Computer History - 1980

Significant events in computer history during 1980…

On January 3 Hewlett Packard introduces its HP-85. A microcomputer with 16kB of RAM and a 5-inch CRT display. ( It cost $3,280 ) IBM hires Paul Allen and Bill Gates to create an operating system for a new PC. The pair buy the rights to a simple operating system manufactured by Seattle Computer Products and use it as a template. IBM allows the two to keep the marketing rights to the operating system, called DOS. IBM hires Microsoft to develop versions of BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, and Pascal for the PC being developed by IBM. Atari becomes the first company to register a Copyright for two computer games "Asteroids" and "Lunar Lander" on June 17, 1980. Microsoft licenses Unix and starts to develop a PC version, XENIX. The programming language FORTRAN 77 is created.   The first Tandy Color computer is introduced. Quantum is founded. Iomega is established.  Shawn David Coffey is born in Pikeville, KY on June 19, 1980. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAWN