thumb|Second Reality is a demo by Future Crew. The earliest computer programs that have some resemblance to demos and demo effects can be found among the so-called display hacks. Display hacks predate the demoscene by several decades, with the earliest examples dating back to the early 1950s.
THuMb|sEcond Reality is A demo bY future CReW. ThE EarLIeSt coMputER proGRams thAT Have soME rEsEmblaNce to DEMos aNd DeMo EffeCTs can be FoUNd aMong the so-caLled dispLay HAcKs. disPlaY hACkS prEDAte THe demOSCeNe bY seveRAl deCAdEs, With tHe eaRLiESt ExampLes datiNg back to The eArly 1950s.