IBM PC for Sale! − 3 August, 1981
Submitted by: Anne McCallister
In 1980, there was a discussion between IBM representatives and Bill Gates about developing an operating system for personal computers. The business ventures' goal was to create a computer that people can use at home. "The first IBM PC ran on a 4.77 MHz Intell 8088 microprocessor (Bellis)." The computer came in a box with one to two floppy disks added, along with the optional color monitor. The price was $1,565 as compared to about $4,000 in today's market. This one was the first built from the parts on a shelf in the factory. IBM already had the rights to the Intel chip and that's why they chose to use it for the personal computer. Microsoft had a few operating systems, but really needed to be upgraded for personal computers. They approached Bill Gates about making an operating system to use specifically for personal computers. There were accusations flying from Steve Jobs, (cofounder of Apple computers) that the graphical user interface (GUI's) was stolen to create an operating system, both companies started with technology created by Xerox. Gates agreed to use no Macintosh technology in Windows 1.0, but it left other versions in the future open.
Bellis, M. (1996). Inventors of the Modern Computer. All Artwork. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from: http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa031599.htm
For more information on IBM PC's start:
Patterson, Jason. (2006). The History of Computers During my Lifetime in the 1980's. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from: http://www.pattosoft.com.au/jason/Articles/HistoryOfComputers/1980s.html
Comments:
DistEd (March 2, 2007. 04:01pm)
Anne McCallister
Comparing today to the era of the first personal computer to be marketed is like comparing a typewriter to a word processor or a television to a flat screen HDTV. It is completely amazing how technology has changed our lives. Today, most people have a personal computer and the price is very much more affordable than they were when they first came out. We no longer need to go to the library to check out a book or leave the comfort of our homes for college courses due to the personal computer. The personal computer has also helped parents do their work at home, and gives them more time to be a parent to their children. Personal computers today have an operating system to make it easier for the average user. In the 1980's it was difficult for most people to use a DOS operating system and therefore their wasn't much interest in computers due to the difficulty in using them. As computers became easier to use and more understandable to the user is when the boom of personal computers became an exciting market for consumers. There are still people afraid of computers, even today with all the new technology, but more and more people are using them for things such as, shopping, paying bills, banking, etc... Computers today also are built a lot smaller and with more memory. Where would we be without computers today?