Advent of Computing

Episode 2 - The Demo

7 snips
Apr 22, 2019
Explore the revolutionary 1968 tech demo featuring graphical interfaces, early mouse, and internet. Learn about Vannevar Bush's memex vision and Doug Engelbart's NLS system. Delve into innovative devices like the mouse, key set, and advanced features of NLS such as Hypermedia and video conferencing.
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ANECDOTE

As We May Think

  • Vannevar Bush's 1945 paper, "As We May Think," envisioned the "memex," a hypothetical device prefiguring the internet.
  • It described hyperlinked pages and touch screens, influencing Engelbart's work on NLS.
INSIGHT

Convergent Discoveries

  • During computing's early days, discoveries often happened concurrently in isolation due to a lack of communication.
  • This isolation stemmed from the absence of a dedicated computing field and skepticism towards these new ideas.
ANECDOTE

NLS Hardware

  • Engelbart's 1968 demo showcased NLS's innovative hardware, including the mouse and chord key set.
  • The mouse, designed at ARC, revolutionized computer interaction by providing a more intuitive way to control the cursor.
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