1988 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1988 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 27 Feb Gulfstream IV sets eastbound world circumnavigation record: On February 27, 1988, a Gulfstream IV aircraft completed an eastbound circumnavigation of the globe in 36 hours and 8 minutes, setting 11 world records in its class. This flight followed a westbound circumnavigation in June 1987, which set 22 world records. Both flights demonstrated the Gulfstream IV's exceptional range and performance capabilities. source: gccports.com
- 27 May Microsoft releases Windows 2.1: Microsoft launched Windows 2.1 on May 27, 1988, introducing enhancements to its graphical user interface. This version aimed to improve user experience and compatibility with various applications, marking a step forward in personal computing. source: microsoft.com
- 08 Jun Innovative bird strike prevention by Nippon Airways: On June 8, 1988, Nippon Airways implemented innovative measures to prevent bird strikes, enhancing aviation safety. This initiative was part of a broader effort to improve safety protocols in the airline industry. source: bbc.com
- 10 Jun General Public License (GPL) first mentioned: The General Public License (GPL) was first mentioned in a document released by Richard Stallman on June 10, 1988. This license became a cornerstone of the free software movement, allowing software to be freely used, modified, and distributed. The GPL has since evolved and is widely used in open-source software. source: gnu.org
- 27 Jul Radio Shack launches Tandy 1000 SL computer: On July 27, 1988, Radio Shack introduced the Tandy 1000 SL computer, a new addition to its line of personal computers, aiming to provide enhanced performance and features for home and office users. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Aug IBM's artificial intelligence software launch: On August 16, 1988, IBM launched a new artificial intelligence software aimed at enhancing business operations. This launch was part of IBM's broader strategy to integrate AI into various sectors. source: ibm.com
- 13 Sep EISA Computer Bus Announcement: On September 13, 1988, a consortium of nine computer manufacturers, known as the "Gang of Nine," announced the Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus standard. This 32-bit bus was developed as an alternative to IBM's proprietary Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) in its PS/2 series, aiming to provide enhanced performance while maintaining compatibility with existing 8-bit and 16-bit ISA cards. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Oct The Morris Worm: First major computer virus outbreak: On October 27, 1988, the Morris Worm, one of the first computer worms distributed via the Internet, was released. It caused significant disruption by exploiting vulnerabilities in Unix systems, leading to widespread awareness of cybersecurity issues. source: csoonline.com
- 02 Nov Morris Worm Computer Sabotage Confirmed: On November 2, 1988, Robert Tappan Morris, a Cornell University graduate student, released the Morris Worm from an MIT computer. The worm rapidly spread, infecting approximately 6,000 computers and causing significant disruptions. Morris was later convicted under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. source: fbi.gov
- 22 Dec First Transatlantic Optical Fiber Telephone Cable Completed: The TAT-8, the first transatlantic telephone cable utilizing optical fiber technology, was completed, representing a major milestone in global telecommunications infrastructure.
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