What is microcomputer

A microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit. Another

general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space
when compared to mainframe and minicomputers. Many microcomputers (when equipped with a
keyboard and screen for input and output) are also personal computers (in the generic sense)

The abbreviation "micro" was common during the 1970s and 1980s, but has now fallen out of
common usage.

History & Devolopment

A collection of early microcomputers, including a Processor Technology SOL-20 (top
shelf, right), an MITS Altair 8800 (second shelf, left), a TV Typewriter (third shelf, center), and
an Apple I in the case at far right.

Although they contained no

microprocessors but were built around TTL
logic, Hewlett-Packard Calculators as far back
as 1968 had various levels of programmability
such that they could be called
microcomputers. The HP 9100B (1968) had
rudimentary conditional (IF) statements,
statement line numbers, Jump statements (Go
to), registers that could be used as variables,
and primitive subroutines. The programming
language resembled Assembly language in
many ways. Later models incrementally added
more features, including the BASIC
programming language (HP 9830A in 1971).
Some models had tape storage and small
printers. However, displays were limited to a
single line at a time. The HP 9100A was
referred to as a personal computer in an
advertisement in a 1968 Science magazine but
that advertisement was quickly dropped. It is
suspected that HP was reluctant to call them
"computers" because it would complicate
government procurement and export procedures

The Datapoint 2200, made by CTC in 1970, is perhaps the best candidate for the title of
"first microcomputer". While it contains no microprocessor, it used the 4004 programming
instruction set and its custom TTL logic was the basis for the Intel 8008, and for practical
purposes the system behaves approximately as if it contains an 8008. This is because Intel was the
contractor in charge of developing the Datapoint's CPU but ultimately CTC rejected the 8008
design because it needed 20 support chips.
 Another early system, the Kenbak-1, was released in 1971. Like the Datapoint 2200, it
used discrete TTL logic instead of a microprocessor, but functioned like a microcomputer in most
ways. It was marketed as an educational and hobbyist tool, but was not a commercial success;
production ceased shortly after introduction. Another system of note is the Micral-N, introduced
in 1973 by a French company and powered by the 8008; it was the first microcomputer sold all
assembled and not as a construction kit.

Virtually all early microcomputers were essentially boxes with lights and switches; one
had to read and understand binary numbers and machine language to program and use them (the
Datapoint 2200 was a striking exception, bearing a modern design based around a monitor,
keyboard, and tape and disk drives). Of the early "box of switches"-type microcomputers, the
MITS Altair 8800 (1975) was arguably the most famous. Most of these simple, early
microcomputers were sold as electronic kits--bags full of loose components which the buyer had
to solder together before the system could be used.

The period from about 1971 to 1976 is sometimes called the first generation of
microcomputers. These machines were for engineering development and hobbyist personal use. In
1975, the Processor Technology SOL-20 was designed, which consisted of a single board which
included all the parts of the computer system. The SOL-20 had built-in EPROM software which
elimated the need for rows of switches and lights. The MITS Altair just mentioned played an
instrumental role in sparking significant hobbyist interest, which itself eventually led to the
founding and success of many well-known personal computer hardware and software companies,
such as Microsoft and Apple Computer. Although the Altair itself was only a mild commercial
success, it helped spark a huge industry.

1977 saw the introduction of the second generation, known as home computers. These
were considerably easier to use than their predecessors, whose operation often demanded
thorough familiarity with practical electronics. The ability to connect to a monitor (screen) or TV
set allowed for visual manipulation of text and numbers. The BASIC programming language,
which was easier to learn and use than raw machine language, became a standard feature. These
features were already common in minicomputers, which many hobbyists and early manufactures
were familiar with.

1979 saw the launch of the VisiCalc spreadsheet (initially for the Apple II) that first turned
the microcomputer from a hobby for computer enthusiasts into a business tool. After the 1981
release by IBM of their IBM PC, the term Personal Computer became generally used for
microcomputers compatible with the IBM PC architecture (PC compatible).

Major time line for microcomputer development as follows

1971 Nov 1971 - In November 1971, the 4000 family, now known as MCS-4 (for
Microcomputer System 4-bit), was officially introduced with an advertisement in
major trade publications. The main caption read, "Announcing a new era of
integrated electronics"--a very prophetic ad.

1972 1972 - Kildall briefly returned to UW and finished his doctorate in computer
science in 1972, then resumed teaching at NPS. He published a paper that
introduced the theory of data-flow analysis used today in optimizing compilers, [4]
and he continued to experiment with microcomputers ...
1973 1973 - The MCM/70 was a pioneering microcomputer first released in 1973,
making it one of the first microcomputers in the world, the first to be shipped in
completed form, the first portable computer, and arguably the first truly usable
microcomputer system. Nevertheless ...

1974 1974 - In 1974, the first microcomputer, the MITS Altair, was offered as a kit for
hobbyists—an event that changed the computing world forever. It was soon
followed by the IMSAI, the NorthStar, and Apple. Even Radio Shack introduced
the TRS-80 in the mid-70s.

Dec 1974 - In December 1974, Popular Electronics magazine described the first
home computer. It was the first micro computing machine called the Altair 8800
and boasted 256 bytes of memory. And, it had no software that would make it do
anything. In the nearly three ...

1975 Apr 1975 - Processor Technology Corporation was a microcomputer company

founded by Bob Marsh in April 1975. Contents: 1. History 2. Making Standards 3.
Products 4. External links 1. History.

Jul 22, 1975 - Today in History – July 22, 1975 – Bill Gates and Paul Allen sign
Microsoft's first official contract licensing their BASIC to MITS, the makers of the
Altair kit computer. The young entrepreneurs had hit upon a revolutionary new
concept—the idea that a ...

1976 Dec 31, 1976 - Computer History Museum | Exhibits | This Day in History: ... ...
CROMEMCO Z-2D December 31, 1976. Microcomputer Pioneer CROMEMCO is
Incorporated. Harry Garland and ...

1977 Jun 26, 1977 - At Intel, the leader In microcomputers, we believe that an training is
Someone apart - a prn who enjoys . ,ng and then that knowledge. ... for immediate
consideration, send your resume with salary history in confidence to Intel
Employment, 3065 Bowers Avenue, Santo. Clara, CA 95051. ...

1978 Aug 21, 1978 - The owner will explain what he wants his microcomputer to do.
The programmer will develop the program for a mutually agreeable fee. a customer
... Ten to IS years ago the price was about 100000 Tandy's Roach says that repairs
to the microcomputer should not cost more than repairs to a ...

1979 Oct 28, 1979 - In the last three or four years, however, technological advances with
socalled minicomputers and microcomputers have brought the prices down to a ...
And it can spew forth reports on a tenant s history, a building s profit and loss
statement and a company s status, and prepare bills, ...
 Nov 15, 1979 - Jade Computer Products in Hawthorne is a company which has
grown up with microcomputers. It has become one of the largest suppliers of
microcomputer components and ... gan manufacturing a microcomputer system,
based on the Intel 8008, which was featured in Popular Electronics magazine. ...

1980 May 31, 1980 - The Good Hope School has recently purchased two micro
computers, with a third on order. One of these is already in use in some middle
school classrooms, where students were introduced to the history of computers,
how they work and flowcharting, prior to the computers arrival. ...

1981 Aug 31, 1981 - Thomas E. Schatzel, Peter W. Gumaer, Law Offices of Thomas E.
Schatzel, Santa Clara, Cal., for defendants Personal Micro Computers, ... If any
doubt is left by the wording of the statute, the legislative history makes clear the
all-inclusive nature of the definition of "fixed" form: ...

1982 Sep 7, 1982 - Mr Walter said junior high student will be introduced to the micro
computers in one-week seminars Microcomputers will also be placed in each of ...
At Genoa Junior High School Ohio history will be dropped from the curriculum,
and civics will be added to replace the history course Greg ...

1983 Jan 9, 1983 - Indianapolis, for example, has only 250 microcomputers for its 56000
pupils, but is in the process of ordering several thousand more. ... One computer
program in use in some history classes, for example, simulates a wagon train trip in
the It asks the student to plan such a journey. ...

Jan 21, 1983 - The NCR Corporation displayed a new line of microcomputers and
a network for resource sharing and announced new software licensing agreements
... The Decision Mate V series of microcomputers are designed for personal
business use, NCR said. Its Decision Net system would link personal ...

Mar 7, 1983 - Nearly one million micro computers were sold In the United States
In 1982 This was about as many as had been previously sold In the history of
micro-computers. It's expected that more than two million units will be . sold In
1983 Before 1982 the giants of the Industry were Radio Shack. ...

May 1, 1983 - The program is part of a history unit on the westward movement.
The children have to make decisions as they go-how much food to take, ... The
computer is good for more than just rote learning, Hyde contended. "If that s all
the microcomputer does, then why not use flash cards? ...

Sep 11, 1983 - For confidential consideration, send detailed resume and salary
history to:. Pereonnel Manager .Homart Development Co ... for first time
 microcomputer; the Chicago area. Training will Include Introduction/oper-' ation
of IM PC, Zenith 100 & ApVe Ml- as well as applicat ons & la such ...

1984 Feb 27, 1984 - Just as in the United States, leading computer companies in Britain
are homing in on the booming microcomputer market. ... ''Our objective for the
next three years is to be the No. 1 microcomputer company in Europe and in the top
20 worldwide,'' Mr. Leftwich said. ...

Feb 27, 1984 - DISPLAYING ABSTRACT ]Just as in the United States, leading
computer companies in Britain are homing in on the booming microcomputer
market. In the process, solid homegrown competitors, several of which ... History
vs. Modernity in German Opera Season · Revenge of the MetroCard Machines ...

Apr 1984 - Acting Commissioner Martha McStean in April 1984, added this
program to develop management information systems software, automate and
modernize administrative practices, and encourage end-user development of new
applications. An agencywide survey was completed to ...

Aug 19, 1984 - Qualitied candidates should send re- sume and salary history to: G.
Glttleson, Wallpapers To Go, 3131 Corporate Place, Hayward, CA 94545. ...
Utilize your microcomputer instruments background to the fullest, with Kontron
Electronics, a dynamic company on the grow. ...

Oct 1984 - In October 1984, the Company entered into an agreement with
Rockwell pursuant to which the Company was licensed to manufacture these
products. The Company currently designs, manufactures, distributes and markets
more than 250 products or product variations ...

1985 Jul 23, 1985 - Subtitled ''The History, Corruption and Future of the Language,'' this
volume is both a brief sociological history of the evolution of what was originally
the most popular ... Very few new programs seem to be written using what many
claim was the microcomputer language of the 1970's. ...

Sep 30, 1985 - The classes will be held at mu's microcomputer lab in the Center for
Continuing Education, 1981 Wis consin Ave. ... Oct 28 Topics will include the
history of computing, current uses of computing machines and techniques, the
vocabulary of computing and the abilities and costs of various ...

1986 Apr 29, 1986 - Secretive History. In the nine months ended Nov. 30,
Microcomputer Memories lost $4.5 million on revenue of $4.9 million. Assets as
of Nov. 30 stood at $5.4 million and liabilities were $4.15 million. Since then,
Kupetz. said, the firm has lost another $1.5 million, and liabilities now ...

1987 Sep 1987 - In September 1987, the first microcomputer version of RAT-STATS
 was developed to run on IBM compatible computers using Microsoft's Disk
Operating System (MS-DOS).

1988 Jan 1, 1988 - It was founded by Frank Odasz and Regina Odasz, both education
professors at Western Montana College, with grants from US West and the MJ
Murdock Charitable Trust. On January 1, 1988, BST went online to offer
telecommunications remotely to Montana school ...

1989 Jul 30, 1989 - The Intel Corporation is well known for its family of
microprocessors, which are the heart of every IBM-compatible microcomputer,
including those made by AT& T. ... Combining their individual strengths, the two
companies have teamed up to produce a series of powerful microcomputers. ...

1990 Jun 1, 1990 - Technology for the '90s: Microcomputers in Libraries. ... find
Computers in Libraries articles. Technology for the 90s: Microcomputers in ...
Geoffrey A Short History of the Twentieth Century Chicago, IL: Ivan R. Dee,
Publisher...admission wrote frugally about the twentieth century. ...

1991 Nov 1991 - In November 1991, I published an article titled "HyperHistory: A New
Way of Seeing and Teaching History" (Collegiate Microcomputer. 9: 4). I used a
DOS-based hypertext program called XText to prepare several documents such as
Wright describes. The ...

1992 Mar 22, 1992 - One of the most striking examples of this phenomenon is the
microcomputer industry.(9) By looking in some detail at the history of this
industry, I hope to be able to shed some light on the circumstances under which
economic growth proceeds through the generation of external rather ...

1993 Dec 8, 1993 - National Microcomputer was founded by Jafar a former electrical
engineer with Unisys (then e-systems and his wife, Cindy, one-time head of ac
counting at a large computer deal ership in Salt Lake City Two of the company's
23 employees work primarily in research and development. here ...

1994 Mar 14, 1994 - The large installed base of Mac applications will run on the Power
Macs. History is not forgotten, merely amplified. Any pioneer venture carries
genuine risks. Apple must be applauded for moving into territory that no other
mainstream desktop maker was willing to enter. ...

1995 Apr 1995 - In April 1995, a curriculum revision meeting was held in Islamabad
with representatives from all Pakistani library schools. Included in the new
curriculum are various information science-related courses: eg, Fundamentals of
computerized information storage ...
1996 Jul 15, 1996 - REPORT ON THE ASTRONOMICAL DATA SERVICE IN
CHINA Guo Hongfeng and Ke Darong Beijing Astronomical Observatory,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, PR China Received July 15, 1996.
Abstract. We describe the history and ...

1997 Feb 11, 1997 - In 1980 Microcomputer Technology Institute (Micro Tech) was
established in Houston to train in electronics, especially high-level vocational
training. In 1987 Micro Tech attained ... Over the history of the program, the
percentage of the costs paid by the grant ranged from 50% to 75%. ...

1998 Feb 5, 1998 - The test unit 304 may be implemented as servo-activated telephone
response module, implementing functionality such as that described in co-pending
application entitled "Interactive Telephone Response Module" which was filed on
Feb. 5, 1998, application number 09 ...

2001 Aug 7, 2001 - Remember the Apple II? It was the tan, boxy little desktop machine
that introduced microcomputers to the world in 1977. ... Apple's machines were
later overshadowed by the proliferation of the IBM PC and its clones. But they
won't be written out of history. ...

2002 Feb 1, 2002 - OCLC COMPLETES PURCHASE OF NETLIBRARY. ... find

Online Libraries & Microcomputers articles. The sale of netLibrary assets to
OCLC was finalized at ... 2001 issues of 'Online Libraries and Microcomputers' for
more complete details on the history of netLibrary,their bankruptcy and sale).

2003 Sep 1, 2003 - And then, the authorized testing products are microcomputer, server,
Portable computers, computer supply and printer on Sept 1st, 2003. NCTC was
authorized to be the China Quality Certification Center (CQC) – 3C Contract Test
Laboratory.

2007 Nov 1, 2007 - While maintaining all the history and charm of the place A- which
includes a leather-bound book with the day's losses written out with ... But though
business practices may have changed since Hambling's days with microcomputers,
the underlying mindset of the entrepreneur is a constant. ...