VisiCalc, released in 1979.
The transistor.
The spreadsheet existed long before the electronic computer, and was used by bookkeepers and accountants. It was developed over time and no one or two people are credited with designing a "first" one. A key invention in the development of electronic spreadsheets was made by Rene K. Pardo and Remy Landau, who filed for a US Patent on a spreadsheet automatic natural order recalculation algorithm which they developed in 1970.
Spreadsheets were among the first of the so-called "Killer applications". A killer application is one that is so useful it makes computers worth buying. VisiCalc was the first spreadsheet program, which was released in 1979. It helped to sell many computers. It was so popular that many other companies created their own spreadsheet programs. So spreadsheets became very important to the computer industry, helping to sell many computers and a lot of software, much like the internet does nowadays.
In the early 2000s, the electronic computer industry was struggling amidst a weak economic climate that presented challenges in business and consumer markets alike.
Wayne J. Lee has written: 'The international computer industry' -- subject(s): Computer industry, Electronic data processing
C. R. Subramanian has written: 'India and the computer' -- subject(s): Computer industry, Electronic data processing, Electronic industries
Today's computer would be nothing like it is now without the microprocessor. Most every electronic device has a microprocessor in it, from garage door openers, to remote controls, and cell phones. The microprocessor revolutionized electronics, giving them intelligence, and making our lives easier. Thus, it revolutionized the computer industry.
Henry Ford
sewing machine
Algol
Included in this industry are digital computers, analog computers, and hybrid digital/analog computers.
Elias Howe