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World Wide Web
Physicist Tim Berners-Lee created the prototype of the "WorldWideWeb" and published his first web page in 1990. He initially created it as a way to share intra-organizational communication, files, and documents more easily. His invention made the initial versions of HTTP protocol and URL's and was a large part of why HTML is so popular today. In addition, he envisioned it would grow, like a web, as more people added to the network of files. -
AOL Discs
These discs were created by America Online and first mailed to consumers in 1993. They could also be found at tech stores and in magazines for no charge. The disc contained software which allowed the user to access the internet and often provided a number of hours for free. -
Windows 95
Windows 95 was developed by Microsoft and released with fanfare in 1995. This operating system focused on creating a more user-friendly environment. It made accessing the internet much easier than prior versions of Windows. It also had a feature known as "plug and play", which generally made connecting peripheral devices as easy as its name. -
Nintendo 64
This gaming console was created and released by the Nintendo Corporation. While it received critical acclaim upon its release, it was still eclipsed by the Sony Playstation. The Nintendo 64 was known for its revolutionary take on three dimensional graphics in video games. Despite lagging Sony in sales, the Nintendo 64 was named 1996 Machine of the Year by Time magazine. -
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, is a networking technology which allows devices to communicate over short to moderate distances via radio signal. Because users were no longer required to be connected by cables, Wi-Fi is instrumental in creating and promoting mobility in computing. While Vic Hayes is often called the "father of Wi-Fi", anointing one person as the inventor is misleading, as the technology is comprised of multiple coordinated elements created by multiple sources.