The micro computer, also known as a personal computer or PC, is a type of computer that is designed for personal use. The history of the microcomputer dates back to the 1970s when the first personal computers were developed by hobbyists and enthusiasts. Since then, the microcomputer has revolutionized the way people work, communicate, and access information.
In the early 1970s, the first personal computers were developed by hobbyists and computer enthusiasts. These early machines were often based on the Intel 8080 microprocessor, which was introduced in 1974. One of the first microcomputers to be commercially available was the Altair 8800, which was introduced in 1975. The Altair was sold in kit form and required assembly by the user.
Despite its primitive design, the Altair was a huge success, selling thousands of units within its first year on the market. This success prompted other computer enthusiasts to develop their own microcomputers, and by the late 1970s, there were hundreds of different models available.
One of the most important early microcomputers was the Apple II, which was introduced in 1977. The Apple II was designed by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs and was the first commercially successful personal computer. It was also the first computer to feature color graphics and sound, which made it a popular choice for gaming and educational software.
Another important early microcomputer was the Commodore PET, which was introduced in 1977. The PET was the first computer to feature a built-in keyboard and monitor, which made it a more practical option for personal use. The PET was also the first computer to use a variant of the BASIC programming language that was specifically designed for microcomputers.
Commodore and Atari were two of the most prominent companies in the early personal computer market. Commodore released the iconic Commodore 64 in 1982, which became the best-selling home computer of all time, with a whopping 17 million units sold. Atari, on the other hand, released the Atari 400 and 800 computers in 1979, which featured advanced graphics and sound capabilities that were unrivaled at the time. The Atari 2600 console, released in 1977, also became a massive success and is widely regarded as one of the most important consoles in gaming history.
Both companies were major players in the personal computer market until the mid-1980s, when they began to face increasing competition from companies like IBM and Apple. Despite eventually falling behind, the legacy of Commodore and Atari computers still lives on today, as they played a significant role in shaping the early days of personal computing and gaming.
Throughout the 1980s, the microcomputer market continued to grow and evolve. In 1981, IBM introduced the IBM PC, which was the first microcomputer to be based on the Intel 8088 microprocessor. The IBM PC quickly became the standard for business and personal computing, and it helped to establish Microsoft as a dominant force in the software industry.
The 1980s also saw the rise of the so-called “clone” market, in which third-party companies produced IBM-compatible PCs at a lower cost than the original IBM machines. This helped to make personal computing more accessible to a wider audience, and it contributed to the rapid growth of the microcomputer market.
In the 1990s, the micro computer market continued to evolve with the introduction of new technologies such as CD-ROM drives, multimedia capabilities, and the internet. These advances made the PC an even more powerful tool for personal and professional use, and they helped to establish the PC as a dominant force in the computing industry.
Today, the micro computer market continues to thrive with a wide range of devices available for personal and professional use. From desktops to laptops, tablets to smartphones, the microcomputer has become an essential tool for communication, entertainment, and productivity.
The history of the micro computer is a testament to the power of innovation and the ability of individuals to create new technologies that transform the way we live and work. While the early micro computers were primitive by today’s standards, they paved the way for the development of more powerful and sophisticated machines that continue to shape our world.
A brief history of computers