References are numbered in [brackets], which can be found at the end of this document. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2001 January 5.

1995

February

• IBM announces PC DOS 7, with integrated data compression from Stac Electronics (Stacker). [142]

May

• ESCOM announces the creation of a subsidiary company, Amiga Technologies, in Germany. [187]

August

• US District Court Judge Thomas Jackson approves the consent decree between Microsoft and the US Department of Justice. The decree will govern Microsoft's licensing practices of Windows for the next 6.5 years, barring it from linking unrelated software licenses. The ruling comes after 4 years of investigation of monopolistic licensing practices. [387.32] [389.29] [765.14] [775]

August 24

• Microsoft releases Windows 95. More than 20,000 retail stores offer copies for sale. Microsoft prepares for support calls, with 1600 people staffing tech support lines. [182] [123] [271.70] [272.A5] [301.3] [323.20] [387.1] [388.6] [389.29] [428.12] [439.12] [548.159] [620.134] [626.72] [721.156] [794.39] [877.17] [909.236]

September

• The United States Patent Office overturns the decision to grant Gilbert Hyatt a patent on the microprocessor. The ruling recognizes Texas Instruments' Gary Boone as the prior inventor of the microprocessor. [590.5]
• Amiga Technologies ships the A1200 microcomputer. It features a 14 MHz Motorola 68EC020 microprocessor, 2 MB RAM, 24-bit color, 3.5 inch 880 KB floppy drive, optional 170 MB hard drive, and the AmigaOS 3.1 operating system. [186]

November 1

• At the ANA Hotel in San Francisco, Intel announces the Pentium Pro microprocessor, at speeds of 150-, 180-, and 200 MHz, available initially for US$974 to US$1682. The processor uses 5.5 million transistors. With the processor is a new bus interface, called Socket 8, operating at 60 MHz. Performance of the 200-MHz processor is 440 MIPS. [215.24] [216.26] [265] [397.12] [439.12] [518.182] [62] [557.135] [575.147] [829.14] [940.106] [943.180] [947.102] [1010.26] (March [900]) (166-, 180-, and 200 MHz versions announced in February 1996 [557.136]) (200 MHz performance: 400 MIPS [953.28])

November

• Amiga Technologies ships the A4000T microcomputer. It features a 25 MHz Motorola 68040 microprocessor (or 50 MHz 68060), 2 MB chip RAM, 24-bit color, 4-channel stereo sound, IDE and SCSI II adapters, 3.5 inch 880 KB floppy drive, 1 GB hard drive, and the AmigaOS 3.1 operating system. [186]

1996

January

• Corel purchases WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, and the PerfectOffice application suite from Novell for US$180 million in cash, stock, and future licensing royalties. [297.6] [299.1] [430.42] [451.1] [455.4] [435.43] [467.6] [828.22]

June

• Intel introduces the 200 MHz Pentium processor, shipping it initially in small quantities. It incorporates 3.3 million transistors, and performs at 284 MIPS. Price is US$599 in quantities of 1000. [523.6] [62] [557.136] [609.108] [943.180]

August

• Microsoft releases Windows NT 4.0. [721.157] [779.42] (July 31 [847.13])

September

• Microsoft unveils Windows CE operating system for hand-held PCs. Code-name of the project was Pegasus. "CE" stands for Consumer Electronics. [565.32] [599.4]
• IBM launches OS/2 Warp 4, in San Francisco, California. Price is US$249. [566.94] [607.62] (October [573.109])

October

• CD-ReWritable (CD-RW) is announced. The technology was developed by a five-company consortium. [849.18]

December

• Apple Computer buys the NeXT Software company for about US$425 million in cash and Apple stock. [616.16] [637.1] [763.26] [882.25] [889.35] [1091.20] (late spring 1996 [886.52])

(month unknown)

• Cyrix ships the 133 MHz Media GX processor, integrating SVGA graphics, DRAM controller, and PCI controller. [1092.64]

1997

April

• Advanced Micro Devices introduces the K6 processor, featuring MMX instructions and dual 32 KB on-chip caches. Speeds and prices in 1000 unit quantities are 166 MHz (US$244), 200 MHz (US$349), 233 MHz (US$469). The processor incorporates 8.8 million transistors in a 0.35 micron process, and is based on the NexGen Nx686. [876.250] [938.74] [1009.68] [1010.27] [1077.27]

July

• Apple Computer releases the Mac OS 8.0. for US$99. [749.4] [1000.45]

August

• At Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs announces an alliance of Apple Computer with Microsoft, including an investment of US$150 million. [763.24] [739.34] [1094.30]

1998

January

• Compaq Computer announces its intent to buy Digital Equipment for US$9.6 billion. [757.6] [787.30] [942.112] [947.35] (US$8.5 billion [872.6])

January 26

• Intel releases the 333 MHz Pentium II, with a 66 MHz bus. It incorporates 0.25 micron CMOS technology. It is packaged in a Single Edge Contact cartridge for the Slot 1 interface. It contains 512 KB of Level 2 cache, operating at 167 MHz. Code name during development was Deschutes. Price is US$722 in 1000 chip quantities. [29.24] [798.29] [946.54]

April

• Intel releases the 350 MHz and 400 MHz Pentium II processors, with 100 MHz memory interface. They incorporate 7.5 million transistors. The 400 MHz version performs at 832 MIPS. [798.29] [839.9] [940.106]

April 15

• Intel announces the 266 MHz Celeron processor with 32 KB Level 1 cache. The Celeron is a Pentium II processor with no secondary cache. [843.30] [942.57] [974.105]

May 6

• Steve Jobs introduces the Apple Computer iMac: 233 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 32 MB RAM, 4 GB hard disk, 24X CD-ROM, 15-inch monitor, 66 MHz system bus, for US$1299. [762] [851.24] [1105.103]

June 25

• Microsoft releases Windows 98. [797.12] [929.49]

September

• Microsoft becomes the world's most valuable company, at US$261.1 billion. Microsoft and General Electric were both valued at over US$300 billion in July, but Microsoft survived a stock market plunge better, putting it on top. [792.10]

November 24

• America Online buys Netscape Communications for US$4.2 billion in stock. [788.1] [929.50] (December 24 [835.30])

(month unknown)

• Motorola officially introduces the G4 processor. It features AltiVec technology (allowing calculations performed on up to 16 data elements simultaneously), multiprocessor capability. Speed should be 400 MHz when it ships in mid-1999. [1078]

1999

January

• Intel announces the Pentium III processor. Each processor will have a unique identiy code that can be accessed over the Internet. [1013.92] (February [974.105])

April

• Cyrix releases the MII processor. [974.105]

May

• Apple Computer introduces the PowerBook G3/333 portable computer. It features 333 MHz G3 processor, 64 MB RAM, ATI Rage LT Pro graphics controller with 8 MB RAM, 14.1 inch active matrix display, Ethernet, 56 Kbps modem, 512 KB Level 2 cache, 4 GB hard drive, 24X CD-ROM drive. Weight is 5.9 pounds; thickness is 1.7 inches; price is US$2500. [1026.77] [1072.35]

(month unknown)

• Fujitsu PC introduces the Fujitsu LifeBook E3600 notebook computer. It features 333 MHz Pentium II, 64 MB SDRAM, 6.4 GB hard drive, floppy drive, 24x CD-ROM drive, V.90 modem, ErgoTrack pointing device, 13.3 inch XGA TFT screen, Windows 98, Microsoft Office Small Business Edition. Weight is 7 pounds; price is US$2599. Battery life is about 2 hours. [1096.57]

July

• At the MacWorld trade show, Apple Computer's Steve Jobs shows the iBook portable computer. It features 12.1 inch TFT display, 300 MHz G3 processor, 4 MB ATI Rage Mobility graphics chip, CD-ROM drive, 32 MB RAM, modem, USB and 10/100Base-T Ethernet ports, 3 GB hard drive, keyboard, Mac OS 8.6, V.90 modem, AppleWorks software, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, and comes in a translucent cover in tangerine or blueberry colors. Battery power lasts about six hours. Price is US$1599; weight is 6.6 pounds; size is 2 x 13.5 x 11.6 inches. [974.9] [1026.32] [1103.53]

August

• Advanced Micro Devices releases the Athlon processor. [974.105]
• Apple Computer releases the Power Mac G4 computer. It features a 400 MHz PowerPC G4, 64 MB RAM, CD-ROM drive, 10 GB hard disk. Prices start at US$1599. [925.37] [1026.77]

October

• At the Microprocessor Forum, Intel announces the official name for the processor code-named Merced: Itanium. [1103.11]

(month unknown)

• Apple computer introduces the Mac OS 9 operating system. [1103.34]

November 5

• US Judge Thomas Jackson issues his Findings of Fact, ruling that Microsoft has monopoly power over personal computer operating systems, and it uses that power to harm American consumers. [929.47] [1027.25] [1053.21] [1079.49]

December

• Microsoft releases Windows 2000 to manufacturing. [1030.3]
• Former truck driver Bill McEwen buys the remaining assets of Amiga Incorporated. [1106.30]

2000

January 4

• The Macworld Expo is held in San Francisco, California. [1053.30] [1072.97]

January

• Microsoft announces changes to its executive management. Steve Ballmer remains president and replaces Bill Gates as CEO. Gates remains chairman and becomes new chief software architect. [961.6] [1035.44]

January 19

• In Vancouver, BC, Canada, the Comdex/Canada West 2000 trade show is held. [1053.30]

February 7

• In Canada, Corel annouces the intent to purchase the Inprise/Borland company for US$1.1 billion in stock. [975.1] [1036.147]

(month unknown)

• Advanced Micro Devices introduces the 850 MHz Athlon processor. Price is US$849 in 1000 unit quantities. [975.12]

February 14

• In San Francisco, California, Microsoft unveils Windows 2000 operating system. [1031.14] [1036.22]

February

• Advanced Micro Devices demonstrates a procesor operating at 1.1 GHz. [1030.3]
• At the Intel Developer's Forum, Intel demonstrates an upcoming 32-bit processor, code-named Willamette, running at 1.5 GHz. [1030.3]

March

• Intel begins shipping a 1 GHz processor in limited quantities. [1030.3]

March 28

• Be releases the BeOS v5 operating system for Intel-based PCs. [1106.29]

(month unknown)

• Palm Canada introduces the Palm IIIc handheld computer in Canada. Features include color active matrix thin film transistor display, 8 MB memory, Palm OS 3.5, for about CDN$679. [1031.31]

April 1

• Bill Gates learns that negotiations with the US government over the monopoly issue have failed. [1079.42]

April 3

• U.S. Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson issues his Conclusions of Law, affirming government charges that Microsoft used illegal practices to maintain its monopoly position. [1052.1] [1079.42] [1088.A2]
• Bill Gates states that Microsoft will file an appeal of the ruling of Judge Jackson. [1079.43]

(month unknown)

• IBM ships the 10 millionth ThinkPad portable computer. [1052.3]
• Microsoft ships Office 2000 Service Release 1, which fixes over 300 bugs in the software suite. [1052.6]

April

• Market share of US retail software, based on units sold: Corel 0.69%. [1097.15]

(month unknown)

• The Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) is held in New Orleans. [1055.3]
• In New York City's Grand Central Station, Microsoft launches the Pocket PC, a specification for handheld computers. The Pocket PC runs Microsoft Windows CE 3.0, and includes several applications: music player, word processor, Internet browser, and more. [1055.12]
• Corel releases WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux. Standard Edition includes WordPerfect 9, Quattro Pro 9, Corel Presentations 9, Netscape Navigator, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Corel Linux OS, 100 fonts, and 1200 images for CDN$149. The Deluxe Edition adds Paradox 9, Netscape Communicator, 900 fonts, and 11,000 images, for CDN$199. The applications suite is compatible with Microsoft Office 2000 and WordPerfect Office 2000 for Windows. [1055.40]
• Apple Canada releases the PowerBook portable computer, with PowerPC G3 processor at speeds of 400 MHz or 500 MHz. Prices are CDN$3699 and CDN$5199 respectively. [1055.45]
• Compaq Canada announces the Armada M700 and E500 portable computers, with Mobile Pentium III processors at speeds of 600 MHz and 650 MHz. Prices start at US$2799. [1055.45]
• Intel introduces the 500 MHz mobile Celeron processor. It features 128 KB level 2 cache, and was created using a 0.18-micron process. Price is US$134 in 1000 unit quantities. [1055.45]
• Intel introduces the 450 MHz mobile Celeron processor. It features 128 KB level 2 cache, and was created using a 0.18-micron process. Price is US$96 in 1000 unit quantities. [1055.45]
• Intel introduces the 400 MHz mobile Celeron processor. It operates at 1.35 volts, designed for small notebook computers. It features 128 KB level 2 cache, and was created using a 0.18-micron process. Price is US$96 in 1000 unit quantities. [1055.45]
• The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference is held. [1091.20]
• At the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple Computer releases Mac OS X DR 4 (fourth developer release) to 4000 software developers. [1091.20]
• Compaq Computer introduces the iPAQ Pocket PC handheld computer. It features 2.25 x 3 inch color screen, USB port, 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor, 32 MB RAM, Windows CE 3.0. Expansion packs offer access to PC Cards, flash memory cards, email, music file playing, digital camera, modem, bar code scanner, etc. Basic unit price is $699. [1091.34]

May 16

• In Canada, Corel announces that the proposed merger with Inprise/Borland has been cancelled. [1091.1]

June 5

• In Taipei, the Taipei International Computer Show, "Computex" is held. [1103.281]

June 7

• United States District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson orders the breakup on Microsoft into two companies, one producing operating systems, the other producing applications programs. [1088.A1]

June

• Amiga releases the Amiga Software Developers Kit for the Amiga OS 3.5. [1106.30]

(month unknown)

• Intel announces that the processor code-named "Willamette" will formally be called Pentium 4. [1097.12]

July 15

• Microsoft unveils its C# (C sharp) language, an extension of C++ adding XML web support, COM, and Windows API support. [1050.16]

(month unknown)

• At the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference, Microsoft releases a pre-beta version of Windows 2000 64-bit Edition. [1106.16]

August 15

• Michael Cowpland resigns as chairman and chief executive officer of Corel. [1068.14]

August

• Apple Computer introduces the PowerMac G4 Cube. It features 450 MHz PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine, 64 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive, DVD drive, two FireWire ports, two USB ports, 10/100Base-T Ethernet, 56 Kbps v.90 modem. The main system unit is enclosed in an 8-inch clear case, with air flow designed to eliminate the need for a cooling fan. Price is US$1799. Price for a 500 MHz version is US$2299. [1050.33]
• Advanced Micro Devices begins volume shipments of its 1.1 GHz Athlon processor. [1046.6]
• Intel temporarily ceases production of its 1.13 GHz Pentium III processor, and recalls thos that have been shipped, due to discovery of system hangs under certain conditions. [1046.6]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer releases a new iMac computer. It features a 350 MHz PowerPC G3 processor. It is availble in an indigo color case. Price is US$1199. [1046.36]
• Apple Computer releases the iMac DV computer. It features a 400 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, FireWire connector, iMovie2 software, AirPort wireless networking support. It is availble in an indigo or ruby color case. Price is US$1499. [1046.36]
• Apple Computer releases the iMac DV+ computer. It features a 450 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, FireWire connector, 20 GB hard drive, DVD-ROM drive, iMovie2 software, AirPort wireless networking support. It is availble in an indigo, sage, or ruby color case. Price is US$1999. [1046.36]
• Apple Computer releases the iMac DV+ Special Edition computer. It features a 500 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, FireWire connector, 30 GB hard drive, iMovie2 software, AirPort wireless networking support. It is availble in a graphite or snow color case. Price is US$2299. [1046.36]

1966-1979

1980-1984

1985-1989

1990-1994

1995-2001

Check my list of references for details on specific events.
Also check my list of other timelines.