The personal computer (PC) has made fast and furious advancements over the years. Evolving through distinct stages in its lifetime, certain individuals have contributed creative innovations that have become the building blocks for the modern PC.
Computers first, debatably, emerged in 1938 with the construction of the Z1 computer by German computer pioneer, Konrad Zuse. His computer, while not the first machine allowing for computations, was the first freely programmable computer which used Boolean logic and binary floating point numbers. This resulted in the birth of the modern computer and set up the scenario allowing for the creation of the personal computer.
An important step towards the PC came with the development of the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC). While preserving the mathematical computational skills of previous computers, it distinguished itself with general-purpose programmability. This development gave computers the capability of being reprogrammed to decipher all sorts of problems. Even though ENIAC was an amazing innovation, large issues plagued the project. The mass of vacuum tubes built into ENIAC, 17,468 to be exact, were constantly burning out which resulted in the machine being unresponsive about half the time. Created in 1946, ENIAC largely dominated the computing world until 1951.
The Xerox Alto pushed the technological boundaries next with its development of the minicomputer. Created by researchers at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, the Alto began the sequence of PCs looking similar to what is commonplace today. Offering the first built-in mouse and desktop menu system, its processes were focused on the individual rather than requiring many to handle the machine. This designation procured the Alto as one of the first personal computers.
Grasping onto the idea of the individual computer, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak formed Apple Computer, Inc. to sell Apple I. Initially lacking some of the major components considered to exist in a personal computer today, their successive launch of Apple II ingrained the PC with specific functions and features previously unheard of. For example, the addition of color, sound, and available room for expansion made this new computer stand out from its competitors. Consequently, with the growing popularity of the PC, an outstanding five to six million Apple II computers were produced by 1993.
As computers continued to grow more advanced, an influx of processors were invented. A processor is a device that takes data collected from a computer, reads it through instructions programmed into its memory, and creates results as output. Used for a variety of manners such as, mathematical calculations, editing texts, and multimedia display, they basically offer the user an easier control over the computer. A breakthrough processor from Intel was the 80286. Offering the ability to run software for previous processors of Intel, the 80286 was very popular and sold roughly fifteen million in nearly six years.
Shortly thereafter personal computers began to become even more user friendly with the incorporation of an interface and memory manager. This operating environment introduced by Microsoft Windows in 1983, made it so users no longer had to type in each command to run their computer. Through navigating a screen of the computer with a relatively new mouse, icons and menus were available to open. A few of the opening programs were: Calculator, Notepad, Paint, and Write.
Competition continued to grow over the years to release better and more accessible computers for the public. Microsoft gained popularity in this time when it split from IBM and backed Windows entirely. Resulting in Windows 3, users appreciated better multitasking capabilities among other improvements. Birthing out of Windows 3, multimedia kits were sold separately as an add-on to the computer in which CD-ROM drives and sound cards were installed. These progressions made the transformation of the PC into a more compatible machine for the general public.
The personal computer took several years to get to the point where we would recognize it today. With the constant expansion and creation of beneficial ideas to the computer, complexities were resolved in order to market the innovations. Through the development of individual processes, computers transitioned from an interesting concept, to something that every person could use and enjoy.
This post was written by Coupons.org’s Ella Davidson. Davidson regularly contributes to Coupons, a consumer-savings site that provides authoritative couponing tips and tricks.
Resources:
“Computer History Timeline.” Computer history timeline. N.p., 2011. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://www.history-timelines.org.uk/events-timelines/07-computer-history-timeline.htm>.
Forster, Winnie (2005). The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972–2005. GAMEPLAN. p. 18. ISBN 3-00-015359-4.
Hormby, Tom. “Origin of the Apple I and Apple II Computers.” Low End Mac. Cobweb Publishing, Inc., 05 Sep 2005. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://www.lowendmac.com/orchard/05/origin-apple-ii-computer.html>.
Oak, M.. “Computer History: Full Timeline.” Buzzle.com. N.p., 2011. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/computer-history-full-timeline.html>.
Rojas , Raul. “The Zuse Computers.” RESURRECTION . British Computer Society, 2006. Web. 5 Feb 2012.
Spector, Lincoln. “The PC at 20, The road from 1981′s IBM PC to toda’ys systems–and all the revolutions, evolutions, and stumbles in between..” PCWorld. PCWorld Communications, Inc., 20 JUN 2001. Web. 6 Feb 2012.
www.wikipedia.com
James is the owner of WindowsTalk.org and has been a Microsoft Windows Consumer MVP since 2003.
When I was still a child, we already have our own Personal Computer but they do not allow me to use it because I might destroy it. However, when I grew up, that was the time when I realize how important and useful PC is. Now, I already have my own laptop which is the same with the PC that we had before. I am so happy that you were able to share to us the significance of PC.
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“but they do not allow me to use it because I might destroy it” -> lol you took me back in time there liane, some where around 1995 i guess i was in this computer class to learn DOS / QBASICS / and C. as i knew they have booted the system through windows and is letting me to learn by from dos prompt,whenever i get a chance i either press alt+tab or type exit in command prompt to experience windows.. ( yes just to experience windows ) some how these guys will find me doing that and say don’t reach windows u r not skill full enough , you may let virus into the system. I even thought computer virus may infect a system as that of virus in biology.
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Twitter: gauthisense
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I would not want to see the day I am without my Computer or Laptop, it would be truly devastating.I agree with the points you have put forth in this article, great stuff.
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Twitter: AlanOnSecurity
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I was only there during Windows 3. Anything older than that, I have totally no clue. It is nice to read on history stuff especially the one which talks about the computer.
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Twitter: tessiesweet2008
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I would not want to see the day I am without my Computer. It is nice to read on history stuff especially the one which talks about the computer. How to protect my computer specially virus? Thank you for posting this blog.
I have been using Windows since long, though wasn’t knowing this complete history of computers and 1938 is a way long back
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I am using windows 7 in our house I think its good to use thanks for sharing..
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I do not know how most people feel but to me i much prefered windows 98 compared to some of the later 2000 versions. I found it much easier to navigate around the computer personally. I think we as a society sometimes can try to keep making things different for the sake of it and it might not necessarily be to a great benifit.
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wow, i thought computers was more from the 70s and 80s, didnt realize they have been around for so long.
Twitter: saikrishna1234
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I started using computers with a 32 MB Ram with a P1 Processor and 4 GB HD. Now the 4GB is just in a pen drive and SD cards, Technology rules the world now. I hope in future it gonna bring more devlopments more than the current PC’s.
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Twitter: inmobee
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As technology advances, it is rare to aknowledge that there are plenty of generations that will never know how a Commodore works. This next years to come will be the most productive years in terms of progressing as tech is concerned
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Twitter: ComputerTooSlow
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Very Interesting read. I always enjoy reading about history, especially history in a subject I am interested in.
I may be dating myself here, but I clearly remember the Apple II. Before the Apple II, I even remember programming a few of my own programs on a Tandy. It is always fun to reminisce.
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Computers just evolved so fast and indeed we rely on them especially on our work. They help us on our daily task to keep things light and also to be productive. I couldn’t imagine life now working without this computers. They are such a reliable tool and equipment in creating constant progress.
Computers and lap tops are the most important objects in everyones lives. I wouldnt like to live without one for sure. But at the same time, when i think on how people used to live without computers 50 and more years ago, i start asking myself – what they have been doing all day long? LOL
thanks for this post!
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I wonder what the early personal computers look like. I enjoyed your post because it’s very detailed and well-researched. Can you add photos to show the evolution of personal computers? That would be really cool.
Twitter: Janis167
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Very interestng article, but you should add images to articles like this.. it helps to percieve the information
Twitter: AmandaBlogger
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It was much exciting for me to find out the history of computers! And nowadays we can’t even imagine our lives without it)
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Coming back from the history of personal computer, I am amazed by the fast pacing enhancement of these computers. We were once living without this but today, I couldn’t imagine how life goes on without this and of course the internet.
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Hi! It’s nice to know more knowledge about the history of the personal computer. Thank you so much for sharing this one great article.
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Twitter: revoices
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It is nice to read on history stuff especially the one which talks about the computer.
Great story
I think our childrens should read it and remember, but in future stories like that will sound like science fiction 
Very interesting. I had thought Steve Jobs and his partner made the first computer.
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Informative as well as Historical post. Thanks for sharing this History of computer.
Wow! This is very informative post! I still remember the days when I’m still using floppy drives I used to be space conscious but now Drive space is not a problem anymore!
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A great excursion to the past, thanks:)
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Great little history lesson. I think many people don’t realize exactly how far computers have come in such a short amount of time. Now we get angry when a website takes too long to load!
~Michelle
I always love reading about the history of the computer. It’s amazing how much things have changed. It’s hard to believe that just 50 years ago the most advanced computer took up an entire room, and now we have devices that are exponentially more powerful that can fit in the palm of your hand. It really is the future, and it blows my mind every time.
~Karen
Thanks for the history lesson, people seem to forget just how much computers have evolved and changed our lives. I’m sure if you went back to the 1940′s when they were inventing the first computers and told them about smartphones they would ever believe you. Technology has been changing so fast, I can’t help but wonder what the future holds.
~Sam
Twitter: gravityinfo
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it’s nice to read history about computer.when i was my 8t class then i used pc first time.today i used window 7 in my personal computer and i feel much better.can anyone tell me the latest fastest window.
At least you got to share this information. Most of us know how to use personal computer and almost all of us have our own personal computer but not all of us know the history of personal computer. This post really gives some insights for those who didn’t know the history of personal computer.
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hi there, i really appreciate for your great posti really appreciate for your great post.
its a nice posting i never ever seen it before, and marked it for the future compliment. Thank you !!
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Very Informative, Thanks for sharing.
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