Computer History Chronology

Someone told me, " you want to be a geek, learn the past first" and I taught that was stupid, I learnt the truth, the past is a key to many things.  This looks crap, but drill it down then you see something, well this information is not complete, critics will say! please post you chronology and I will update the same.

Year	Events
1971	The 4004—the first 4-bit microprocessor—is introduced by Intel. It boasts 2000 transistors with a clock speed of up to 1 megahertz (MHz).
1972	The first 8-bit microprocessor—the 8008—is released.
1974	The 8080 microprocessor is developed. This improved version of the 8008 becomes the standard from which future processors will be designed.
1975	Digital Research introduces CP/M—an operating system for the 8080. The combination of software and hardware becomes the basis for the standard computer.
1976	Zilog introduces the Z80—a low-cost microprocessor (equivalent to the 8080). The Apple I comes into existence, although it is not yet in widespread use.
1977	The Apple II and the Commodore PET computers, both of which use a 6502 processor, are introduced. These two products become the basis for the home computer. Apple's popularity begins to grow.
1978	Intel introduces a 16-bit processor, the 8086, and a companion math coprocessor, the 8087. Intel also introduces the 8088. It is similar to the 8086, but it transmits 8 bits at a time.
1980	Motorola introduces the 68000—a 16-bit processor important to the development of Apple and Atari computers. Motorola's 68000 becomes the processor of choice for Apple.
1981	The IBM personal computer (PC) is born; it contains a 4.7-MHz 8088 processor and 64 kilobytes (KB) of RAM (random access memory), and is equipped with a version of MS-DOS 1.0 (three files and some utilities). Available mass-storage devices include a 5.25-inch floppy drive and a cassette tape drive.
1982	Intel completes development of the 80286—a 16-bit processor with 150,000 transistors. MS-DOS 1.1 now supports double-sided floppy disks that hold 360 KB of data.
1983	IBM introduces the XT computer with a 10-MB hard disk drive. MS-DOS 2.0 arrives; it features a tree-like structure and native support for hard disk drive operations.
1984	The first computer with an 80286 chip—the IBM AT—enters the market. It is a 6-MHz machine with a 20-MB hard disk drive and a high-density, 1.2-MB 5.25-inch floppy disk drive. Apple introduces the Macintosh computer, marking the first widespread use of the graphical user interface and mouse.
1985	MS-DOS 3.2, which supports networks, is released.
1986	The first Intel 80386-based computer is introduced by Compaq; it features a 32-bit processor with expanded multitasking capability (even though no PC operating system yet fully supports the feature).
1987	MS-DOS 3.3 arrives, allowing use of 1.44-MB 3.5-inch floppy disk drives and hard disk drives larger than 32 MB.
1988	IBM introduces the PS/2 computer series. A complete departure from previous machines, its proprietary design does not support the hardware and software available on IBM PCs or clones. Microsoft (with the help of IBM) develops OS/2 (Operating System 2), which allows 32-bit operations, genuine multitasking, and full MS-DOS compatibility. Microsoft releases MS-DOS 4.0.
1989	Intel introduces the 80486 processor; it contains an on-board math coprocessor and an internal cache controller (offering 2.5 times the performance of a 386 processor with a supporting coprocessor).
1991	MS-DOS 5.0 offers a significantly improved DOS shell.
1992	The Intel i586 processor, the first Pentium, is introduced, offering 2.5 times the performance of a 486. Microsoft introduces Windows 3.1, vastly expanding the use of a graphical user interface in the mass market. IBM expands OS/2.
1993	MS-DOS 6.0 arrives. The term "multimedia" (the inclusion of CD-ROM drives, sound cards, speakers, and so forth, as standard equipment on new personal computers) comes into use.
1994	Intel delivers the first 100-MHz processor. Compaq Computer Corporation becomes the largest producer of computers.
1995	Windows 95, code-named Chicago, is introduced by Microsoft. It features 32-bit architecture. The Internet, having expanded far beyond its beginnings as a network serving government and university institutions, is now in everyday use by the rapidly growing proportion of the population with access to a modem. Computer prices drop as performance increases. IBM purchases Lotus (maker of the popular Lotus1-2-3 spreadsheet).
1995-1996	Software manufacturers scramble to make their products compatible with Windows 95.
1997	Microprocessor speeds exceed the 200-MHz mark. Hard disk drive and memory prices fall as basic system configuration sizes continue to increase. CD-ROM drives and Internet connections have become standard equipment for computers.
1998	PC performance continues to soar and prices continue to fall. Central processing unit (CPU) speeds exceed 450 MHz, and motherboard bus speeds reach 100 MHz Entry-level machines are priced near the $500 mark. Universal serial bus (USB) is introduced. Windows 98 becomes the standard operating system for most new personal computers. Computer prices drop well under $1,000, increasing computer sales to the home market.
1999	Processor speeds exceed 1 gigahertz (GHz). E-commerce grows dramatically as the Internet expands.
2000	Microsoft releases Windows 2000 and the basic PC becomes a commodity item in discount stores. Broadband connections such as DSL and cable begin to take hold, making Internet access easier and faster than over the telephone line.