The ‘90s: Looking at My Childhood in a Museum
Last month, my partner and I visited the '90s exhibit at the History Colorado Center in Denver. It was a blast from the past! The exhibit explored various topics, including major events from each year, sports, pop culture, fashion, arts, and entertainment. Naturally, the exponential technological advancements of the '90s played a crucial role in shaping the future as we know it. This post would be miles long if I discussed every aspect, so here are some major highlights that you may or may not have forgotten:
The World Wide Web (WWW) / Information Superhighway: It was your connection to the whole wide world, expanding, sharing, and accessing information in ways we’ve never seen before.
Honorable mentions related to the above: Netscape vs. Internet Explorer (browser wars); AOL CDs for free internet access; Y2K; the Dot-com Bubble and Internet Start-ups
Cell Phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDA): The 90s brought us more mobile cellular phones, which were a giant leap from “brick” phones and car phones. The first Palm Pilot PDA was launched in 1996, and was used to organize schedules, contact information, and email (like a hand-held personal computer!).
Honorable mentions related to the above: Text messaging; T9 texting; Nokia phones; Pagers
MP3 players: The first portable MP3 player was launched in 1997. The early ones were only 32 or 64MB and could hold 6-12 songs.
Honorable mentions related to the above: Napster; WinAmp
Personal Computers: Between 1990-1997, the number of PC owners in households increased from 15 to 35%. Usually, each household had one desktop computer shared between all family members. Windows 95 played a significant role in the accessibility and ease of use of a computer operating system.
Honorable mentions related to the above: Gateway computers; CD-ROMs; iMacs, 8” and 5 ¼” floppy disks, 3.5” hard floppy disks
Other important notables:
The Rise of IT Professionals (that’s us!!!)