1983 - Compact disc (CD-ROM) technology is introduced in the United States. The digital CD was invented in the late 1960s by James T. Russell working at the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio. SONY and other audio companies eventually realize Russell’s technology is viable and purchase licenses. By the end of 1983, 30,000 CD players and 800,000 CDs have been sold in the United States. Among other things, CD technology allows for storage of larger amounts of data and reference materials. (© AP Images)