Liquid Crystal Display

American chemist Glenn Brown sparks a resurgence in liquid crystal research in 1958. Ten years later, the first operational liquid crystal display (LCD) is introduced by a group headed by George Heilmeier at RCA laboratories in Princeton, New Jersey. Today, LCD devices are used in a wide range of electronic equipment from palm-sized mobile phones to large-size TV screens and computer monitors.
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Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is the combination of relational databases with digitized maps. This includes computer programs for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, analyzing and displaying data about the earth that is spatially referenced. GIS systems are used primarily by governments, research institutes or any other body to handle processing large amounts of geographical data.
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Atari 2600

The Atari 2600 game system is released in 1977. This is the first successful video game console to use plug-in cartridges instead of built-in games. It is bundled with two joystick controllers, a conjoined pair of paddle controllers, and a cartridge game. The Atari 2600 introduces the hobby called video gaming to a new segment of users.
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The Intel 4004 chip

Intel scientist Ted Hoff designs the "computer-on-a-chip microprocessor" in 1968. His idea of a universal processor instead of custom-designed circuits is developed while working with an Intel client on calculator chip designs. His new chip is called the Intel 4004 and released in 1971. This microprocessor invention is credited as the start of the microcomputer industry.
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Computer viruses

Computer virus predecessors began showing up in the 1960s, the first being a memory saturating program called Core Wars. A program called Elk Cloner, written for Apple II systems in 1982, is believed to be the first computer-spreading type of virus. The first IBM-PC virus called the Brain appears in 1986.
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Motorola

In September 1928, brothers Paul and Joseph Galvin purchase a battery business in Chicago and start the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation. In 1930, they create the brand name Motorola for the company's new car radio, linking "motor" with the suffix "ola" (sound). The company sells its first television in 1947 and also changes its name from Galvin Manufacturing to Motorola, Inc.
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George Boole

Mathematician George Boole develops the foundation for binary algebra and logic in the late 1830s. He proposes logical expressions as equations, multiplication by the word "and" and addition by the word "or". This provides the basis for validation of statements that may be either true or false. Years later, Boole's two valued logic becomes the basis for electronic circuits and computer design.
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