Historical Encyclopedia
The personal computer (PC) is a device that has become an integral part of modern life. It has radically changed the ways we work, communicate, and spend our leisure time. The history of the PC began in 1975 when significant changes in the technology market led to the emergence of the first affordable models that could be used by ordinary people.
The first computing machines were large and complex, requiring specialized training to use. These computers were primarily used in large organizations, research institutions, and universities. Since the early 1970s, there has been a growing interest in minicomputers and so-called "home" devices. Advances in microelectronics and integrated circuits laid the foundation for creating more compact and affordable machines.
In 1975, the Altair 8800 was introduced, which is considered the first personal computer. This device was developed by MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems), and its success largely predetermined the future of the PC market. The Altair 8800 was based on the Intel 8080 processor and was sold as a kit for self-assembly. This made it accessible to enthusiasts who wanted to build their own computer.
Inspired by the appearance of the Altair 8800, two enthusiasts, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, created the BASIC programming language for this machine. This was a significant step forward, as software played a key role in attracting users. With BASIC, users could develop their own programs and fully utilize the capabilities of the new device. This step led to the formation of software as an important part of the PC ecosystem.
After the success of the Altair 8800, the PC market began to grow rapidly. In 1976, Apple was founded and introduced the Apple I — the first personal computer with a keyboard and display. In 1977, the Apple team released the Apple II, which was a breakthrough thanks to color graphics and the ability to connect external devices.
Other important players in the market included Commodore with the Commodore PET and Tandy with the TRS-80. These computers offered various features and customizability, making them appealing to a wider audience.
As new companies and PC models entered the market, the need for standards arose. In 1981, IBM released its first personal computer – the IBM PC. This device established a series of standards that became the foundation for the further development of PCs. The IBM PC used x86 architecture, which later became dominant in the market.
The standardization of hardware components and interfaces facilitated production and software compatibility, contributing to industry growth and an increase in the number of PC users.
In the 1980s, personal computers ceased to be a luxury and became accessible to most families. The advent of the graphical interface, widely used in Apple and Microsoft Windows computers, made interaction with PCs more intuitive and appealing to a broader audience. During this time, the software market also flourished, further solidifying the position of personal computers.
The invention of the personal computer had a significant impact on people's lives. PCs became tools for study, work, creativity, and communication. The Internet, which developed alongside the proliferation of PCs, amplified this influence by opening new horizons for information exchange and interaction among people.
Personal computers found their way into homes, schools, and offices, transforming traditional forms of work and communication. They became instruments for increasing productivity and simplifying tasks that previously took a lot of time.
The personal computer, which emerged on the market in 1975 with the Altair 8800 and subsequent models, changed the world. This invention opened the door for technological development, laying the groundwork for education, work, and leisure that continues to this day. The impact of PCs on modern society cannot be overstated — it has become one of the most important technologies of our time, changing not only the way we work but also the very structure of everyday life.