The history of personal computers traces the development of computing technology from early electronic machines to the powerful desktop and home computers used today. Important milestones include the emergence of early microcomputers in the 1970s, the rise of Apple, Commodore, Atari, and other pioneering computer companies, and the introduction of the IBM PC in 1981. The IBM PC helped establish hardware standards that shaped the modern PC industry, while Microsoft DOS and later Windows became dominant operating systems for personal computers. During the 1980s and 1990s, advances in Intel processors, memory, graphics, hard drives, and affordable home computers transformed computing from a specialized activity into an everyday technology. Apple Macintosh introduced a graphical user interface to a wider audience, while computers such as the Commodore 64 became hugely popular home systems. The history of PCs also includes laptops, gaming computers, multimedia machines, the Internet era, and the continuing evolution of personal computing hardware and software.
Test your knowledge of PC History with this trivia quiz. Answer questions about key facts, important details and notable aspects of PC History, with questions ranging from easy facts to details that dedicated fans may remember.
Overview of the development of mass-market personal computers
https://www.computerhistory.org/brochures/thm-42b97f98dbaf2The IBM PC - IBM's own history of the 5150 and its impact on computing
https://www.ibm.com/history/personal-computerHistory of the 4004 Microprocessor — important background on the microprocessor revolution that made personal computing possible
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/history/virtual-vault/articles/the-intel-4004.htmlPersonal Computer - general historical reference covering the development and evolution of personal computers
https://www.britannica.com/technology/personal-computer