et program for personal computers. VisiCalc is generally credited as being the program that paved the way for the personal computer in the business world. Bob Metcalf, the developer of Ethernet, forms 3Com Corp. to develop Ethernet-based networking products. Ethernet eventually evolves into the world's most widely used network system.MicroPro International introduces WordStar, the first commercially successful word processing program for IBM-compatible microcomputers. 1980 IBM chooses Microsoft (co-founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen) to provide the operating system for its upcoming PC. Microsoft purchases a program developed by Seattle Computer Products called Q-DOS (for Quick and Dirty Operating System), and modifies it to run on IBM hardware. Bell Laboratories invents the Bellmac-32, the first single-chip microprocessor with 32-bit internal architecture and a 32-bit data bus. Lotus Development Corporation unveils the Lotus 1-2-3 integrated spreadsheet program, combining spreadsheet, graphics, and database features in one package. 1981IBM introduces the IBM-PC, with a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 CPU, 16 KB of memory, a keyboard, a monitor, one or two 5.25-inch floppy drives, and a price tag of $2,495. Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc., introduces the SmartModem 300, which quickly becomes the industry standard. Xerox unveils the Xerox Star computer. Its high price eventually dooms the computer to commercial failure, but its features inspire a whole new direction in computer design. Its little box on wheels (the first mouse) can execute commands on screen (the first graphical user interface). 1982Intel releases the 80286, a 16-bit microprocessor. AutoCAD, a program for designing 2-D and 3-D objects, is released. AutoCAD will go on to revolutionize the architecture and engineering industries. Work begins on the development of TCP/IP. The term Internet is used for the first time to describe the worldwide network of networks that is emerging fr...
