Computers played a key role in virtually every area of American technology. They influenced such wide-ranging areas as cutting-edge scientific and technological research, weaponry, air traffic control, and price reading and inventory control in grocery stores. Computers also affected the daily work environment of millions of office workers. The rapid development of computer networks (the Internet) in the 1990's accelerated the computer's impact and began to alter the nature of personal communications (e-mail) and how goods and services were purchased. More information: |
Terry S. Reynolds is a Professor of History at Michigan Technological University. His Top 10 list focuses on the most significant developments in technology. "No other invention had so wide an influence during the 1900's," says Professor Reynolds of his top pick--the automobile. |