History of the personal computer

2014.04.05. |

Today Personal Computer forms an integral part of our life. It's hard to imagine how you can do without using a computer every day. We type tests on it, develop programs, communicate, watch movies and play games, buy and sell, make money with the help of our faithful companion. However, things were not always this way.

Before you become an indispensable tool and faithful assistant, the computer has gone through a long and thorny path of development. The first steps of which I described in a series of articles devoted to the history of the development of computer technology, starting with mechanical computing devices and ending with third-generation computers, which began to appear in 1964. Now let's look at the path to the formation of a personal computer.

It was a four-bit processor with a clock frequency of 740 KHz and a speed of 92,000 operations per second, consisting of 2,250 transistors.

The processor was originally intended to replace a set of highly specialized chips used in calculators and other primitive computing machines. Since the microcircuits were highly specialized, for each new device it was necessary to either modify them or produce new types of microcircuits. In particular, for calculators, an average of 12 such chips were used. Ted Hoff proposed replacing some of the chips with a universal chip - a processor that could be used in various devices without modifications.

The path from idea to creation of the device took almost two years, and as a result, the first processor appeared Intel– Intel 4004. However, this was not the very first processor. Shortly before this, in 1970, the military developed the F14 CADC processor, but it was classified for a long time. Therefore, the Intel processor is considered the first commercially available single-chip processor.

Over time, processors have improved. In 1972, the Intel 4040 line of processors was released with increased memory and interrupt support. That same year, a few months later, the Intel 8008 series of eight-bit processors was created. But the most important event happened in 1974. The Intel 8080 processor (line of processor modifications) was released.

These processors were developed by Federico Faggin and Masatoshi Shima. There were many clones of this line from other companies (AMD, Eastern Bloc, Mitsubishi, NEC, Texas Instruments and many others), including clones produced in the USSR (580VM80).

The processors were manufactured using 6-micron technology and contained 6,000 transistors housed in a 40-pin ceramic package. They had a 16-bit address bus and an 8-bit data bus, addressable memory - 64 KB, number of instructions - 80, clock frequency– 2 MHz, performance – up to 500,000 operations per second. In addition to the processor itself, Intel has developed a whole set of chips (arithmetic coprocessor, clock generator, bus drivers, timers, controllers peripheral devices etc.), making it easier to use the processor.

It was on the basis of this processor that the first commercially distributed computer, Altair 8800, was created in 1975. Except for those “personal computers” that were described in the sections of the article “Programmable calculators” and “Microcomputers”.

2. The first personal computers.

The first personal computer is considered to be the Altair 8800, created in 1975, although this statement is not unshakable. The lead developer of the Altair 8800 was the American engineer Henry Edward Roberts, founder of the MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems) company located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Externally, the Altair 8800 was very different from modern personal computers. It did not come with a keyboard, mouse, or monitor. And his capabilities were very limited. Possessing only 256 bytes of RAM, it could not solve any more or less serious problems. But still, the Altair 8800 was extremely popular, and, despite its limited capabilities, it inspired many enthusiasts who independently assembled a computer from purchased components, armed with a screwdriver and a soldering iron. And they developed small programs, which were then meticulously, in binary form, byte by byte, entered into the computer’s memory using switches and observed the result of the execution of their programs in the form of light bulbs on the front display of the computer.

The Altair 8800 was sold not only as a set of parts for $439, but also in an already assembled form, although somewhat more expensive - for $621.

In both cases, prices for Altair 8800 were ridiculous. The Intel 8080 processor alone retailed for $360. So orders for components and ready-made computers poured in like a cornucopia and many times exceeded the capabilities of MITS. Thus, in the first few months, more than 4,000 applications accumulated, despite the fact that MITS could satisfy no more than 800 in a year. Competing companies were not slow to take advantage of this and began to produce and sell Altair 8800, and very quickly a whole chain of stores specializing in the sale of Altair 8800 and various spare parts and components for them.

The popularity of the computer was growing all the time. A few months later, Paul Allen and Bill Gates created a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800. However, this was not without problems. For full operation, the interpreter required a minimum of 4 KB of RAM, while the basic configuration of the Altair 8800 contained only 256 bytes of memory. But the Altair 8800 contained additional slots for expansion cards; for example, the modification of the computer released in 1976 (Altair 8800bt) had as many as 18 expansion ports. Therefore, a 4 KB memory card was urgently developed.

But an equally important problem with the Altair 8800 was the lack of permanent storage. With such difficulty, it was impossible to save the programs entered and the results of their work. Therefore, the next global improvement of the first personal computer was the introduction of a data storage system. Again, Paul Allen and Bill Gates were able to equip the Altair 8800 with a floppy disk drive. magnetic disk. Although this was an expensive way to store data, it was reliable and convenient compared to other existing methods.

All this significantly expanded the capabilities of the Altair 8800 and further increased its popularity.

However, due to the great rush to create memory cards, they malfunctioned and did not allow multiple memory cards to be connected at the same time. This made it possible for competing companies, such as Processor Technology, to begin creating their own memory cards and other expansion cards for the Altair 8800 and somewhat move MITS's position in the personal computer market.

Over time, more and more companies began to produce components for the Altair 8800 and develop software for computer users.

The MITS company was increasingly losing control of the situation and losing profits due to competitors. It has repeatedly made various attempts to regain its leading position in the already established personal computer market, but all of them were unsuccessful. For example, a new modification of the Altair 680 personal computer based on the Motorola / AMS 6800 processor was released.

Things went from bad to worse for MITS. While developing a large number of areas at once, the company could not properly control the quality of its products and incurred high costs. MITS products were losing popularity. Eventually, Edward Roberts sold MITS to Pertec, which meant the end for the Altair 8800 brand. Two years after the sale, MITS was closed, and Edward Roberts completely cut all ties with the world of computing, finished medical school and became a doctor. But the Altair 8800 has already done its job, marking the era of the personal computer.

Soon after the appearance of the Altair 8800, the world saw such personal computers as: SWTPC 6800, KIM-1, Apple I, TRS-80, Commodore PET and many others.

3. The era of the personal computer or IBM PC.

By the end of the 70s, personal computers had gained so much popularity that they had already begun to significantly influence the demand for large computers and mini computers. This could not but worry such giants in the development and production of mainframe computers as IBM. As a result, in 1979, IBM decided to try its hand at the personal computer market.

They treated this work as a small experiment, still not believing in the enormous prospects of personal computers. Almost dozens of such works to create new equipment were carried out at IBM every year, so IBM management did not pay much attention to the development of PCs and gave the department involved in this work unprecedented freedom. In particular, to save money, it allowed the use of nodes and blocks already developed by other companies in the first personal computer.

Taking advantage of the freedom of action, the unit took full advantage of its chance. New computer, for the first time in history, they decided to develop it on the basis of the new 16-bit Intel 8088 processor and make it not a single whole, as all their predecessors did, but consisting of separate, easily replaceable modules, assembled together similar to a children's construction set. Moreover, the method of connecting individual blocks into a single whole was not kept secret and was available to everyone.

Subsequently, this principle formed the basis of the so-called open architecture, which is now followed by the vast majority of manufacturers of components for personal computers.

This was a brilliant move on the part of the IBM developers. After all, no matter what modern and technological computer they would create, keeping its architecture secret, it would become outdated in 1-2 years and be forgotten among hundreds of competitors similar to it.

The use of open architecture encouraged a huge number of small firms to get involved in creating nodes for the new computer, called the IBM PC and released in August 1981.

Very few manufacturers alone were able to oppose anything to the computer, which was gaining popularity by leaps and bounds, or, more precisely, to the principle of organizing personal computers, which was started by the IBM PC company. Now such computers (“IBM PC compatible”) make up about 90% of all personal computers produced in the world (not counting the mobile device market).

But the new organizational principle played a cruel joke on IBM itself. Small firms, taking advantage of IBM's developments, began to produce their own components for the IBM PC and they were often cheaper and appeared earlier than developments from IBM, due to the fact that the company had to incur large overhead costs for maintaining a huge staff and production capacity.

Very soon, other companies ceased to be content with the role of component manufacturers and began to assemble their own computers compatible with the IBM PC.

But it was not only the hardware design principle that made the IBM PC popular. The operating system developed for this computer also left a significant milestone in history.

To make people more willing to buy computers, it was necessary to make it as easy to operate as possible. This task was entrusted to a small company, Microsoft. Now Microsoft has become universally known, the largest manufacturing company software.

The most popular operating system for 8-bit personal computers at the time was Digital Research's CP/M-80 (Control Program for Microcomputers), but a 16-bit computer required a new operating system.

Digital Research was not ready to offer IBM 16-bit operating system. Meanwhile, Microsoft managed to acquire the rights to the 16-bit 86-DOS system from Seattle Computers Products. 86-DOS was a clone of Digital Research's CP/M, ported for use on the 8086 processor and containing only two differences from the original: improved disk sector buffering logic and a new file system FAT12.

Microsoft reworked 86-DOS and offered it to IBM under the MS-DOS brand.

In August 1981, MS-DOS 1.10/1.14, licensed by IBM as PC DOS 1.0, began shipping with new IBM PC personal computers. For third-party manufacturers, Microsoft offered a version of DOS under the name MS-DOS.

Programs developed for the CP/M-80 turned out to be fairly easy to modify to run under MS-DOS.

As a result, MS-DOS very quickly became popular and was modernized for ten years and was the most used among IBM PC compatible computers.

And so, the new principle of building a personal computer - an open architecture, a simple and easy-to-use operating system and a rapidly expanding set of software, made a real breakthrough in the development of a personal computer and marked a new era in computing, the era of the personal computer.

With this I will finish the story about the history of the development of the personal computer, who will be interested in the chronology of the appearance of new computer models, their short description and photographs can be viewed in the new “Museum” section.

If I ask you what a PC is, you will probably answer that it is a Personal Computer and you will be right. Most believe that MS is nothing more than a small computer system, used by one person. Unfortunately, this definition is not entirely accurate. We can agree that a PC is a personal computer, but not all personal computers can be classified as a PC. Take, for example, the Apple Macintosh system, of course, it is a personal computer, but have you ever heard of it being called a PC, it is usually called a Mac. Take a look at this option. Fake Christmas tree. Buy at New Year. To understand the correct definition of PC, you need to dig a little deeper.

By PC we mean something more unique than the primitive combination of the words “personal computer”. Naturally, this “something” is somehow connected with the first IBM computer, which appeared in 1981. It turns out that it was IBM that invented the PC.

However, we must understand the fact that IBM is not the inventor of the PC as such, since the first personal computer appeared in 1975, the MITS company introduced the new Altair. Based on this, it is more correct to define a PC as any personal computer compatible with IBM systems. And for many years now, the term PC has been used to refer to IBM compatible computers.

In fact, despite the fact that IBM developers created the first PC in 1981 and worked on improving this standard, it currently does not control this standard. She lost control in 1987 when she introduced the PS/2 computer model. And soon IBM began to abandon many of the standards that it had originally developed.

For this reason, the term "IBM compatible" is no longer entirely suitable for defining a personal computer.

To understand this, you will have to find out who sets the standards in the industry:

software
hardware

PC software. Who sets the standards?

Who do you think sets the standards for PCs and whose operating system is the most popular in our country? I am sure that you will accurately say: “Microsoft!” And I completely agree with you.

Undoubtedly, today Microsoft continues to control the development of operating systems used on PCs. It so happened that initially Microsoft products were installed and used on most personal computers: MS-DOS and Windows 3.1/95/98/NT/2000, and now Windows XP/Vista/7 and new Windows 8. By controlling the development of operating systems, Microsoft could control the development of other types of PC software, such as utilities, mail client etc. Therefore, many programs, such as working with graphics, mail, notebooks, defragmentation and compression utilities that were offered by independent companies were included in Windows. It became almost impossible to compete with such capabilities on board the operating system, and this mainly contributed to the popularity of Microsoft. In addition, Microsoft even built into the operating system Internet browser Explorer, text editor, notepad, media Windows player Media Player, which caused panic among competitors creating similar programs. Microsoft didn't stop there. By developing networking software and integrating it into Windows, it gained greater control over operating systems than other companies.

It is for these reasons that Microsoft now dominates the personal computer software market, offering a wide range of programs ranging from text editor Office to server operating systems.

IBM once hired Microsoft to develop software for its first computer. IBM itself was developing the hardware. However, what happened later resulted in IBM losing control of the PC standard, and paying dearly for it. IBM failed to secure exclusive rights to the DOS operating system developed by Microsoft, giving the latter the right to sell MS-DOS code developed for IBM to other companies.

As a result, some companies licensed the operating system code and essentially duplicated its architecture. All this led to the end user buying the same MS-DOS, only under a different name or in a different package.

It was this mistake that IBM made when drawing up the contract that turned Microsoft into a huge, dominant corporation in the software market, and led IBM to lose control of the PC standard that it itself created.

The main reason why IBM lost control of its own standard is that the hardware that IBM was developing could only be protected by copyright in accordance with patents, and this was difficult for IBM due to the fact that in its developments relied on already developed elements from Intel. To obtain a patent, the developed equipment must be unique. By and large, any radio amateur could purchase such elements and develop the hardware. IBM was the first, but it could not obtain copyright, and this led to the fact that the design of the first computer (its hardware) could be duplicated by any company. All that was needed was to buy the same chips as IBM, from the same suppliers, and design a new motherboard with a similar circuitry.

But there were companies (Phoenix Technologies) that, taking good engineers into their team, developed a similar BIOS. In terms of functionality, such a BIOS was practically no different from the IBM BIOS, since, in fact, it copied it, but in program code– it was a unique development.

The BIOS system is a set of control software components that directly control the computer's hardware devices. These components are called device drivers, so the BIOS is a set of basic device drivers needed to manage and control system hardware. Operating system (DOS or Windows) uses BIOS drivers for interaction with hardware and peripheral devices.

Once the IBM I/O system had been duplicated, the last task was to clone the DOS operating system to produce a working system compatible with the IBM system.

However, designing DOS from scratch was a daunting task, unlike BIOS, whose dimensions were much smaller. In addition, the operating system was constantly improved and modified.

To get DOS for an IBM compatible computer, there was only one way - to obtain the rights to use it. This is where Microsoft came into the picture. And as I said earlier, IBM made a big mistake when it entered into an agreement with Microsoft; it did not require it to sign an exclusive license agreement under which Microsoft could grant the right to use their software only to IBM.

Microsoft took advantage of this and began selling DOS to any user. Thanks to the license to copy MS-DOS, IBM finally lost control of the personal computer, because it could now be produced by other companies, regardless of IBM's wishes.

Why do you think there are no analogues Mac systems intosh Apple, despite the fact that Mac hardware can be easily duplicated?

The real problem is that Apple owns the MAC OS and does not allow any other company to sell Apple compatible systems. Moreover, in a MAC system, the BIOS is very complex and large and part of it is integrated into the operating system. Therefore, it is almost impossible to duplicate it, as was the case with the IBM BIOS.

Notice! In 1996-1997, Apple licensed the BIOS and operating system

Now that Apple is using the PC architecture, the only difference between a Mac and a PC is the operating system. Now the computer running OS X automatically becomes a Mac, and the computer running Windows automatically becomes a PC.

Although OS X includes code that checks for the presence of a special chip on the motherboard, preventing it from running on other computers, the OSx86 Project (www.osxproject.org) provides information on how to bypass these restrictions to run OS X on standard computers.

PC Hardware Industry. Who's in charge here?

We now know that Microsoft controls the PC software market because it has its own PC operating system and only owns the rights to it.

Now let's try to figure out who controls the PC hardware market.

At first, to be precise, until 1987, of course, it was IBM, with its own standards and developments. It was she who developed the main design of the PC motherboard, parallel and serial ports, VGA and XGA video standards, expansion bus, hard and floppy drive interface, controllers, power supplies, mouse and keyboard interface. To this day, IBM's developments continue to influence modern systems, although more than two decades have passed since then.

Who is the leader these days in inventing and developing new PC hardware standards? This is Intel with its motto “New Generation Processors”.

You might be surprised to learn that Intel doesn't sell completely assembled computers. And currently you cannot order a system unit or tablet from Intel, as you can from Apple. This company acts as a leader in the production of motherboards. The motherboard is a key link in a personal computer, and the company that produces it theoretically becomes the manufacturer of the system as a whole. IBM, at one time, also produced motherboards and was the main supplier of PCs, despite the fact that it ordered other components from other companies.

Today, the largest companies develop their own motherboards, as well as chips and system logic components for their boards.

Intel is the company that produces the majority of motherboards and owns the largest segment of the market. Insignificant competitor to Intel performed by AMD.

But AMD makes chipsets and processors and does not manufacture motherboards. Manufacturing of motherboards for AMD architectures carried out by third party manufacturers.

Companies that create motherboards for AMD processors, also produce motherboards for computers based on Intel processors, thereby competing with Intel and its motherboards.

In fact, Intel has always been the dominant PC processor company. This was due to the fact that IBM chose the Intel 8088 processor as the central processor in the first IBM computer back in 1981. By controlling the processor market, Intel naturally controlled the market for chips that were necessary to operate processors in personal computers. This led to Intel's control of the system logic chip market. Their first sales began in 1989, and by 1994 it had become the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of motherboards and system logic chips, as well as processors and other chips. Since then, it has controlled the PC hardware market.

To sum it up, we can say this: “Whoever controls the operating system market controls the software market, and whoever controls the motherboard and processor market mainly influences the hardware market.”

And as you already know, today the biggest players are Microsoft and Intel, which jointly control the PC software and hardware market.

Don't forget about the rapidly growing companies Apple and Google, which are increasingly influencing the computer industry. Perhaps, soon, other companies will have control over the hardware and software market.

The computer has become an integral part of the lives of many people. But once upon a time, a PC was exotic or a device completely inaccessible due to the high cost or secrecy of technology. However, over time, initiators were found to transform the personal computer into a mass device. Thanks to whom did the PC become accessible to a wide range of digital technology lovers, as well as to ordinary citizens, those who, it would seem, can do without it? What computers are considered to be the first among such solutions?

First place criteria

Active discussions regarding who exactly released the first mass-produced personal computer are still ongoing. Arguments in favor of this or that brand, which manufactured a product that has become a widely replicated PC, are very different.

Experts consider the key criterion that can clarify the issue to be historical facts that reflect the specific time of the introduction of a particular product to the mass market. That is, whichever computer began to be sold earlier than others (later becoming mass-produced) should, according to this methodology, be considered the first. Therefore, our main task is to examine the relevant historical data.

First PCs

When did the first PCs actually appear - it doesn’t matter whether they were mass-produced or individual? Regarding this issue, discussions are almost more heated than in the case of defining those computers that have acquired the unconditional status of being widely replicated. Versions vary, reflecting who released the first PC, and even in which state it appeared. Thus, there is information that in 1968, an engineer from Omsk, Arseny Anatolyevich Gorokhov, patented a computing device, the structure of which is very similar to modern PCs. It contained a monitor, a system unit with a storage medium, as well as electronic components whose functions corresponded to the motherboard, RAM and video card. However, the invention did not go into production.

Apple's first PC

There is a widespread point of view according to which the first full-fledged PC was invented in the USA, namely through the efforts of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who offered the world the innovative concept of a PC under the Apple brand in 1976.

The first Apple computers required significant hardware additions - a case, a monitor, a keyboard. But after being equipped with them, they could function quite well. However, already in 1977, the Apple II computer was introduced to the market, fully equipped. These devices, according to many IT specialists and computer history enthusiasts, were fully consistent with their mass status. What does it mean? The fact that the Apple PC of 1976 is perhaps the first mass-produced personal computer. It was soon followed by the Apple II computer, which became available to a wide range of users.

First PC from IBM

But in relation to the point of view under consideration, a wide variety of counterarguments are actively presented. Among them, we can highlight those that are aimed at challenging the status of Apple's primacy in the aspect of bringing a fully equipped PC to the market as such. Thus, it is known that in 1975 - before devices from Apple appeared, IBM managed to release the computer model 5100. It was characterized by the presence of a separate monitor, data storage medium, and keyboard, and therefore was fully consistent, as computer history enthusiasts believe, with the status of personal. However, its price - more than 20 thousand dollars apiece - several dozen American salaries, probably did not contribute to the fact that it was the first mass-produced personal computer.

IBM PC and criteria for “mass availability”

In 1981, IBM launched a device that was disproportionately more affordable than the 5100 model, but at the same time functional, and most importantly, with a completely competitive concept, called the IBM PC. The incredible success of the device allowed many experts and electronics enthusiasts to describe it as the first mass-produced personal computer. What kind of arguments do proponents of such an assessment give?

First of all, they call for rethinking the “mass” criterion as such. Of course, Apple's device has historically been ahead of many competitive solutions in terms of the concept of an affordable PC offered to the market. However, IBM PC computers began to spread especially actively due to their openness: a user, having purchased a PC, could modify it in terms of replacing a variety of components - processor, memory, hard drives. The supplier of monitors and additional devices could be any brand. Apple computers, in turn, were a closed platform. The situation was similar in the program aspect. The operating system of a personal computer in the IBM PC concept could be anything. In turn, on Apple devices In general, a proprietary OS should have been installed.

Two concepts

Thus, the criterion of “mass” in relation to the computer equipment market can be understood different ways. Computers from Apple correspond to it due to the fact that with the release of the first devices from the brand, PCs became affordable to a wide range of users. Speaking about the US market - any resident with an average salary. IBM offered the American and subsequently the world market devices that, in addition to affordability, could be freely modified and copied at the concept level. Software for a personal computer corresponding to the IBM architecture could also be created by any willing and able person.

Well, we can answer the main question of the article in two ways. If we talk about when and by whom the first mass-produced personal computer was developed in principle, then we can well call the Apple company and the 1976 device of the same name the pioneers of the market. But we know that there are other criteria for mass availability, such as openness to any developer of hardware components or software. These, in turn, correspond to the IBM product. Thus, answering the question of when and by whom the first mass-produced personal computer was developed, we will say that the main role here was played by IBM and its product IBM PC in 1981.

Interpretation of the term “personal computer”

There are differences in the interpretation of the term “personal computer” and the accompanying difference in versions, reflecting the primacy of one or another brand in terms of bringing PCs to the market. What are the experts' opinions on this matter?

Some experts point out that the term “personal computer” itself existed long before the devices in question from Apple and IBM appeared. According to some reports, it was first used in relation to the Programma 101 device, released by the Italian company Olivetti - again, to the question of the country of origin of the first PCs. Based on this fact, it is incorrect to give primacy to any of the American brands - Apple or IBM.

However, there are discussions regarding the factors that influenced the widespread use of the term “personal computer”. Here the versions diverge virtually synchronously with the distribution of opinions regarding the primacy of IBM and Apple in terms of bringing to the market devices accessible to a wide range of users. It will probably also not be correct to compare their legality.

The first mass-produced computers from Apple: characteristics

However, let's return to the history of the PC. We have determined that, according to one interpretation of the term “mass”, Apple can be considered the supplier of the first PCs. It is interesting to study the characteristics of the devices that the American corporation brought to the market in 1976 and 1977. The first Apple computer was equipped with a MOS 6502 processor that ran at 1 MHz. The PC had 4 KB of RAM installed, which could be increased to 48 KB using additional cards. The Apple II had almost the same characteristics.

Apple's first PCs: possibilities

What could you do on the first Apple PCs? It may seem that personal computer processors of the corresponding type have a very modest frequency indicator.

However, the noted performance was sufficient for developing programs, as well as for games - in fact, the first commercial applications of the corresponding type were, as some historians and experts note, written specifically for the Apple II. Computer games, thanks to Apple PCs, have thus become available to a wide range of users.

IBM PC: characteristics

The characteristics of the IBM PC released in 1981 are as follows. The PC was equipped with an Intel 8088 processor running at 4.77 MHz. The computer could have up to 640 KB of RAM. The PC was controlled by the IBM BASIC or PC-DOS operating system.

It can be noted that the IBM PC used mainly floppy disks with a diameter of 5.25 inches as a data storage resource. Later, PCs with cassettes appeared on sale. However, the IBM PC soon resolved the issue of connecting to computer hard disk, releasing a separate module for it, through which power could be supplied. So users were able to connect disks with a capacity of about 10 MB to their PC.

The IBM PC model turned out to be so successful that the concept proposed by the American company began to be actively copied - both by amateurs and large businesses. The corresponding solutions were called "IBM PC Compatible", that is, compatible with the original platform. This term has remained relevant to this day.

Based on the IBM concept, a variety of classes of personal computers emerged - “desktops”, all-in-one computers, laptops. Many experts believe that architecture is also mobile devices, in general, corresponds to this platform, since they contain processors, memory, video processing and data storage modules.

Of course, both brands - Apple and IBM - have made major contributions to the development of the computer industry. At least in the global PC market, no competing concepts have shown themselves noticeably. The fundamental nature of both platforms predetermined their influence, which can still be traced today - in almost all major segments of computer equipment and digital devices.

Continuity of concepts

Both concepts - open and closed, proposed by IBM and Apple, thus remain relevant to this day. At the same time, according to experts, the platform from IBM is characterized by greater mass popularity - due to the openness noted above.

In the modern computer market there is the term “IBM PC-compatible computer”. This does not mean that it is necessarily produced by IBM. However, it is quite consistent with the concept that she proposed in 1981. Of course, a wide variety of types of personal computers have appeared on the market, but from the point of view of their platform membership, they can one way or another be classified as corresponding concepts from the IBM PC.

Apple's platform remains closed. The situation is similar with other market segments in which the brand is present - in particular, in the field of mobile gadgets. Smartphones and tablets from Apple - iPhone, iPad - are characterized by a closed platform.

It can be noted that their main competitor is considered an open concept based on the use of operating Android systems from Google. Thus, the confrontation between open and closed platforms has actually moved from the PC market to the mobile electronics segment.

Without grounding, the magnitude of the electromagnetic field exceeds the permissible value by several times safe level for human health, established by sanitary rules SanPiN 2.2.2/2.4.1340-03 “Hygienic requirements for personal electronic computers and organization of work.” With an acceptable electric field strength of no more than 25 V/m without grounding, the computer will have ~75-100 V/m or more.

Terminology

Main functions

Story

Centralized Computing

Before the advent of the first personal computers, computers were very expensive to purchase and operate, making them impossible for private individuals to own. Computers could be found in large corporations, universities, research centers, and government (including military) institutions.

The emergence of microprocessors

A decisive role in the emergence of personal computers was played by the invention in 1971 of the microprocessor, which could reproduce all the functions of a mainframe computer processor in one chip. The first microprocessor i4004 was created by Intel employees. In 1974, Intel released the i8080 microprocessor, which became the first truly popular microprocessor.

Construction sets and homemade computers

The creation of personal computers became possible in the 1970s, when hobbyists began to build their own computers, sometimes just to be able to show off such an unusual item. Early personal computers had little practical use and spread very slowly.

Born as a jargon synonymous with the name microcomputer, Name Personal Computer gradually changed its meaning. Thus, the first generation of personal computers could only be purchased in the form of a set of parts, and sometimes even just ordinary instructions for assembly. The assembly, programming and adjustment of the system itself required certain experience, skill in working with machine codes or assembly language. A little later, when such devices became commonplace and began to be sold ready-made, along with a certain set of adapted programs, the name came into use home computer.

Macintosh

Windows and the conflict with Apple

At that time, the lack of adequate hardware support, multimedia, high requirements for user qualifications, a small number and comparative primitiveness of games prevented Linux from spreading among ordinary home PCs, where Mac and Windows reigned supreme.

However, already in the second half of the 1990s the situation changed - everything more more and more successful and functional ones appear open games(both ported from other OSes and those originally written for Linux), multimedia programs, office packages, audio and video editors, image processing tools, 2D and 3D graphic editors, utilities, etc. for Linux, the problems of supporting computer hardware and peripherals for home PCs have been resolved (with rare exceptions). Currently, Linux is the record holder among operating systems used on PCs in terms of the number of various programs created for it.

Now Linux effectively supports professional computer hardware, including professional video adapters and other professional multimedia equipment.

The vast majority of programs created for Linux are free and open source (the only exceptions are Linux versions of a number of proprietary professional programs (Maya, CATIA, Autodesk 3ds Max (starting from the 2013 release) and some others) and proprietary games (for example Doom III)).

Thanks to a feature unique to the family of Unix-like systems, in this case for Linux - run a Linux distribution from LiveCD, without installing it on the PC hard drive and without removing the OS already on it (for example, another Linux distribution or Windows/Mac OS), it became possible to try out the LiveCD-Linux distribution before decide to install it. LiveCD-Linux distributions support a wide range of computer hardware and contain a rich set of application programs. For example, you can watch videos, listen to music, work on the Internet, process any office documents(texts, presentations, tables, etc.) and even play games by running Linux from LiveCD.
In many areas of activity - both professional and home PCs - Linux is confidently pushing aside other operating systems. This happens due to the following (not complete) list of advantages:

free (you are not in danger of being checked for licensing of the OS and programs, especially in the office);
user controllability (Linux will not force the user to switch to new version OS, updating or installing a particular software component; the user can modify Linux as he wants and knows how, being limited only by his qualifications);
the ability to choose a distribution kit with a set of things necessary for specific (including specific ones - for example, for creating multimedia content) tasks and conditions;
There is enough high-quality support - both from communities of numerous users of a particular distribution, and - for some, mainly professional, distributions - paid support.

One computer - one owner

As a rule, a single personal computer is used by only one user during a single work session (that is, for example, several users (for example, in a family) can use one PC only in turns, that is, in computer time sharing mode). In accordance with its purpose, it powers the most commonly used applications, such as word processors, web browsers, email programs, instant messengers, multimedia programs, computer games, graphics programs, software development environments, etc. To simplify interaction with People like these programs are equipped with a convenient graphical interface.

Sales worldwide

According to the analytical company IDC, in 2005, global shipments of personal computers amounted to 202.7 million units (an increase of 15.8% compared to 2004).

According to Gartner, 76 million PCs were sold in the second quarter of 2013, down 10.9% from the second quarter of 2012. The decline in PC sales worldwide has been going on for several quarters and is the longest in history; this is associated with the growing popularity of inexpensive tablet computers.

According to analyst firm IDC as of January 2016, home PC sales in 2016 fell to a record low since 2007. In 2015, 276 million PCs were shipped to stores around the world, which is 10.4 percent less than in 2014.

IN Russian Federation Personal computers are mainly assembled from imported components: manufacturers - RoverComputers, formerly Kvant, KM, and others. Processors and other electronic components are produced for military and other special government needs, although even in this case a significant share is imported. Personal computers and smartphones sold under the private labels of well-known Russian retail chains are manufactured abroad, including assembly.

Desktop PCs

The first personal computers (or any early computers in general) were not designed to be portable. That is, the first PCs were stationary. They consisted of separate structurally complete parts, such as a system unit, monitor and keyboard, connected by interface cables to system unit. This is an example of a separate PC construction scheme. But nowadays all-in-one PCs, in which the system unit, monitor and, often, other devices (keyboard, sound subsystem, webcam, microphone) are structurally combined into one device.

Separate scheme

A separate scheme - as opposed to a monoblock one - assumes that the PC consists of a system unit and a variety of external, that is, structurally independent devices connected to the system unit from the outside via standard interfaces (for example: USB, D-Sub, DVI, FireWire), devices (in particular: monitors, keyboard, mouse, microphones, speakers, web cameras, printers, scanners, various external modems, gaming devices).

Historically, such a PC scheme was the very first. It still remains the most common scheme for stationary PCs. For example, professional workstations are almost always built according to this design.

The main advantage of a separate scheme is its relatively easy scalability. That is, at any time you can replace any of the PC components (for example, a monitor) without much difficulty. But the other side of the coin is the least transportability and comparative bulkiness of such a PC. Naturally, a separate scheme is used when the main requirement for a PC is ease and simplicity of scaling.

The functional core in a separate circuit of a stationary PC is naturally the system unit.

There are two known types of structural layout of the system unit:

desktop - horizontal structural layout of the system unit, with the possibility of placing a monitor on such a system unit;
tower - a “tower” system unit in a vertical structural layout.

But it is also possible that “rackmount” system units will appear, suitable for mounting into a rack built into a computer desk, just as rackmount server system units are mounted into a server rack.

Desktop

Desktop(" desktop computer"in the literal sense of the word) - desktop computer, having such a form factor that it is more convenient to place it on a table (hence the use of the term “desktop”, from the English desktop - “working surface (desk)”) at home or in the office. Previously, system units of this type were usually wide and there was enough space on them to accommodate a CRT monitor.

Desktops are mainly produced by large, brand-name companies. Mini-tower cases were much more common. The reason, as it is today, is to save desk space. The “tower” is placed under the table, next to the user’s foot, and is therefore the most practical.

In addition, the monitor is lower and does not force the user to raise his head. Of course, if the chair can be adjusted in height, there is no problem. However, this is not always the case.

Many companies produce thin desktops - slim-desktops. Naturally, a thin desktop is more ergonomic than a classic “thick” desktop, since it almost does not affect the installation height of the monitor placed on it.

Tower

A “tower” system unit - a Tower type system unit - is tall and therefore is usually located under the table (often in niches or compartments of computer desks specially designed for this purpose). Due to the reduction in the size and weight of components, it has also become possible to reduce the size of the “tower” system units themselves. As a result, mini-tower system units first appeared, and then slim-tower ones. Mini-towers then went out of service, giving way to middle-tower system units.

Monoblock

A design diagram of a stationary PC, in which the system unit, monitor and, currently, microphone, speakers, and webcam are structurally combined into one device - a candy bar. This type of PC is more ergonomic (takes up minimal space) and more attractive from an aesthetic point of view. Also, such a PC is more transportable than stationary PCs built according to a separate scheme. On the other hand, such a PC is more difficult to scale and, among other things, independent technical modernization and maintenance is difficult. For example, if the microphone of a monoblock breaks, it is often possible to replace it with a working one only at a service center.

Mobile (wearable) PCs

Laptops

Compact computers containing all the necessary components (including a monitor) in one small case, usually folding like a book (hence the name of this type of PC). Adapted for work on the road, on small free space. To achieve small sizes, they use special technologies: specially designed application-specific chips (ASICs), RAM and hard disks reduced dimensions, compact keyboard, often without a numeric field, external blocks power supply, a minimum of interface sockets for connecting external devices.

As a rule, they contain developed means of connecting to wired and wireless networks, built-in multimedia equipment (speakers, often also a microphone and webcam). Recently, the computing power and functionality of laptops are not much inferior to desktop PCs, and sometimes even surpass them. Very compact models are not equipped with a built-in CD/DVD drive.

Connecting external keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, modems, gaming devices and others to the laptop external devices The laptop can be turned into a desktop PC. This can be done by inserting the laptop into a special dock, as was done before, or directly (modern laptops, especially those designed to replace desktop PCs as workstations, provide this opportunity).

Tablet PCs

They are similar to laptops, but contain a touch screen, that is, pressure sensitive, and do not contain a mechanical keyboard. Text entry and control are carried out through an on-screen interface, often modified specifically for easy finger control. Some models can recognize handwritten text written on the screen.

Most often, the case does not open, like laptops, and the screen is located on the outer side of the top surface. There are also combined models in which the case can open in one way or another (for example, like a slider), providing access to the keyboard located inside.

In terms of computing power, tablet PCs are inferior to desktop PCs and laptops, since for long-term work without external source power supply, it is necessary to use energy-saving components, sacrificing their performance.

Pocket PCs (PDAs)

Ultraportable PCs that fit in your pocket. They are usually controlled using a screen that is small in size and resolution, pressure-sensitive with a finger or a special pointing stick - a stylus, and there is no keyboard or mouse. However, some models [ ] contain a miniature fixed or retractable keyboard. They were popular in the early 2000s.

Screen resolution tends to be the highest, averaging about 800x480 in modern models.

Such devices use ultra-efficient processors and small flash drives, so their computing power is not comparable to other PCs (especially stationary ones). However, they contain all the features of a personal computer: processor, storage, RAM, monitor, operating system, application software and even games and are focused on individual use.

PDA with functions mobile phone were called "communicators". Nowadays such devices are called smartphones and, due to the decline in popularity of classic PDAs, are usually considered as a separate class of devices. The built-in communication module allows you not only to make calls, but also to connect to the Internet anywhere there is cellular compatible standard (GSM/GPRS/, CDMA, for modern smartphones Also ).

Custom PC designs

Barebone

Barebones are computers built by the user to perform specific tasks (usually as a multimedia station). They go on sale in the form of so-called “skeleton” bases consisting of a case, motherboard and cooling system. Motherboard, as a rule, is equipped with built-in sound and video controllers. Selecting a configuration and, accordingly, components in the form disk drives, memory and peripherals, as well as other devices (TV tuner, additional video card, etc.) remain at the discretion of the user. As a rule, “barebones” have a lower body height and, as a result, a reduced internal volume, as well as an improved cooling system that is characterized by low noise.

Protected PCs

A number of companies produce computers that are resistant to aggressive environments: strong vibration, shock, heavy dust, humidity, vandalism - conditions in which conventional PCs would quickly fail. Typically, rugged PCs come in the laptop format, which are heavier and larger than regular ones. Their cost is also significantly higher. One of the areas of application of such PCs is military affairs (for example, operation in field headquarters).

Industrial PCs

Designed to solve industrial automation problems. They are distinguished by their resistance to various external influences, extended product life cycle, and the ability to connect to industrial networks (PROFINET, Profibus).

Quiet PC

For use in living rooms, PC designs are used that produce minimal noise or operate completely silently. Such models can be left turned on constantly, which provides a number of advantages: there is no boot period, the computer is always ready to work and can constantly monitor new mail or instant messages for the user. In general, an always-on PC can perform a number of special tasks:

be a multimedia station (play video, audio recordings, Internet radio);
work as a video recorder: record television or radio programs for later viewing or listening at a convenient time;
serve as a P2P client (exchange files via automatic mode with other computers);
serve as a home or even Internet server;
monitor temperature or presence using appropriate sensors or a photo or video camera (web camera).

To make a PC quiet, several technologies are used:

fanless cooling types:
- liquid (with liquid transferred to a large passively cooled radiator)
- the use of thermal pipes (transfer of all energy via thermal pipes to the surface of the housing, also consisting of copper or aluminum)
- the use of very large radiators (often with thermopipes)
- immersing all electronics in a tank of dielectric oil.
- freon (a microfridge with appropriate electronics and insulation is used. Not always “quiet”. For example, Vapo-chill)
- liquid nitrogen (only short-term, not intended for any long-term operation, usually for “overclocking” - although silent);
low-noise fans with specially shaped blades;
processors that do not require active cooling (due to their low power, this is not always an acceptable solution);
low-noise hard drives, as well as installing them on noise-absorbing mounts;
replacement hard drives to solid-state drives (SSD) or remote disk arrays;
installation of a noiseless power supply.

Most modern personal computers are capable of reducing power consumption and noise levels at low load times, but for constant quiet operation it is necessary to use the special technologies mentioned above.

Compact PCs

Some companies offer PCs that are much smaller than standard ones. Such models take up less space in a work or home environment, fit more easily into the interior, and are often more beautiful and quieter than conventional PCs. Most users can assemble a compact model if they select special models of the case and motherboard.

Some of the first compact computers were the Macintosh models in 1984, which were monoblock: system components in the same building with

The term was introduced into use in the late 1970s by Apple Computer for its Apple II computer and subsequently transferred to IBM PC computers. Since the early 1980s personal computer began to be called any machine that has IBM PC architecture (see IBM PC-compatible computer). With the advent of processors such as AMD, Cyrix (now VIA), the name began to have a broader interpretation. A curious fact was the contrast between “personal computers” and Amiga and Macintosh computers, which for a long time used their own computer architecture.

Most often, PCs are understood as desktop PCs, laptops, tablets and pocket PCs. However, any full-fledged computer- even a supercomputer - used as a personal computer, that is, personal.

Story

Centralized Computing

Construction sets and homemade computers

Amiga and Macintosh

Windows 95, PC multimedia capabilities

1995 saw two key events in the history of the PC: the bankruptcy of the Commodore Corporation and the emergence of Microsoft Windows 95, which brought IBM PC-compatible computers closer to the capabilities that existed on the Commodore Amiga and Apple Macintosh. Today, multimedia capabilities are available in every home and on every hardware platform.

One computer - one owner

As a rule, a single personal computer is used by only one user during a single session of work on it (that is, for example, several users (for example, in a family) can use one PC only in turns, that is, in a mode of only sharing computer time). In accordance with its purpose, it powers the most commonly used applications, such as word processors, web browsers, email programs, instant messengers, multimedia programs, computer games, graphics programs, software development environments, etc. To simplify interaction with People like these programs are equipped with a convenient graphical interface.

Sales worldwide

According to the analytical company IDC, in 2005, global shipments of personal computers amounted to 202.7 million units (an increase of 15.8% compared to 2004).

Domestic personal computers

A TV that received a low-frequency video signal or a monitor was used as a display, and the device external memory served as a household cassette recorder. Information was displayed on the screen in two modes: in black and white, 64 characters per line, and in color (4 colors), 32 characters per line; There were 25 information lines in total. The maximum resolution of the computer was 512x256 pixels. The sound was supplied to the built-in speaker in the same way as data - to a tape recorder.

Key changes in the architecture of common personal computers

Hard drive implementation
The appearance of graphics mode
Switching from 5.25" floppy disks to 3.5" diskettes
The appearance of BIOS SETUP
The emergence of the ATA standard
The appearance of extended memory (more than 1 MB).
The emergence of sound cards
Transition from 16-bit to 32-bit processors.
Switching from floppy disks to USB drives
The appearance of DVD and BD-ROM drives.
The advent of USB
The emergence of a rewritable BIOS
Replacing the ISA bus with a PCI bus.
The emergence of graphics accelerators
Introduction of the AGP bus.
The emergence of the ATX standard.
Transition from ATA to SATA interface.
Transition from AGP (and PCI) bus to PCI Express.
Introduction of multi-core processors.
Transition from 32-bit to 64-bit processors.
The emergence of UEFI and Secure Boot
Introduction of touch displays

Desktop PCs

The first personal computers (or any early computers in general) were not designed to be portable. That is, the first PCs were stationary. They consisted of separate structurally complete parts, such as a system unit, monitor and keyboard, connected by interface cables to the system unit. This is an example of a separate PC construction scheme. But nowadays, all-in-one PCs are also widely used, in which the system unit, monitor and, often, other devices (keyboard, sound subsystem, webcam, microphone) are structurally combined into one device.

Separate scheme

Historically, such a PC scheme was the very first. It still remains the most common scheme for stationary PCs. For example, professional workstations are almost always built according to this design.

The functional core in a separate circuit of a stationary PC is naturally the system unit.

There are two known types of structural layout of the system unit:

desktop - horizontal structural layout of the system unit, with the possibility of placing a monitor on such a system unit;
tower - a “tower” system unit in a vertical structural layout.

Desktop

A desktop (“desktop computer” in the literal sense of the word) is a stationary computer that has such a form factor that it is more convenient to place it on a table (hence the use of the term “desktop”, from the English. desktop- “working surface (desk)”) at home or in the office. Previously, system units of this type were usually wide and there was enough space on them to accommodate a CRT monitor. This, in turn, made it possible to save space on the desktop on which the desktop was installed. Naturally, this was taken into account by case designers who created cases for such system units that could withstand the weight of a CRT monitor. But as a result, the desktop was more expensive than the “tower” system unit.

Desktops are still used today, and monitors are still placed on a desktop. However, due to the reduction in size and weight of components and an even more dramatic reduction in the weight and depth of monitors (modern “board-shaped” monitors - all LCD monitors - are relatively small in weight and depth), it has become possible to create and use relatively compact and cheap desktops. As a result, a modern desktop is able to compete with a “tower” system unit not only in ergonomics but also in price. And therefore, in terms of price/ergonomics ratio, a desktop can now be an even more profitable purchase than in the “era of CRT monitors.” In particular, many companies produce thin desktops - slim-desktops. Naturally, a thin desktop is more ergonomic than a classic “thick” desktop and has almost no effect on the installation height of the monitor placed on it.

Tower

A “tower” system unit - a Tower type system unit - is tall and therefore is usually located under the table (often in niches or compartments of computer desks specially designed for this purpose). Due to the reduction in the size and weight of components, it has also become possible to reduce the size of the “tower” system units themselves. As a result, first mini tower system units appeared, and then slim tower. Mini towers then went out of service, giving way to middle tower system units, which are currently the largest subgroup of “tower” system units. And slim towers dominate the category of compact “tower” system units.

Monoblock

A design diagram of a stationary PC, in which the system unit, monitor and, currently, microphone, sound speakers, and webcam are structurally combined into one device - monoblock. This type of PC is more ergonomic (takes up minimal space) and more attractive from an aesthetic point of view. Also, such a PC is more transportable than stationary PCs built according to a separate scheme. On the other hand, such a PC is more difficult to scale and, among other things, independent technical modernization and maintenance is difficult. For example, if the microphone of a monoblock breaks, it is often possible to replace it with a working one only at a service center.

Mobile (wearable) PCs

Laptops

Compact computers containing all the necessary components (including a monitor) in one small case, usually folding like a book (hence the name of this type of PC). Adapted for work on the road, in a small free space. To achieve small sizes, they use special technologies: specially designed specialized chips (ASIC), RAM and hard drives of reduced dimensions, a compact keyboard that does not contain a numeric field, external power supplies, a minimum of interface sockets for connecting external devices.

As a rule, they contain advanced means of connecting to wired and wireless networks, built-in multimedia equipment (speakers, often also a microphone and a webcam). Recently, the computing power and functionality of laptops are not much inferior to desktop PCs, and sometimes even surpass them. Very compact models are not equipped with a built-in CD/DVD drive.

By connecting an external keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, modems, gaming devices and other external devices to the laptop, the laptop can be turned into a desktop PC. This can be done by inserting the laptop into a special dock, as was done before, or directly (modern laptops, especially those designed to replace desktop PCs as workstations, provide this opportunity).

Tablet PCs

Toshiba 3500 Tablet Laptop

In terms of computing power, tablet PCs are inferior to desktop PCs and laptops, since for long-term operation without an external power source it is necessary to use energy-saving components, sacrificing their performance.

Pocket PCs (PDAs)

Acer N10 PDA

Ultraportable PCs that fit in your pocket. They are usually controlled using a screen that is small in size and resolution, pressure-sensitive with a finger or a special pointing stick - a stylus, and there is no keyboard or mouse. However, some models [ specify] contain a miniature fixed or retractable keyboard.

The screen resolution tends to be closer to the monitors of conventional computers, on average about 800x480 in modern models.

PDAs with mobile phone functions are becoming increasingly popular ( communicators). The built-in communication module allows you not only to make calls, but also to connect to the Internet anywhere there is a cellular connection of a compatible standard (GSM / GPRS /, CDMA).

Custom PC designs

Barebone

barebone computer

Barebone - computers built by the user to perform specific tasks (usually as a multimedia station). They go on sale in the form of so-called “skeleton” bases consisting of a case, motherboard and cooling system. The motherboard is usually equipped with built-in audio and video controllers. The choice of configuration and, accordingly, components in the form of disk drives, memory and peripherals, as well as other devices (TV tuner, additional video card, etc.) is at the discretion of the user. As a rule, “barebones” have a lower body height and, as a result, a reduced internal volume, as well as an improved cooling system that is characterized by low noise.

Protected PCs

Industrial PCs

Quiet PC

Silent computer Zonbu

be a multimedia station (play video, audio recordings, Internet radio);
work as a video recorder: record television or radio programs for later viewing or listening at a convenient time;
serve as a P2P client (exchange files automatically with other computers)
serve as a home or even Internet server;
monitor temperature or presence using appropriate sensors or a photo or video camera (web camera).

To make a PC quiet, several technologies are used:

fanless cooling types:
- liquid (with liquid transferred to a large passively cooled radiator)
- the use of thermal pipes (transfer of all energy through thermal pipes to the surface of the housing, also consisting of copper or aluminum)
- the use of very large radiators (often with thermopipes)
- submerging all electronics in a tank of non-conductive oil
- freon (a microfridge with appropriate electronics and insulation is used. Not always “quiet”. For example, Vapo-chill)
- liquid nitrogen (short-term only, not intended for any long-term use, usually for overclocking - although silent)
low-noise fans with specially shaped blades;
processors that do not require active cooling (due to their low power, this is not always an acceptable solution);
low-noise hard drives, as well as installing them on noise-absorbing mounts;
replacing hard drives with flash memory or remote disk arrays;
installation of a noiseless power supply.

Compact PCs

Some of the first compact computers were the Macintosh models in 1984, which were monoblock: system components in the same housing as the monitor. Much later, the idea was continued in the eMac and iMac models. Other companies (for example, eMachines) tried to produce computers of a similar format, but without much success.

In parallel, miniaturization technologies were tested on thin clients, which are usually small in size and weight, but were not full-fledged PCs. (A thin client is actually a “smart” terminal that allows you to turn a PC into a multi-user computer, for example).

For a long time [ When?] was considered the pinnacle of miniaturization [ by whom?] Mac mini computer. This extremely compact computer (about the size of a small but thick book) nevertheless has adequate processing power (Intel Core Duo processor) and runs silently. However, now, with the advent of pico-ITX form factor boards, models have appeared that rival the Mac mini in size.

There are several competing projects for compact and cheap-to-produce personal computers, some of which are intended for developing countries: OLPC, VIA pc-1 Initiative, Classmate PC, Asus Eee PC, etc. However, cost reduction and miniaturization have been achieved at the cost of a noticeable lag in computing power from full-size PCs.

Technologies that reduce PC size:

reduced format motherboard (mini-ITX, etc.);
small-sized body;
built-in slot-loading CD/DVD drives or the absence of such drives;
fewer bays for hard drives and DVD/CD drives, often just one;
fewer USB, audio, etc. sockets;
external power supplies and devices (for example, CD/DVD drives) instead of built-in ones.

Hackintosh

Hackintosh (English) hackintosh, from words hacker or hack And mac) - a PC assembled by an amateur and capable of running Mac OS X, in a version hacked to run on a “non-Apple” computer called OSx86, that is, a cheaper analogue of a computer from Apple. Since modern Macintoshes are designed for Intel processors and other standard components, it is theoretically possible to run Mac OS X on any PC based on these processors. In reality, only a narrow set of hardware configurations are supported that are found in real Macintoshes, so the “hackintosh” must replicate one of these configurations. On the other hand, Mac OS X is created for the Macintosh and only, and will work correctly and with maximum productivity only on the Macintosh. In addition, the legally supplied Mac OS X contains restrictions that do not allow it to work on someone else's hardware, so in Hackintosh they use an old utility version without these restrictions, or a hacked more recent version, or special hardware that imitates Mac signatures that are verified system. Installing Mac OS X on computers not manufactured by Apple is also a violation of the license for this OS.

Personal server

Any server used by a certain person as a personal server and for this reason classified as a PC. But structurally, such a server, like any server, can be anything. In particular, such a server can be rack-mounted.

Personal workstation

Structurally, any computer used as a personal, that is, single-user, workstation and which, often, can be recognized as a PC only on this basis. That is, structurally it can even be a supercomputer, but it can be considered a PC if it is used as a personal workstation.

Personal supercomputer

Naturally, this is the same supercomputer, only it is the personal supercomputer of a certain person. And although there have not yet been cases of owning personal, that is, personal, supercomputers, this is, in principle, possible. After all, many people own, for example, personal planes.

Terminology problems

In the late 1970s, as the mass production of increasingly integrated chips began, the cost of computers fell sharply. This led to the creation of computers that were operated by one person instead of multi-user mainframes. Such computers became known as “personal computers.”

Personal computers were still quite expensive (several thousand dollars) and were practically not used at home.

In the early 1980s, firms began producing lightweight versions of personal computers, usually housed in keyboards. These computers had a low cost, were affordable for families with average incomes, and were aimed at home (including gaming) use. Such computers are collectively called “home computers.”

Currently, the vast majority of computers sold, due to their functionality and cost, can be used both in offices and at home.

The terms “computer”, “personal computer” and “home computer” are gradually losing their original meaning and merging into the shorter and more familiar term “computer”, which implies a computer with a keyboard, system unit and monitor.

To distinguish PCs from other types of computers, there are clarifying terms: laptop (laptop), netbook, Tablet PC etc.

Notes

Literature

Scott Mueller. Upgrading and Repairing PCs = Upgrading and Repairing PCs. - 17th ed. - M.: Williams, 2007. - 1504 p. - ISBN 0-7897-3404-4
Kovtanyuk Yuri Slavovich. PC User's Bible. - M.: Dialectics, 2007. - 992 p. - ISBN 978-5-8459-1196-4

Links

Components personal computer
System unit

History of the personal computer

2. The first personal computers.

3. The era of the personal computer or IBM PC.

PC software. Who sets the standards?

PC Hardware Industry. Who's in charge here?

First place criteria

First PCs

Apple's first PC

First PC from IBM

IBM PC and criteria for “mass availability”

Two concepts

Interpretation of the term “personal computer”

The first mass-produced computers from Apple: characteristics

Apple's first PCs: possibilities

IBM PC: characteristics

Continuity of concepts

Terminology

Main functions

Story

Centralized Computing

The emergence of microprocessors

Construction sets and homemade computers

Macintosh

Windows and the conflict with Apple

One computer - one owner

Sales worldwide

Desktop PCs

Separate scheme

Desktop

Tower

Monoblock

Mobile (wearable) PCs

Laptops

Tablet PCs

Pocket PCs (PDAs)

Custom PC designs

Barebone

Protected PCs

Industrial PCs

Quiet PC

Compact PCs

Story

Centralized Computing

Construction sets and homemade computers

Amiga and Macintosh

Windows 95, PC multimedia capabilities

One computer - one owner

Sales worldwide

Domestic personal computers

Key changes in the architecture of common personal computers

Desktop PCs

Separate scheme

Desktop

Tower

Monoblock

Mobile (wearable) PCs

Laptops

Tablet PCs

Pocket PCs (PDAs)

Custom PC designs

Barebone

Protected PCs

Industrial PCs

Quiet PC

Compact PCs

Hackintosh

Personal server

Personal workstation

Personal supercomputer

Terminology problems

see also

Notes

Literature

Links