Intel 8086 processor.

Microsoft's sales for the year reach $1 million.

Epson announces the MX-80 dot matrix printer, which established a new standard for printers in high performance at a low price.

Atari announces the Atari 400 and 800 personal computers, using the 6502 microprocessor. The codename for the Atari 800 was "Colleen".

Apple Computer begins work on an enhanced Apple II with custom chips, code-named Annie.

Apple Computer begins work on a supercomputer with a bit-sliced architecture, code-named Lisa.

Chuck Peddle quits Apple Computer and returns to Commodore.

Sony Introduces the Beta format video cassette recorder.

Texas Instruments introduces the TMS-4164, a single 5V 64KB programmable memory chip. Initial price is $125.

Intel unveils its 8085 CPU chip. The 8085 was software compatible with the 8080 CPU but combined the functions of many of the support chips required by the 8080. This reduced the component count required to build a system.

Taito develops the Space Invaders arcade game in Japan.

Taito releases the Space Invaders game to arcade centers.

Bally begins shipping its Bally Professional Arcade game.

APF Electronics introduces the MP-1000 video game unit.

The first Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Time Theater opens in Town and Country Village in San Jose. It features animatronic characters, pinball machines, and a video arcade. Atari founder Nolan Bushnell left Atari to start Pizza Time Theatre.

Magnavox releases the Odyssey2

Seymour Rubenstein forms MicroPro International.

Cinematronics releases Space Wars to arcades.

Scott Adams founds Adventure International.

Bob Frankston and Dan Bricklin found Software Arts.

Xerox donates 50 Alto computers to Stanford, Carnegie-Mellon, and MIT. cartridge-based console game system.

Microsoft moves its offices from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Bellevue, Washington.

Apple Computer releases DOS 3.2.

Zilog ships samples of the 16-bit Z-8000 processor.

Microsoft 8080 BASIC wins the ICP Million Dollar Award, the first microprocessor product to do so. The award was given to a company with one million dollars is a sales and was sponsored by the publisher of International Computer Programs Directory.

Atari develops the Asteroids computer game.

Microsoft completes work on BASIC for the Intel 8086 processor.

Software Arts demonstrates VisiCalc at the 4th West Coast Computer Faire. Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston wrote it during 1978-79, under the company name Software Arts, under contract to Personal Software.

Seattle Computer Products makes the first prototype of its 8086 microprocessor card for the S-100 bus.

Microsoft tests its 8086 BASIC on Seattle Computer Products' 8086 processor card for the first time.

Processor Technology closes.

Tandy/Radio Shack announces the TRS-80 Model II.

The Source telecommunications service goes online.

Apple Computer introduces the Apple II Plus, with 48KB memory, for $1195.

Apple Computer introduces its first printer, the Apple Silentype, for $600. It is a Trendcom Model 200, released under the Apple name.

Intel introduces the 8088 microprocessor. It was created as a stepping stone to the 8086, as it operates on 16 bits internally, but supports an 8-bit data bus, to use existing 8-bit device-controlling chips. It contains 29,000 transistors, and can address 1MB of memory.

Texas Instruments introduces the TI-99/4 personal computer, for an initial price of $1500. It uses the TI 9940 16-bit microprocessor.

MicroPro releases the WordStar word processor, written by Rob Barnaby.

Microsoft announces Microsoft BASIC 8086 at the National Computer Conference.

Apple Computer releases DOS 3.2.1.

CompuServe begins a service to computer hobbyists called MicroNET, offering bulletin boards, databases, and games. The 1,200 members of the Midwest Affiliation of Computer Clubs tested MicroNET for two months before the July 1 release to the public.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture is released to theaters.

Microsoft releases its Assembler language for 8080/Z80 microprocessors.

Wayne Ratliff develops the Vulcan database program (Ashton-Tate later markets it as dBASE II).

Motorola's 68000 16-bit microprocessor appears. It uses 68,000 transistors, giving it its name.

IMSAI closes.

Apple Computer sells 35,000 Apple II computers for the fiscal year.

Atari produces the first coin-operated Asteroids game machine.

Microsoft begins developing an 8086 version of FORTRAN.

Two and a half years after the introduction of the Apple II, 50,000 units have been sold.

Personal Software releases VisiCalc for the Apple II.

Atari begins shipping the Atari 400 and Atari 800 personal computers. The 400 comes with 8KB, selling for $550. The 800 sells for $1000.

Radio Shack begins shipping the TRS-80 Model II to users.

Texas Instruments begins shipping the TI 99/4.

ComputerLand grows to include 100 franchises.

The first Comdex (Computer Dealer Exposition) show is held in Las Vegas.

A group of Apple Computer engineers is given a demo of Xerox Palo Alto Research Center's Alto computer system, in exchange for Xerox buying 100,000 Apple Computer shares for $1 million.

Sears begins selling Atari home computers.

Mattel Electronics releases the Intellivision video game system.

Seagate Technologies (hard disk maker) is founded, in Scotts Valley, California.

Shugart Associates publishes the Shugart Associates Systems Interface (SASI) for connecting to hard drives. This interface later became known as the Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI)

Vector Graphic Inc. introduces the Vector Graphic System B system.

Schlumberger Ltd. sells Heath Company to Zenith Radio Corp. for $64.5 million.

Niklaus Wirth invents the Modula-1 programming language.

NEC releases its NEC PC 8001 microcomputer in Japan, the first for that country.

Bob Metcalfe founds 3Com Corporation.

IBM introduces the IBM 3800 laser printer, capable of printing 20,000 lines per minute.

Hayes Microcomputer Products introduces the 110/300 baud Micromodem II for the Apple II, for $380.

IMSAI declares bankruptcy. Its assets are purchased by Fischer-Freitas.

The National Computer Conference is held in New York.

Tim Patterson of Seattle Computer Products demonstrates his 8086 card with Microsoft at the LifeBoat Associates booth at the National Computer Conference.

Apple Computer begins work on "Sara," the code name for what will be the Apple III.

Apple Computer releases the word processing program AppleWriter 1.0.

Michael Shane founds Leading Edge Products.

Sony introduces the VHS video recorder and the Sony Walkman.

Mike Harvey begins Nibble magazine for Apple Computer products.

Universal Data Systems announces the 103LP 300-bps modem, connecting directly into the phone line, and requiring no additional power. Price: $195.

Morrow Designs advertises the 26 MB DISCUS M26 hard drive system for $5000.

The first issue of S-Eighty is published, for TRS-80 enthusiasts.

The first issue of Computer Shopper is published.

Hewlett-Packard completes work on the Capricorn project, producing the HP-85. With a 32-character wide CRT display, small built-in printer, cassette tape recorder, and keyboard, it sold for $3250.

Microsoft begins development on an 8086 version of AT&T's UNIX operating system.

Mattel begins shipping the game component of the Intellivision

Sinclair Research announces the ZX80 computer in the North American market. It uses a 3.25-MHz NEC Technologies 780-1 8-bit microprocessor, and comes with 1KB RAM and 4KB ROM. Cost: $200.

Atari ad: "Atari promises to be the most popular Personal Computer System of the 1980's!"

Microsoft Corp. announces its first hardware product, the Z-80 SoftCard for the Apple II. This card gives the Apple II CP/M capability, contributing greatly to Apple Computer's success. The card includes CP/M and Microsoft's Disk BASIC, all for $349. The announcement is made at the West Coast Computer Faire in San Francisco. Tim Patterson of Seattle Computer Products had built several prototypes before Microsoft's Don Burdis took over the project. In its first year of release, 25,000 units are sold.

Satellite Software International ships WordPerfect 1.0 for Data General minicomputers.

At the West Coast Computer Faire, Adam Osborne approaches Les Felsenstein with the idea of starting a computer company.

Data General announces the Eclipse MV/8000. Code name during development was Gallifrey Eagle.

Tim Patterson of Seattle Computer Products decides to make a disk operating system (DOS) because of delays by Digital Research in releasing a CP/M-86 operating system.

Apple Computer introduces the Apple III at the National Computer Conference in Anaheim, California. The Apple III uses a 2-MHz 6502A microprocessor, and includes a 5.25-inch floppy drive. Price ranges from $4500 to $8000.

Universal Data Systems announces the 202LP 1200-bps modem, connecting directly into the phone line, requiring no additional power.

The second Star Wars movie (The Empire Strikes Back) is released in theaters to long lines of fans. The movie is listed as episode V and the original movie is renamed episode IV.

Seagate Technologies announces the first Winchester 5.25-inch hard disk drive.

Steve Ballmer joins Microsoft.

Shugart begins selling Winchester hard-disk drives.

Commodore introduces the VIC-20 as the replacement for PET. Base price $300.

IBM representatives meet with Microsoft's Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer to talk about Microsoft products and home computers.

Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Model III. It uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, and is priced from $700 to $2500.

Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Color Computer. It uses the Motorola 6809E CPU, comes with 4KB RAM, and sells for $400.

Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Pocket Computer. It features a 24-character display, with 1.9KB of programmable memory. Price is $230.

Radio Shack introduces the Daisy Wheel Printer II for $1960.

S-Eighty ceases publication.

IBM asks Bill Gates to write the operating system for their upcoming PC.

IBM meets with Microsoft again and shows plans for Project Chess, a personal computer. The code name for the computer is "Acorn." Bill Gates argues that IBM should use the 16-bit 8086, rather than the 8-bit 8080 processor.

QDOS 0.10 (Quick and Dirty Operating System) is shipped by Seattle Computer Products. Even though it had been created in only two man-months, the DOS worked surprisingly well. A week later, the EDLIN line editor is created. EDLIN was supposed to last only six months, before being replaced.

Hal Lashlee and George Tate form Software Plus. The company later changes its name to Ashton-Tate.

Microsoft announces the Microsoft XENIX OS, a portable and commercial version of the UNIX operating system for the Intel 8086, Zilog Z8000, Motorola M68000, and Digital Equipment PDP-11.

Apple Computer releases DOS 3.3.

Microsoft decides to propose to IBM that they provide the operating system for IBM's microcomputer.

The "Dirty Dozen" is formed, the 12 engineers assembled as "Project Chess" to design and build the IBM PC, in Boca Raton, Florida. The PC's code name is Acorn.

Apple Computer sells over 78,000 Apple II computers during the fiscal year.

The first issue of Softalk magazine for Apple Computer products appears.

Tim Patterson shows Microsoft his 86-DOS, written for the 8086 chip.

Software Publishing ships the pfs:File database program.

IBM meets with Microsoft again, to formalize plans to work together in creating a new microcomputer.

Apple Computer ships the first Apple III units in limited quantity.

Microsoft's Paul Allen contacts Seattle Computer Products' Tim Patterson, asking for the rights to sell SCP's DOS to an unnamed client (IBM). Microsoft pays less than $100,000 for the rights.

Bill Gates, Paul Allen, and Steve Ballmer meet with IBM in Boca Raton, Florida, to deliver a report to IBM. They propose that Microsoft be put in charge of the entire software development process for IBM's new microcomputer, including converting Seattle Computer Products' SCP-DOS to run on the computer.

Sol Libes quote in Byte magazine's ByteLines: "The 32-bit machine would be 'overkill' for a personal computer."

Microsoft and IBM sign a contract for Microsoft to develop certain software products for IBM's microcomputer.

Atari sponsors the First National (US) Space Invaders Competition, in New York. Bill Heineman of Whittier, California, scores 165,200 to win an Asteroids Table Top Video Game.

IBM delivers the first PC prototype to Microsoft, so they can begin developing BASIC and the machine's operating system.

The archetypal fantasy adventure game, Zork, is brought from a mainframe at M.I.T. into the world of microcomputers by Infocom, which was founded for the purpose.

Apple Computer becomes a publicly held company, selling 4.6 million shares opening at $22 per share and going up to $29 the first day of trading, bringing the market value of Apple to $1.2 billion. Jobs, the biggest shareholder, was suddenly worth $165 million. He was 25 years old. Woz, at 30, was worth $88 million. More than 40 Apple employees and investors become instant millionaires.

Seattle Computer Products renames QDOS to 86-DOS, releasing it as version 0.3. Microsoft then bought non-exclusive rights to market 86-DOS.

Exidy Systems introduces the Computer System 80.

Microsoft begins work on its first microcomputer application, a spreadsheet program initially called Electronic Paper. Charles Simonyi was to develop spreadsheet to compete with VisiCalc; marketed as Microsoft Multiplan. See http://www.memecentral.com/mylife.htm

Apple Computer begins project "Diana," which would become the Apple IIe.

Ken and Roberta Williams start On-Line Systems, developing software for the Apple II.

IBM contacts Digital Research about using CP/M-86 for IBM's upcoming microcomputer. In a meeting that Gary Kildall did not attend, Dorothy McEwen (co-founder of DRI) and DRI's attorney refused to sign the IBM non-disclosure agreement. DRI also refused to modify CP/M-86, and wanted a higher royalty than IBM proposed

Digital Research releases CP/M-86 for Intel 8086- and 8088-based systems.

Intel announces the iAPX-432 32-bit microprocessor. Intel later builds the 80286 as a step between the 8086 and the 432.

The term RISC (reduced instruction set computer) is coined by Professor David Patterson of the University of California at Berkeley.

Bally sells its Consumer Products Division to Astrovision.

Intel introduces the 8087 math coprocessor.

CompuServe merges with H&R Block, and renames MicroNET to CompuServe Information Service.

Alan Ashton and Bruce Bastian found Satellite Software International.

Apollo introduces a line of workstations using the Motorola 68000.

Sony Electronics introduces the 3.5-inch floppy disk and drive, double-sided, double-density, holding up to 875KB unformatted. (High Density diskettes pictured.)

Panasonic and Quasar unveil hand-held computers made by Matsushita. The unit uses a 1-MHz 6502 CPU, and weighs just 14 ounces (397 grams).

Onyx introduces the Onyx C8002 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z8000 microprocessor, 256KB RAM, tape backup, hard disk, serial ports for eight users, and running Unix, for $20,000. It is the first microcomputer featuring an implementation of Unix.