The history of the personal computer as mass-market consumer electronic devices effectively began in 1977 with the introduction of microcomputers, although some mainframe and minicomputers had been applied as single-user systems much earlier.

MITS co-founder Ed Roberts invented the Altair 8800 — which sold for $297, or $395 with a case — and coined the term “personal computer”. The machine came with 256 bytes of memory (expandable to 64 KB) and an open 100-line bus structure that evolved into the “S-100” standard widely used in hobbyist and personal computers of this era.

2024年12月31日 · The evolution of personal computers has profoundly impacted our daily lives. From enhancing productivity and communication to providing endless entertainment options, PCs have become indispensable tools. The ability to work, learn, and connect from anywhere has transformed how we live and interact with the world. Try Windows tablets and PCs today

2024年3月29日 · The dream of a personal computer dates back to the early days of computing in the 1950s and 60s. Pioneering computer scientists like Alan Kay envisioned a day when everyone would have their own interactive computer as a personal …

As the 1990s ushered in the Internet age, personal computers became the gateway to an interconnected world, revolutionizing how information was accessed and shared. Windows 95 and the dot-com bubble propelled the personal computer into the mainstream, making it an essential component of modern life.

2024年3月29日 · From room-sized mainframes to pocket-sized smartphones, the rapid advancement of computing technology over the past century has transformed nearly every aspect of modern life. At the heart of this revolution is the concept of the "personal computer" – a device designed to put the power of computing into the hands of individuals.

At first, the personal computer was defined as a machine usable and programmable by one person at a time and able to fit on a desk. It was inexpensive, accessible, simple enough for most people to use, and small enough to be transportable. The claims for the identity of the first personal computer are numerous and depend on definition.

2025年1月6日 · Personal computer, a digital computer designed for use by only one person at a time. A typical personal computer assemblage consists of a central processing unit, which contains the computer’s arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry on an integrated circuit; computer memory; and various peripheral devices.

2017年12月21日 · Over the past 20 years, the market for personal computers has grown from 70 million sold units in 1996 to 316 million in 2013. In 2011-2012 the numbers began to stagnate and in 2013 they decreased by ten per cent. Many suspect that the influx of tablets and smartphones were a direct cause of this.

2024年12月20日 · Instead, the new generation of microcomputers or personal computers emerged from the minds and passions of electronics hobbyists and entrepreneurs. In the San Francisco Bay area, the advances of the semiconductor industry were gaining recognition and stimulating a grassroots computer movement.