The Origin of Computers: A Continuation of Our PCs' Ancestors' Evolution

In 1960, the technology company Digital Equipment introduced their new computer, the PDP. The PDP was the first minicomputer. The term minicomputer refers to the type of computers most people are familiar with today, in other words, the opposite of a super computer. It was the first time a computer had a monitor for reading information. With the technology trend going toward ease of use, in 1963 Douglas Engelbart invented the mouse pointing device that people still use today. Continuing the trend to help developers create and read programs, John Kermny created the BASIC computer language at Dartmouth College in 1964. With computers becoming increasingly popular among math and science applications, Hewlett-Packard introduced the first programmable scientific desktop calculator, the Hewlett-Packard 911A PC on October 4 1968.

The very first computer to be marketed towards consumers was the H316 Kitchen Computer. The H316 was made my Honeywell and was released in 1969. It was very expensive, it cost over 10,000 dollars. Also in 1969, the microprocessor company Advanced Micro Devices was founded by Jerry Saunders. AMD is today a major supplier of processors in personal computers. In 1970, Intel, AMD's rival in the microprocessor business, began their design for the 4004 processor. The 4004 eventually became the first modern processor.

Through the early 1970's many increases in processor speed, memory size and data transfer rate led to the introduction of the Apple II personal computer in 1976. The Apple II was a groundbreaking computer in many different aspects of technology. It introduced the public to Graphical User Interface. GUI software uses onscreen buttons and icons to replace bulky external toggle switches and dials. The Apple II also had color graphics on its display monitor, a keyboard, onboard sound, and even room for expansion on its motherboard. To many, the Apple II signaled the beginning of the modern era in home computing.

After the success of the Apple II, IBM introduced the first computer to carry the PC label, the IBM PC. The IBM PC was released in 1981 and sold very well. Since its release, it has spawned many clones of the original IBM design that became today's personal computers that can run Windows. The 1980's saw the start of the modern rivalry between Macintosh's Apple series and IBM based Personal Computers. The two different lines of machines ran different operating systems and did not use compatible hardware. Eventually, IBM based PC's sold more than Macintosh's computers due to their compatibility and strong third party support from developers of software. All through the 1980's, 1990's and even today, the two competitors continually release new and improved computers and software for consumers to purchase.