DocumentCode
1545713
Title
Getting small: a short history of the personal computer
Author
Abbate, Janet
Volume
87
Issue
9
fYear
1999
fDate
9/1/1999 12:00:00 AM
Firstpage
1695
Lastpage
1698
Abstract
Traces the development of the personal computer (PC). The article first considers the technological underpinnings; how integrated circuits and microprocessors replaced vacuum tubes etc. The computer had been developed mainly by and for large organisations, but it was the amateurs that caused the emergence of the PC, beginning with the Altair 8800, which the user assembled himself. The interface consisted of switches and flashing lights. The hardware and interfaces then developed and new manufacturers entered the market. Finally, the emergence of graphical user interfaces and user-friendly applications software made the PC of interest to users without the skill or inclination to be programmers
Keywords
microcomputers; personal computing; Altair 8800; GUI; IC; PC; flashing lights; graphical user interfaces; integrated circuits; microprocessors; personal computer; switches; user-friendly applications software; Assembly; Electron tubes; Hardware; History; Integrated circuit technology; Manufacturing; Microcomputers; Microprocessors; Switches; Vacuum technology;
fLanguage
English
Journal_Title
Proceedings of the IEEE
Publisher
ieee
ISSN
0018-9219
Type
jour
DOI
10.1109/5.784256
Filename
784256
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