The 1990s were a time of rapid technological advancement, and computing was no exception. Personal computers were becoming more common in households, and the internet was in its infancy. Here’s a look at what computing was like in the 90s.
Hardware
Personal computers in the 90s were often bulky and heavy, with CRT monitors and large, loud keyboards. The most popular operating systems were Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT, although Macs were also available. The computers themselves had relatively small hard drives compared to today’s standards, with 500MB to 1GB being common. Internet connectivity was often achieved through dial-up modems, which were slow and noisy.
Software
The 90s were a time of software innovation, with the rise of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and the introduction of programs like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. Games were also a popular use for personal computers in the 90s, with titles like Doom, Myst, and SimCity becoming classics. Web browsers like Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer were also introduced in the 90s, marking the beginning of the internet age.
Programming
Programming in the 90s was done primarily in languages like C++, Java, and Visual Basic. Websites were often written in HTML and JavaScript, with CGI scripts handling server-side processing. The internet was still relatively new, so there were few established programming frameworks or libraries.
The Good and Bad of the Internet
Computing in the 90s was not without its challenges. The limited storage space and slow internet speeds made it difficult to store or transmit large files. Viruses and malware were also a major problem, and antivirus software was not as sophisticated as it is today. Additionally, the lack of established standards for web design made it difficult to create consistent and reliable websites.
Overall, computing in the 90s was a time of rapid change and innovation. While the technology was primitive by today’s standards, it laid the foundation for the advancements that we enjoy today.