1986 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1986 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 03 Apr IBM launches the first laptop computer, the IBM PC Convertible: On April 3, 1986, IBM introduced the IBM PC Convertible, marking the launch of its first laptop computer. This portable device featured a clamshell design and was aimed at business users, offering a range of functionalities that set the stage for future mobile computing. The PC Convertible was notable for its use of a liquid crystal display and the ability to run MS-DOS applications. source: britannica.com
- 10 Apr U.S. conducts underground nuclear test at Nevada Test Site: On April 10, 1986, the United States conducted an underground nuclear test, code-named 'Mighty Oak,' at the Nevada Test Site. The test was detonated 1,300 feet below the surface in the T-tunnel complex at Rainier Mesa. The Department of Energy did not announce the test prior to detonation, and there were no reports of radiation leakage into the atmosphere. The test was part of a series of nuclear tests conducted by the U.S. during that period. source: latimes.com
- 17 Apr IBM produces first megabit memory chip: On April 17, 1986, IBM achieved a significant technological milestone by producing the first megabit memory chip, capable of storing one million bits of information. This advancement marked a rare moment of triumph for American computer manufacturers, who had been perceived as losing the memory market to Japanese competitors. The megabit chip was produced in IBM's own semiconductor operations in Essex Junction, Vermont. source: cio.com
- 01 May Chernobyl nuclear disaster reported: On May 1, 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster was reported, following a catastrophic explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. This incident released large quantities of radioactive particles into the atmosphere, leading to widespread contamination and health issues. It is considered one of the worst nuclear disasters in history, prompting significant changes in nuclear safety regulations worldwide. source: britannica.com
- 06 May France conducts underground nuclear test at Mururoa Atoll: On May 6, 1986, France conducted its second underground nuclear test of the year at Mururoa Atoll in the South Pacific. The test, estimated to have a yield of approximately three kilotons, was detected by New Zealand's seismological station in the Cook Islands. This followed a previous test on April 27, 1986, which had a yield of about four kilotons. France did not publicly disclose details about either test. source: upi.com
- 31 May James Rainwater, Nobel Prize Physicist, Born in 1917: James Rainwater, an American physicist, was born on December 9, 1917, in Council, Idaho. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1975 for his work on the structure of atomic nuclei. He passed away on May 31, 1986, in Yonkers, New York. source: nobelprize.org
- 12 Jun LISTSERV Email Management Software Development: Eric Thomas develops LISTSERV, a groundbreaking email list management software that would significantly impact digital communication and information sharing.
- 23 Jun Creation of LISTSERV Email Management Software: LISTSERV, the first automated email list management software, was developed by Eric Thomas in June 1986. It revolutionized electronic mailing lists by automating subscription and management processes, significantly enhancing communication efficiency. Thomas, an engineering student at École Centrale Paris, introduced this innovation to address the growing need for efficient mailing list management. source: lsoft.com
- 04 Jul Mathematician Oscar Zariski dies at 86: Oscar Zariski, a leading figure in algebraic geometry, passed away on July 4, 1986, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Born in Kobrin, Russian Empire, in 1899, he made significant contributions to the field, including the development of the Zariski topology. Zariski held professorships at Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University, where he influenced many students and received numerous accolades, such as the Wolf Prize in Mathematics in 1981. source: thecrimson.com
- 06 Aug Phil Katz releases PKARC version 1.0, for IBM: On August 6, 1986, Phil Katz released PKARC version 1.0, a faster and more efficient alternative to the ARC file compression utility. PKARC was developed to improve upon existing compression software by rewriting key portions in assembly language, resulting in enhanced performance. This release marked the beginning of Katz's contributions to the field of data compression, leading to the eventual development of the widely used PKZIP program. source: brainyhistory.com
- 09 Sep Compaq introduces Deskpro 386, first 80386-based personal computer: On September 9, 1986, Compaq Computer Corporation unveiled the Deskpro 386, the first personal computer to feature Intel's 32-bit 80386 microprocessor. This marked a significant advancement in personal computing, offering enhanced performance and capabilities. The Deskpro 386 was priced at $6,499 for the Model 40, $7,299 for the Model 70, and $8,799 for the Model 130. source: latimes.com
- 05 Oct James H. Wilkinson, renowned mathematician, dies at 67: James H. Wilkinson, a prominent English mathematician and computer scientist, passed away on October 5, 1986, at the age of 67. He was known for his significant contributions to numerical analysis and linear algebra, including the development of the Wilkinson matrix and Wilkinson's polynomial. Wilkinson was awarded the ACM Turing Award in 1970 for his research in numerical analysis. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 Dec Voyager completes first non-stop, non-refueled flight around the world: On December 23, 1986, the Rutan Model 76 Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, completed the first non-stop, non-refueled flight around the world. The journey began on December 14, 1986, from Edwards Air Force Base, California, and lasted nine days, covering a distance of 40,212 kilometers (24,987 miles). The aircraft, designed by Burt Rutan, was constructed almost entirely of lightweight graphite-honeycomb composite materials and carried 4,576 liters (1,006.6 gallons) of fuel. The flight averaged 186.11 km/h (115.65 mph) and set a new flight endurance record. source: airandspace.si.edu
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