Personal Computer

The first integrated circuit for computers was developed in 1958. Only in 1971 was the microprocessor that contains all the basic elements of a computer on a single chip introduced, followed by affordable desktop computers in the mid-1970’s

As you can see, the computer as we know it is a relatively recent development. And along with the machine itself, the techniques for programming changed as well. Early computers were built as single purpose machines, that is, they were built to perform a specific task. The general-purpose ENIAC brought on line in 1946 was programmable, but changing a program required rewiring the machine Even though later computers retained programs in memory, one needed to be familiar with a host of special codes, commands, syntax, etc, in order to run those programs.

 

The micromini computers of the 1970’s and most in the 1980’s followed the same pattern as the early mainframes, that is, they required extensive knowledge of command codes and function keys. Moreover, most required at least some knowledge of programming. after the introduction of the IBM PC in 1981 followed by a host of clones, a greater variety of programs became available, but most still had the look and feel of mainframe and required some knowledge of operating system commands.

Apple Computer’s Macintosh revolutionized the personal computer industry with a machine that shielded the user from the operating system. Called a graphical user interface (or GUI), programs, functions, and files are represented by icons or small graphic images that can be selected with a mouse or other pointing device- the user no longer has to memorize an operating system command to load a program or file. In addition program functions are listed on drop-down menus so that the user is feed from typing commands there as well. And the computer monitor screen has the same appearance for all applications so that learning how to navigate through one application assists one in moving through other applications.

The concept of the graphical interface has been generally described as the most ‘user friendly’ and has thus been adapted to other operating systems or system interfaces.