zTimesharing
zComputer graphics
zNetworking (LANs and the Internet)
zPersonal workstation computing
zWindows and the graphical user interface
zRISC architectures
zModern integrated circuit design
zRAID storage
zParallel computing
z
Research has built the foundation
"Tire tracks diagram" from 1995 CSTB HPCC report Cover of 1995 CSTB HPCC report
This is a chart from a 1995 National Academies study showing some of the billion dollar industries spawned by computing research.
Of course, “billion dollar industry” is not the only test of impact.  Still, this is tremendously impressive:  the Internet, the graphical user interface, workstation-based computing, modern integrated circuit design …