Back to 1981
On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the computer science study programme at ETH Zurich, we look back to 1981 and explore what made the world go round back then. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Space Shuttle
Columbia at first take-off (Picture: NASA)
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Technology & Computer Science
- external page Space Shuttle Columbia It took off for the first time in April 1981.
- external page First IBM Personal Computer The PC was introduced in August 1981.
- external page Solar Challenger the solar-powered electric aircraft flew 163 miles.
- external page ZX81, a home computer, was produced by Sinclair research.
- external page Chaos Computer Club Europe's largest hackers association was founded.
- external page Logitech P7, the first commercial computer mouse was produced.
- external page Prof. Olga Sorkine-Hornung was born.
- external page Prof. Torsten Hoefler was born.
Movies & Music
- external page Mad Max 2, a movie starring Mel Gibson, was released.
- external page Raiders of the Lost Ark , the first Indiana Jones movie, came out.
- external page Das Boot ("The Boat"), a war movie from Germany was released.
- external page Bette Davis Eyes by Singer Kim Carnes came out.
- external page Making Your Mind Up by Bucks Fizz, won the Eurovision Song Contest.
- external page Endless Love, a duett by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, was released.
- external page Concert in Central Park by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel took place.
- external page Lady, a song by Kenny Rogers came out.
Pop culture mix
- external page MTV short for Music Television went live.
- external page Roger Federer, a Swiss tennis star, was born.
- external page Mario by Nintendo was introduced in the platform game Donkey Kong.
- external page Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer got married.
- external page McRib McDonald's added a pork sandwich to its menu.
Find more stories, interviews and historical facts on our celebration website.