February 2025

The Engineering Design Revolution

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Shapr3D offers a comprehensive CAD platform for design, manufacturing, and prototyping teams, featuring intuitive modeling, effective collaboration, and integration with leading technologies like Apple Vision Pro. The platform provides resources for various industries, such as automotive and consumer goods, and it also hosts “The Engineering Design Revolution” by David E. Weisberg, detailing the CAD industry’s history over 80 years. The book is accessible online for free, with contributions encouraged towards cancer research.

https://www.shapr3d.com/blog/history-of-cad

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12 Map Happenings That Rocked Our World: Part 10

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Extreme TLDR: In 1967, R.R. Donnelley launched Donnelley Cartographic Services to produce road maps, growing into the largest custom mapping organization. In 1994, it spun off GeoSystems Global Corporation, which created MapQuest, launching in 1996. After rapid growth, MapQuest went public in May 1999, valued at $800M shortly thereafter. AOL acquired MapQuest for $1.1B in December 1999, leading to traffic growth but eventual decline post-acquisition. MapQuest still exists under System1, relying on Mapbox technology, a far cry from its former status.

https://maphappenings.com/2024/07/18/mapquest/

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The Origin and Unexpected Evolution of the Word “mainframe”

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“Mainframe” originated from the physical frames of early computers like the IBM 701 (1952). Initially, it referred to the main part of a computer, later evolving to denote a large, powerful computer for transactions. The term’s meaning shifted in the 1970s to differentiate from minicomputers, and definitions transitioned in dictionaries over the decades. IBM was hesitant to use “mainframe” as a marketing term until the mid-1980s, after which the usage surged, peaking in the 1990s before declining. Despite predictions of obsolescence, mainframes persist today, and their terminology continues to evolve.

https://www.righto.com/2025/02/origin-of-mainframe-term.html

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Screen Saver History: Why Boring Black Screens Won Out

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TLDR: Screen savers, initially designed to prevent screen burn-in, evolved from simple dimming functions to whimsical animations, like flying toasters, in the 90s. While their cultural significance has declined, their legacy continues in modern technology, often without need for the graphics they once showcased. Today, devices like smartphones utilize simpler forms of screen management, reflecting a shift away from the classic screen saver concept.

https://tedium.co/2025/01/12/screen-saver-history/

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