Before the invention of personal computers, computers were simply big machines that operated using a wide range of transistors. Only specialized persons were allowed to operate them, and they were commonly identified as computer priesthood. During that period, computers were difficult and expensive to use. Only few persons encountered them, even programmers did not touch them. However, with the invention of personal computers, things changed. Individuals and companies were allowed to have access and sell personal computers, complex software, accessories, games, and PCs for use in various functions (O’Regan, 2016). While at work or at home, individuals use personal computers to handle tasks. People can hardly imagine the world without them. In the following discussion, the focus is on an invention associated with computers, specifically the personal computers.
The question most people ask is, just how did the PCs come to be? Well, as mentioned before, the early computers were simply big, weighing as much as 30 tons, and could occupy a space of 2000 square feet on the floor (Rankin, 2018). It consisted massive cabling, and the switches were just so many. However, technicians continued to pursue technology that would make things easy, one that would allow building up a more streamlined and smaller computer. In 80s, Bell Labs discovered the transistors. It was an electronic gadget, capable of carrying and amplifying electrical current, and was much smaller compared to vacuum tube. A decade later, experts at Texas Instruments and Fairchild Semiconductor introduced an integrated circuit (Rankin, 2018). The invention had the ability to integrate all the capacitors, transistors, diodes, and resistors into one silicon chip.
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However, even with the emergence of an integrated circuit, scientists did not get satisfied. A new invention that opened way for personal computers was invented. It was the microprocessor. Prior to the coming of microprocessors, computers used integrated-circuit chip to perform each of its functions (Rankin, 2018). Probably the reason the computers still looked big. Microprocessors were resembled a thumbnail in terms of size, and they performed better than the integrated-circuit chips. They were capable of running computer programs, managing data and could remember information by themselves. In 1971, Ted Hoff made the first microprocessor. It was 1/16-1/8-inch chip known as 4004, with computing power equivalent to the ENIAC computer (Rankin, 2018).
In view of the foregoing inventions, it was easier and less expensive to manufacture personal computers. It led to emergence of a relatively small and inexpensive microcomputer referred to as the personal computer. For instance, in 1974, Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) came up with a computer referred to as the Altar (Rankin, 2018). While compared with the microcomputers, the Altar was simply big success. Most individuals purchased them, although it lacked a screen and keyboard. Later, MITS sought the services of Bill Gates and Paul G. Allen to install BASIC programming language to the Altair. The computer became easier to use. The two engineers would later form partnership and start Microsoft (O’Regan, 2016).
Following the emergence of Microsoft, two engineers formed yet another partnership and came up with a homemade computer that became a hit across the globe. The two were Stephen Wozniak and Ste Jobs. They named the computer Apple I, and was more advanced than the Altair. Apple I had an improved version microprocessor, the memory was advanced, had a screen and a monitor (O’Regan, 2016). Soon after its introduction, the two engineers came up with Apple II, complete with a colored screen and a keyboard. The gadget enabled the users to store data in external gadgets, the floppy disks. Programmers were brought on board to create applications of Apple II. They came up with VisiCalc that improved the Apple to a gadget that would be used by all manner of people, businesses included. This discovery opened up the PC revolution. Numerous companies such as Commodore, IBM, Tandy, and Xerox joined the market and more computers were manufactured (O’Regan, 2016). They became prevalent in offices and homes. The new personal computers had graphical user interface that allowed easy selection of icons as opposed to writing complex commands. The introduction of mouse made personal computers user-friendly and convenient. The discovery continues to thrive today, and tablet computers, Smartphone, and laptops have made it easier to walk around with computers.
Impact of Personal Computers
The introduction of personal computers made huge impact in the society. Companies found a low-cost method of transforming themselves by distributing data and processing capabilities to individuals and departments in many locations. From a personal level, computers have affected the way individuals make purchases and shop. Consequently, the introduction of online platforms such as Amazon has enabled people to use their computers at the comfort of their homes to make purchases. In terms of communication, personal computers have contributed greatly, as people can use emails, and social media platforms to communicate. It is easier to meet new people, and online communication has become the preferred mode, compared to making phone calls (Keranen, 2016). With the discovery of personal computers, companies can have employees working at home or even work from the corporate headquarters. They have enabled use of telecommuters, which are used to communicate to the employees to send their work via the Internet.
References
Keranen, R. (2016). Inventions in Computing: From the Abacus to Personal Computers Art and Invention. New York, NY: Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC.
O’Regan, G. (2016). Introduction to the History of Computing: A Computing History Primer Undergraduate Topics in Computer Science. New York, NY: Springer
Rankin, J. L. (2018). A People's History of Computing in the United States. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press
