| 1986 |
John W. Scherer launched a computer manufacturing company, selling computer clones to mom-and-pop computer dealers. He found that his customers not only wanted to know how their computers operated but also how to get the most from their software programs. The concept for Video Professor arrived when John realized that there was a larger market for teaching people how to use computers than there was for selling computers. No one else was providing this kind of training, so he shifted course and started Video Professor. Scherer wanted to create comprehensive computer lessons to teach people quickly and easily about their PCs in a language they could understand. |
| 1987 |
Video Professor is founded with the production of its first lesson, Introduction to DOS, on VHS. The lesson used John's unique "What-You-See-Is-What-You-Do" teaching method. These early lessons were only available at trade shows or in retail stores. |
| 1991 |
Video Professor's first infomercial was produced in which Mr. Scherer sits down with Jeff Conaway, star of the movie Grease and TV show Taxi. By the end of the 30 minute infomercial, Conaway, who had never touched a computer before, not only learns how to get started on a computer but also produces a letter to Louie, his Taxi co-star. |
| 1995 |
Video Professor advertises through infomercials, newspapers, and magazines. John W. Scherer also dramatically increased the titles available in the lesson library. Video Professor evolved with the market, offering consumers a "free lesson of your choice." |
| 1996 |
Video Professor began producing its lessons on CD-ROM as well as on VHS. |
| 1998 |
CD-ROM lessons began to outsell VHS. |
| 2000 |
New computer users of every demographic became Video Professor's core customers. |
| 2003 |
John W. Scherer started Video Professor Online, allowing customers to access lessons on the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| 2004 |
John W. Scherer launched Personal Internet Security, which includes the Video Professor Personal Firewall software and tutorial, Video Professor Virus Protection software and tutorial, Identity Theft Protection and Recovery Lesson, and a chance to get up to $25,000 in personal protection coverage from AIG. |
| 2005 |
Video Professor Spyware Protection software is launched. |
| Today |
Video Professor has approximately 80% penetration in the computer tutorial market and produces thousands of hours of computer instruction on nearly every major software title available. We continue to add new
lessons every year! |
