The demonstration conducted by Douglas Engelbart in 1968 was so important because it introduced many fundamental technologies of modern computing.
He displayed windows, icons, and pointing devices to make the computer easier to use. This is also the first public demonstration of the mouse, completely changing the way we interact with computers. Engelbart demonstrated the concept of text links, which later laid the foundation for the birth of the World Wide Web. He demonstrated real-time editing, video conferencing, and screen sharing, paving the way for the emergence of tools such as Google Docs and Zoom. His system connects multiple users, indicating the future of the Internet. All these technologies work together to demonstrate the versatility of computers. Engelbart sees computers as tools that enhance human intelligence and promote collaboration, a vision that continues to drive technological innovation today.
Engelbart’s demonstration laid the foundation for the way we use computers and the Internet today, making it one of the most important moments in the history of science and technology.