Technology History

An annotated collection of links to some of the history of technology, including little-known subsites buried on many well-known commercial sites.

Computers and Internet

Detailed Timeline

History Timeline of Microcomputers -- Very detailed, from 1926 to the present, in eight parts.

History of the Internet -- A very detailed and technical history from the Internet Society. A good page of links is from Denmark's Vissing Kommunikation.

Internet Timeline -- Detailed and illustrated, from the Computer Museum. Another entertaining timeline is from BBM, with lots of non-internet historical references.

Internet Background and Basics -- Unusual and interesting links to little-known background information.

CPU History -- An exhaustive review, all in one huge page (229k). It includes rare treats like the weird RCA 1802 and the little-known Intel 432. A family tree-like timeline is from the Computer Museum.

Apple Computer -- This non-corporate site is a very good summary, with a good page of additional (though sometimes outdated) links. Also check out Andy Mesa's The Apple Museum.

IBM -- This site is comprehensive and extremely well-designed. It includes a complete summary in one long page.

Motorola -- An extremely detailed timeline.

The Museum of HP Calculators -- Re-live the evolution of the best calculators ever made.

Texas Instruments -- Includes the 1978 press release for the amazing Speak & Spell.

Webopedia -- Online encyclopedia dedicated to technology.  Find out about the keyboard and anything else!


Telecom/Communications

AT&T -- An overview that focuses on the background of the 1984 divestiture restructuring.

Bell Labs -- A short history of this amazing organization.

Sprint -- The roots of this long-distance company extend to 1899.

History of Audio Recording -- A comprehensive and detailed timeline, with some great historical pictures, too; make sure you check out the separate timeline of digital recording. The Audio Recording History is a narrative with a bit more on music and the performers.