4.

The Personal Computer Revolution

The 1970s and 1980s marked a transformative period with the advent of personal computers
(PCs), bringing computing power to individuals and small businesses.

The Birth of Microprocessors

The invention of the microprocessor in the early 1970s was a key catalyst for the personal
computer revolution. Intel's 4004, released in 1971, was the first commercially available
microprocessor. This compact integrated circuit contained the CPU of a computer on a single
chip, significantly reducing the size and cost of computers.

Early Personal Computers

The Altair 8800, introduced in 1975, is often regarded as the first commercially successful
personal computer. Hobbyists and enthusiasts embraced the Altair, sparking interest in the
development of user-friendly PCs.

Apple Computer, founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, revolutionized the industry with
the Apple II in 1977. The Apple II's color graphics, expandability, and user-friendly interface
made it a popular choice for both home and business use.

IBM PC and Industry Standardization

IBM entered the personal computer market with the IBM PC in 1981. The IBM PC's open
architecture, using off-the-shelf components and an operating system (MS-DOS) developed
by Microsoft, set a standard that other manufacturers could follow. This standardization led
to the rapid growth of the PC market and the proliferation of compatible software and
hardware.

Graphical User Interfaces

The development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) made computers more accessible to
non-technical users. Xerox's Alto, developed in the 1970s, pioneered the use of a mouse-
driven GUI. Apple popularized GUIs with the Macintosh in 1984, offering a user-friendly
interface that revolutionized personal computing. Microsoft's Windows operating system,
launched in 1985, further expanded the adoption of GUIs, becoming the dominant platform
for PCs.