- January 6
- At the Consumer Electronics Show, Advanced Micro Devices, KryoTech, and Compaq Computer demonstrate a specially-cooled 1 GHz Athlon processor running in a Compaq computer. [1559]
- At the Consumer Electronics Show, Advanced Micro Devices releases the 800 MHz Athlon processor. [1559] [1635.52]
- January 9
- The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A personal computer is used to run a "Virtual Doctor" medical diagnostic program. The computer has system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The program says it is from the maker of "SimSandwich", a reference to the SimCity series of games. The program says "You've got leprocy", with the same voice as that of America Online's "You've got mail". [1978]
- January 10
- Microsoft settles its four-year legal battle with Caldera. Terms of the settlement are not made public. [1559]
- January 12
- The United States Postal Service issues a 33-cent postage stamp depicting personal computers, part of its series of memories of the 1980s. [1534.89] [2404.94]
- January
- At the Consumer Electronic Show, Microsoft demonstrates the Windows Media Player software. [1243.76]
- January 13
- Microsoft announces changes to its executive management. Steve Ballmer remains president and replaces Bill Gates as CEO. Gates remains chairman and becomes new chief software architect. [961.6] [1035.44] [1266.7] [1559] [2551.38]
- January
- Hewlett-Packard introduces the Pavilion N3200 line of notebook computers. [1227.15]
- eMachines agrees to Apple Computer's demand to stop manufacturing and sale of the eOne computer. [2605.298]
- January 18
- Intel announces the 600 MHz Mobile Pentium III processor, with SpeedStep technology. The processor can run at 500 MHz on battery power, consuming about half power of full-speed mode. Code-name during development was Geyserville. [1233.135] [1266.32] [1559] [1708.52]
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- January 19
- Transmeta announces a new processor family, code-named Crusoe, compatible with the Intel x86 design, for low-power use in portable computers. The first processor is the 700 MHz TM3120. [1168.146] [1412.137] [1416.62] [1464.94] [1468.46] [1746.102]
- January 24
- Sun Microsystems launches the Solaris 8 operating system. [1559]
- Compaq Computer, Hewlett-Packard, Dell Computer, IBM, Gateway, and other companies begin selling computers running Windows 2000 operating system. [1559]
- January 25
- U.S. District Judge Ronald Whyte reinstates some restrictions on how Microsoft can use Sun Microsystems' Java technology in its products. Microsoft can not distribute products that are not compatible with Sun's Java license, but does not have to recall any existing non-complying products. [1559]
- January
- Judge John Koeltl of US District Court of New York dismisses a lawsuit of Imatec against Apple Computer over ColorSync software. [1623.19]
- February 2
- San Marino issues a postage stamp depicting a person at a computer, in a series of millennium stamps. [2525.1004]
- February 3
- Free-PC announces that it will no longer give away free computers, and will end the free Internet service. The company gave away about 25,000 computers in almost one year. [1559]
- Microsoft announces its next consumer operating system will be called Windows Me, short for Windows Millenium Edition. [1559]
- February 4
- Electronic Arts releases The Sims game for the PC. (Almost one million copies sell in the first two months. 16 million copies of all versions are sold through 2006.) [1247.52] [1651.48] [2369.30] [2583.150] [2661.327]
- February 7
- In Canada, Corel annouces the intent to purchase Inprise for US$1.1 billion in stock. [975.1] [1036.147] (US$2.44 billion [1559])
- At the International Solid State Circuits Conference, Advanced Micro Devices demonstrates an Athlon processor operating at 1.1 GHz. Intel demonstrates a prototype 1 GHz Pentium III processor. [1030.3] [1559] [1739.55]
- February 11
- Advanced Micro Devices introduces the 850 MHz Athlon processor. Price is US$849 in 1000 unit quantities. [975.12] [1559] [1635.52]
- February
- Dragon Systems announces it will not make a version of NaturallySpeaking voice-recognition software for Mac OS 9, but may create a version for Mac OS X. [1595.33]
- Apple Computer begins shipping an iBook computer featuring 64 MB RAM, 300 MHz G3 processor, 6 GB hard drive, 24X CD-ROM drive, built-in 10.100 BaseT Ethernet, 56Kbps modem, 2X AGP ATI Rage Mobility graphics controller with 4 MB RAM, USB port, 12.1-inch 800x600 resolution active matrix display, tangerine or blueberry color case, for US$1599. [1127.66] [1718.36]
- Apple Computer begins shipping the iBook Special Edition, like the regular iBook but with 366 MHz G3 processor, graphite and ice color case, for US$1799. [1127.66] [1718.36]
- February 15
- At the Intel Developer's Forum, Intel demonstrates an upcoming 32-bit processor, code-named Willamette, running at 1.5 GHz. [1030.3] [1559] [1741.113]
- February 17
- In San Francisco, California, Microsoft unveils the Windows 2000 operating system. Upgrade price is US$189 from Windows 95 or Windows 98, or US$129 from Windows NT. (1.5 million copies are sold in the first two months.) [1031.14] [1036.22] [1233.135] [1236.98] [1249.32] [1464.116] [1559] [1624.238] [1636.54] [1648.53] [1734.66] [1739.20] [1897.132]
- February 22
- Advanced Micro Devices releases the 550 MHz K6-2 processor. Price is US$189 in 1000-unit quantities. [1559]
- Via unveils the Cyrix III processor, with speeds of 400 and 433 MHz, and system bus speeds of 100, 124, and 133 MHz. Prices are US$89 and US$99. Via expects to begin shipping the processor in April. Code-name during development was Joshua. [1559]
- Palm Computer introduces the Palm IIIc handheld computer. It features Palm OS 3.5, 8 MB RAM, 20 MHz Motorola Dragonball EZ processor, 256-color active-matrix TFT 160x160 pixel 2.5x2.5-inch screen, docking station. The rechargeable lithium ion battery gives power for about two weeks. Price is US$449; weight is 7.6 ounces. [1258.40] [1416.66] [1559] [1718.42]
- Palm Computer introduces the Palm IIIxe handheld computer, like the Palm IIIx but with 8 MB RAM, for US$249. [1416.66] [1559] [1718.42]
- (month unknown)
- Apple Computer introduces the PowerBook G3/500 portable computer. It features 500 MHz G3 processor, 128 MB RAM, ATI Rage Mobility 128 graphics controller, 6 GB hard drive, DVD-ROM drive. Price is US$3499. [1718.32]
- March 3
- Advanced Micro Devices announces it is phasing out its K6-III processor line. [1559]
- Northern Cyprus issues a 275,000-lira postage stamp depicting a computer. [2529.711]
- March 6
- Advanced Micro Devices releases 900, 950 MHz, and 1 GHz Athlon processors. Each processor features 512 kB of Level 2 off-chip cache. Prices are US$899, US$999, and US$1299 in 1000-unit quantities. [1119.1] [1214.32] [1236.98] [1559] [1635.48]
- Compaq Computer and Gateway unveil personal computers using the 1 GHz Athlon processor. Prices start at US$2500 for a complete system. [1559]
- March 8
- Intel announces and begins shipping the 1 GHz Pentium III processor in limited quantities. [1030.3] [1119.1] [1214.32] [1231.72] [1236.98] [1559] [1635.49]
- Apple Computer settles lawsuits out-of-court against Future Power over E-Power computers that Apple claimed copied the look of Apple's iMac. [1559] [2605.298]
- March
- Unit shipments of IBM ThinkPad computers to date: 10 million. [1559]
- March 16
- Palm announces it has created a Japanese company to market its handheld computers and operating system in that market. [1559]
- Mexico issues a 10-peso postage stamp depicting people at computers. [2465.893]
- March 17
- Dell Computer begins shipping personal computers with 1 GHz Pentium III processors. [1559]
- In Iowa, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pratt dismisses a lawsuit by Microware Systems against Apple Computer, which claimed trademark violation by Apple of Microware's OS 9 operating system. [1559] (March 15 [2605.280])
- March 19
- The Fox Broadcasting Company airs the Futurama TV show in the US.
- Characters virtually enter the Internet via America Online, where they are attacked by flying advertisements, and can walk into chat rooms.
- A menu window is accessed, with "NEW / OPEN / CLOSE / DISGUISES" mimicing the style of the Mac OS.
- Later, a video email window also mimics that of the Mac OS.
[1928]
- March 20
- Intel releases the 850 and 866 MHz Pentium III processors. Prices are US$765 and US$776 in 1000-unit quantities. [1559]
- March 28
- Be releases the BeOS 5 operating system for Intel-based personal computers. [1106.29] [1559]
- Microsoft releases the Internet Explorer 5 Web browser for Apple Macintosh computers. The software requires Mac OS 7.6.1 or later. New features include a new rendering engine, 50 percent faster than version 4.5, and more accurate rendering. [1559] [1717.25]
- March 29
- Intel introduces the 566 and 600 MHz Celeron processors, with multimedia instructions, 66 MHz bus, and 128 kB integrated Level 2 cache. Prices are US$167 and US$181 in 1000-unit quantities. [1180.40] [1559]
- Seagate Technology announces Veritas Software will acquire the company for about US$20 billion. The complex deal will result in Seagate becoming a private company focused on the hard drive business. [1559]
- January-March
- Shipments of personal computers worldwide during January to March: 30.4 million. [1559]
- Market share of personal computers in the US during January to March: Dell Computer 17.5%, Compaq Computer 16.5%, Hewlett-Packard 12.2%, Gateway 9%, Emachines 4.5%, Apple Computer 4.4%. [1559]
- Market share of personal computers worldwide during January to March: Compaq Computer 13%, Dell Computer 10.5%, Hewlett-Packard 8.1%, IBM 6.1%, Fujitsu-Siemens 5.6%. [1559]
- (month unknown)
- Palm Canada introduces the Palm IIIc handheld computer in Canada. Features include color active matrix thin film transistor display, 8 MB memory, Palm OS 3.5, for about CDN$679. [1031.31]
- IBM ships the 10 millionth ThinkPad portable computer. [1052.3]
- Apple Computer introduces the Power Macintosh G4/500 computer. It features DVD-RAM drive, 256 MB RAM, graphite case, two USB ports, three FireWire ports, 27 MB hard drive, Zip drive, three PCI slots, ATI Rage 128 Pro AGP graphics, keyboard, mouse. Price is US$3499. [1719.38]
- Microsoft ships Office 2000 Service Release 1, which fixes over 300 bugs in the software suite. [1052.6]
- April 1
- Negotiations for a settlement between Microsoft and the US Department of Justice over the monopoly issue fail. [1079.42] [1559] [1564.262]
- April 3
- U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Jackson issues his Conclusions of Law, ruling that Microsoft acted illegally to protect its operating system monopoly, and used its monopoly position to attempt to monopolize the market for Web browser software. [1052.1] [1079.42] [1088.A2] [1236.98] [1559] [1564.262] [1743.50]
- Bill Gates states that Microsoft will file an appeal of the ruling of Judge Jackson. [1079.43] [1559]
- At the close of stock trading, Microsoft stock price is down 15% from the previous day's close. [1746.42]
- April 5
- America Online unveils Netscape Navigator 6. [1744.51]
- April 11
- Research in Motion of Canada releases the RIM 957 Wireless Handheld computer. It features Intel 386 processor, 5 MB Flash RAM, built-in keyboard, wireless modem, monochrome screen. Weight is 5.3 ounces; price is US$499. [1231.98] [1559]
- April 12
- IBM introduces the 32GB Travelstar hard drive for portable computers. It can hold 17 billion bits per square inch, a new record for hard drive areal density. The drive has a spin rate of 5400 RPM, and partially disables error correction allowing smoother video playback. [1559]
- April
- Corel acquires four applications from MetaCreations: Painter, Bryce, Kai's Power Tools, KPT Vector Effects. [2226.18]
- Handspring releases the Handspring Visor Deluxe handheld computer. Price is US$199. [1559]
- April 19
- In New York City's Grand Central Station, Microsoft launches the Pocket PC, a specification for handheld computers. The Pocket PC runs Microsoft Windows CE 3.0, and includes several applications: music player, word processor, Internet browser, and more. [1055.12] [1179.76] [1829.32] [1559] [1897.132]
- Compaq Computer introduces the iPAQ Pocket PC handheld computer. It features 2.25 x 3 inch color screen, USB port, 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor, 32 MB RAM, Windows CE 3.0. Expansion packs offer access to PC Cards, flash memory cards, email, music file playing, digital camera, modem, bar code scanner, etc. Basic unit price is $699. [1091.34] [1170.40] [1559]
- Casio introduces the Casio Cassiopeia E-115 handheld computer. It features 131 MHz 64-bit NEC VR4121 processor, 32 MB RAM, 64,000-color 2.3 x 3.0-inch 240x320-pixel display, Type II CompactFlash slot, infrared and serial ports, speaker, microphone, stylus, Pocket PC operating system. The lithium ion battery powers the unit for about six hours. Price is US$599; weight is 9.2 ounces; size is 5.1 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches. [1829.34] [1559] [1637.88]
- Hewlett-Packard releases the HP Jornada 545 handheld computer. It features Windows CE 3.0, 4096-color 240x320 pixel passive matrix display, 16 MB RAM. Size is 5.2 x 3.1 x 0.6 inches; price is US$499. The HP Jornada 548 comes with 32 MB RAM for US$600. [1232.19] [1424.36] [1559]
- April 22
- South Korea issues a 170-won postage stamp depicting a CD-ROM and a computer mouse. [2465.222]
- April 27
- Advanced Micro Devices announces that its upcoming low-cost processor, currently code-named Spitfire, will be called Duron when it is released in June. [1559]
- April
- Market share of US retail software, based on units sold: Corel 0.69%. [1097.15]
- April 30
- The Fox Broadcasting Company airs the Futurama TV show in the US. In the year 3000, the 3.5-inch diskette is still used to store data. A robot uses a mouse and mousepad as chest ornaments. [1929]
- (month unknown)
- NEC Computers releases the NEC MobilePro 780 handheld computer. It features Windows CE, 640x240 color display, 32 MB RAM, 56 kbps V.90 modem, external monitor port, stylus, and keyboard. Batery life is about eight hours. Price is US$799; size is 9.6 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches; weight is 1.7 pounds. [1637.88]
- May 1
- IBM announces the ThinkPad T20 portable computer, replacing the 600 series. It features 13.3-14.1 inch display, drive bay for CD / DVD / LS 120 SuperDrive, Ethernet, modem, TV out port, 1.3-inch thick, 5 pounds weight, 650-700 MHz Pentium III processor, 12-20 GB hard drive, 128-512 MB RAM, price US$3099-3999. [1755.28]
- May 3
- In the Philippines, 24-year-old Onel De Guzman releases a virus that he had proposed creating as part of his undergraduate thesis. The email message was sent with subject "ILOVEYOU", and attachment "LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU". When opened, the virus activates, sending the message and attachment to every name on the email program's address list. (By the end of May 5, an estimated 45 million Windows PCs have been affected. Estimated cost of downtime is US$8.7 billion.) [1260.193] [2322]
- May 10
- Microsoft offers a package of restrictions on its business practices to the Department of Justice, in place of the proposed break-up of the company. [1755.48]
- May
- Intel replaces motherboards designed for the 820 chip set, due to a faulty component. [1119.13]
- May 15
- In San Jose, California, the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference is held. [1091.20] [1559]
- At the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple Computer releases Mac OS X DR 4 (fourth developer release) to 4000 software developers. [1091.20] [1559]
- May
- Corel announces it will no longer develop WordPerfect for the Macintosh. [1595.28] [1720.33] [2226.18]
- Hewlett-Packard announces that the Jornada 545 and 530 units are not capable of 16-bit 64 kB graphics as previously advertised, and offers to refund money. [1179.76]
- May 16
- In Canada, Corel announces that the proposed merger with Inprise has been cancelled. [1091.1] [52.6]
- May 17
- Number Nine Visual Technology ceases operations. The company sold most of its assets to S3 in 1999 duing bankruptcy reorganization. [1559] [1637.45]
- May 24
- Intel releases the 933 MHz Pentium III processor. It features 256 kB of Level 2 on-chip cache. Price is US$794 in 1000-unit quantities. [1214.32] [1559]
- May 30
- Palm grants a license to 3Com for the Palm handheld operating system. [1559]
- (month unknown)
- The Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) is held in New Orleans. [1055.3]
- Corel releases WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux. Standard Edition includes WordPerfect 9, Quattro Pro 9, Corel Presentations 9, Netscape Navigator, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Corel Linux OS, 100 fonts, and 1200 images for CDN$149. The Deluxe Edition adds Paradox 9, Netscape Communicator, 900 fonts, and 11,000 images, for CDN$199. The applications suite is compatible with Microsoft Office 2000 and WordPerfect Office 2000 for Windows. [1055.40]
- Apple Canada releases the PowerBook portable computer, with PowerPC G3 processor at speeds of 400 MHz or 500 MHz. Prices are CDN$3699 and CDN$5199 respectively. [1055.45]
- Compaq Canada announces the Armada M700 and E500 portable computers, with Mobile Pentium III processors at speeds of 600 MHz and 650 MHz. Prices start at US$2799. [1055.45]
- Intel introduces the 500 MHz mobile Celeron processor. It features 128 kB level 2 cache, and was created using a 0.18-micron process. Price is US$134 in 1000 unit quantities. [1055.45]
- Intel introduces the 450 MHz mobile Celeron processor. It features 128 kB level 2 cache, and was created using a 0.18-micron process. Price is US$96 in 1000 unit quantities. [1055.45]
- Intel introduces the 400 MHz mobile Celeron processor. It operates at 1.35 volts, designed for small notebook computers. It features 128 kB level 2 cache, and was created using a 0.18-micron process. Price is US$96 in 1000 unit quantities. [1055.45]
- About 59% of American households own a personal computer. [1181.86]
- June 5
- Advanced Micro Devices introduces 750 MHz to 1 GHz Athlon processors. The processor includes integrated 256 kB Level 2 cache. Prices range from US$319 to US$990. Code-name during development was Thunderbird. [1559]
- Advanced Micro Devices begins shipping 600 to 700 MHz Duron processors to computer manufacturers. Prices start at US$112. [1559]
- The Taipei International Computer Show (Computex) is held In Taipei, Taiwan, over five days. [1103.281]
- June 6
- At the Computex trade show, Via Technologies of Taiwan introduces the Cyrix III processor. Speeds are 533 to 667 MHz, priced between US$75 and US$160. [1559]
- June 7
- United States District Judge Thomas Jackson orders the breakup of Microsoft into two companies, one producing operating systems, the other producing application programs. Microsoft says it will file an appeal of the decision. [1088.A1] [1236.98] [1559] [1747.140]
- June 15
- Microsoft releases Windows CE 3.0. It includes better real-time and multimedia capabilities, supports more languages, and is more easily broken up for use in pieces. [1559] [1897.132] (April [1236.44])
- June
- Market share of palm-size computers: Palm 65.4%, Handspring 21.6%. [1236.44]
- June 19
- Advanced Micro Devices introduces the Duron processor, available in speeds of 600, 650 and 700 MHz. It features 3DNow! multimedia instruction set, 192 kB Level 1 cache, 200 MHz bus, 64 MB Level 2 cache, and 64-bit path to Level 2 cache. The processor incorporates 25 million transistors in 0.18 micron technology. Prices are US$112, US$154, and US$192 in 1000-unit quantities. Code-name during development was Spitfire. [1180.40] [1231.72] [1236.41] [1278.114] [1559]
- Intel releases 600 and 750 MHz mobile Pentium III processors. Prices are US$316 and US$562 each in 1000-unit quantities. [1559]
- Intel releases 500, 600, and 650 MHz mobile Celeron processors. Prices are US$134, US$134, and US$181 each in 1000-unit quantities. [1559]
- Microsoft releases the final version of Windows Me to computer manufacturers. [1559] [1897.132]
- June 21
- Compaq Computer launches new Presario 5000 and 7000 desktop computers and Presario 1400 and 1700 portables, available in colored cases: smokey quartz, emerald green, ruby red, amber orange, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple. [1559]
- Sun Microsystems releases StarOffice 5.2 software suite for Windows, Linux, and Solaris. The package can be downloaded for free. [1559]
- Comedy Central airs the South Park TV show in the USA. A personal computer appears, used to find friends on the Internet. [2479]
- June 22
- Microsoft unveils plans for implementing its ".Net" technology platform. [1231.58] [1564.262] [1747.140] [1754.152]
- June 26
- Intel launches 633, 667, and 700 MHz Celeron processors. Prices are US$138, US$170, US$192 in 1000-unit quantities. [1180.40] [1559]
- Advanced Micro Devices unveils 550 and 533 MHz K6-2+ processors for notebook computers. Prices are US$85 and US$99 in 1000-unit quantities. [1559]
- June
- Nvidia releases the GeForce2 MX video card. [1608.22]
- June 28
- Intel announces that the processor code-named "Willamette" will formally be called Pentium 4. [1097.12] [1559]
- Comedy Central airs the South Park TV show in the USA. A laptop computer appears, used to write a romance novel. [2480]
- June 29
- Havas Interactive releases the game Diablo II for personal computers. (One million copies sell in the first two weeks, making this the fastest-selling computer game to date. Total sales in its lifetime: 15 million copies.) [1729.35] [2369.30] [2407.125]
- April-June
- Market share of personal computer shipments in the world during April-June: Compaq Computer 13.2%, Dell Computer 11.5%. [1750.90]
- (month unknown)
- Mauritania issues a postage stamp depicting a woman at a personal computer. [2465.818]
- At an Intel developer conference, Intel demonstrates a 2 GHz Pentium 4 processor. [1179.7]
- The IEEE finalizes USB specification 2.0, also called Hi-Speed USB. [1272.105]
- The IEEE updates the 1394-1995 standard, now called 1394a. Rated speed is 400 Mbps, with maximum distance set at 4.5 metres. [1776.38]
- Compaq Computer releases the iPaq H3650 Pocket PC handheld computer. It features Windows CE, 32 MB RAM, 206 MHz Intel StrongARM 32-bit RISC processor, 4096-color touch screen display, cradle with USB port, 16 MB ROM. Weight is 6.3-ounces; price is about US$500. [1231.98]
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