Welcome! This week, we will journey back in time to witness the birth of the personal computer and the dawn of a new technological era. The video below, "The Personal Computer Revolution," will be our guide as we explore the pivotal moments and innovations that brought computing from large, expensive mainframes into our homes and onto our desks.

In this video, you will learn about:

  • The technological breakthroughs of the 1970s that made personal computers a reality.
  • The story of the Altair 8800, the first commercially successful personal computer, and the role of pioneers like Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
  • The rise of Apple Computer, starting with Steve Wozniak's Apple I.
  • The "Trinity" of 1977: the Apple II, TRS-80 Model I, and Commodore PET 2001, which transformed personal computers into consumer products.
  • IBM's entry into the market and the "open architecture" that sparked a wave of innovation and competition.
  • The fundamental differences between Apple's and IBM's philosophies that created the "Mac vs. PC" divide we know today.
  • The groundbreaking launch of the Apple Macintosh in 1984, which introduced the world to the graphical user interface.

As you watch, consider the impact these early developments have had on the technology we use every day. This video provides the foundational knowledge for understanding the digital world we live in.

Last modified: Thursday, 31 July 2025, 11:42 AM