History of NLS (computer system) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 21, 2026

NLS (oN-Line System) was a pioneering computer collaboration system created in the 1960s by Douglas Engelbart and his team at the Augmentation Research Center (ARC) at SRI. Funded by ARPA, NASA, and the US Air Force, NLS was groundbreaking for its practical implementation of hypertext links, the computer mouse, raster-scan video monitors, relevance-ranked information, screen windowing, and presentation programs. It demonstrated many features considered essential to modern computing. NLS aimed to augment human intellect by enabling collaborative work and efficient information management, laying the groundwork for future advancements in personal computing and the internet.

1963: First Computer: CDC 160A

In 1963, NLS utilized its first computer, the CDC 160A, which had very limited programming capabilities.

1965: NLS Development Moved to CDC 3100

In 1965, the development of NLS transitioned to a CDC 3100 computer.

1966: Jeff Rulifson Joins SRI

In 1966, Jeff Rulifson joined SRI and became the lead programmer for NLS.

December 9, 1968: NLS Demonstrated at Fall Joint Computer Conference

On December 9, 1968, Douglas Engelbart demonstrated NLS at the Fall Joint Computer Conference in San Francisco. Known as "The Mother of All Demos," it showcased NLS's groundbreaking features and state-of-the-art video technologies, including a homemade modem at 2400 baud and microwave links from Menlo Park.

1968: NLS Development Moved to SDS 940 Computer

In 1968, NLS development was moved to an SDS 940 computer running the Berkeley Timesharing System, featuring approximately 96 MB storage, support for up to 16 workstations with raster-scan monitors, three-button mice, and chord keysets.

1969: Arrival of ARPA Network at SRI

In 1969, with the arrival of the ARPA Network at SRI, the time-sharing technology that seemed practical with a small number of users became impractical over a distributed network.

1970: Development of "the Journal"

In 1970, "the Journal," a primitive hypertext-based groupware program, was developed by David A. Evans as part of his doctoral thesis, serving as a predecessor to modern collaborative document creation software.

1970: NLS Ported to PDP-10 Computer

In 1970, NLS was ported to the PDP-10 computer, modified by BBN to run the TENEX operating system.

1971: TENEX Implementation of NLS as Network Information Center

By mid-1971, the TENEX implementation of NLS was put into service as the new Network Information Center. Access was possible from custom-built display workstations, or simple typewriter-like terminals.