The IBM PC

Although a few "personal computers" were on the market already, the birth of the IBM PC in 1981 revolutionized the computer industry, eventually leading to the technology we know today. IBM had previously attempted to take on the personal computer market with their IBM 5100 but their efforts fell short. In a second attempt, IBM decided to develop a new operating system to go with what would be the IBM PC.

Twelve engineers worked on the top secret plans known as "Project Chess." When it was released on August 12th, the IBM PC, PC standing for "personal computer", it ran on a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 microprocessor and cost $1,565 (about $4,000 today). IBM is hence credited with popularizing the term "PC." Months after its debut, Time Magazine named the computer "Man of the Year." To say the computer has revolutionized and influenced our lives and culture is an understatement. Computer technology has changed nearly every aspect of our lives from how we do business to how we pay for our groceries. As our culture continues to evolve it is safe to say that computer technology will become more and more saturated into our lives.


Posted by: Jessica Lantz

Sources:

Mary Bellis. (n.d.). about.com:inventors. The History of the IBM PC - International Business Machines . Retrieved October 8, 2009, from http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa031599.htm.

Image Retrieved October, 8 2009 from
http://incentraleurope.radio.cz/pictures/pocitace/prvni_pc.jpg