3820M5 intro

Summary

This module covers the evolution of personal computers, focusing on major companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM. It explores the transition from mainframes to desktop PCs, the societal impacts, and how personal computers reshaped the workforce. The ‘paperless office’ concept is discussed, revealing that paper usage actually increased. Early computers, with their challenging text displays, are contrasted with the rise of email and the vision of home computers in 2004. The module highlights why IBM PCs became dominant due to their affordability and open architecture, while Apple Macs, though more stable, remained more expensive and less popular.

Takeaways

• 😀 The module discusses the formation of major companies in the personal computer industry, particularly Microsoft, Apple, and IBM.
• 😀 The shift from mainframe computers to personal computers on individual desks revolutionized the workplace environment.
• 😀 The idea of a 'paperless office' was a myth; in fact, the use of paper increased with the rise of computers.
• 😀 The impact of personal computers was especially large in business settings, making it possible for individuals to interact directly with computers.
• 😀 Email quickly became an important tool, offering a much faster communication method than traditional mail.
• 😀 In 1990, mini-computers like VAX and DEC were used in academic environments, although they were not personal computers.
• 😀 Early home computers, such as IBM's XT and Mac computers, had limited storage and were significantly more expensive than IBM clones.
• 😀 Macs were known for being stable and better for graphics and mathematical work, but they were more expensive than IBM clones.
• 😀 IBM's open architecture allowed other companies to build compatible clones, which significantly lowered prices and made IBM PCs more accessible to the mass market.
• 😀 The widespread use of IBM PCs and clones led to them taking over about 95% of the global computer market, while Macs remained niche.
• 😀 Early PCs with floppy disk storage (before hard drives) were limited in capacity but marked an important step toward personal computing.

Q & A

What was the original belief about the impact of computers on office work, particularly regarding paper usage?

The original belief was that computers would eliminate the need for paper in offices, leading to a 'paperless office.' However, the reality turned out to be the opposite, as paper usage actually increased with the rise of computer-generated documents.

How did the advent of personal computers impact office jobs, particularly in the secretarial field?

The shift from mainframe computers to personal computers resulted in job losses, especially among secretaries. With personal computers, individuals could perform tasks like typing documents themselves, reducing the need for secretarial pools.

What role did email play in the workplace, and why was it important for having computers on desks?

Email revolutionized communication in the workplace by providing a faster alternative to traditional postal services. This made having a computer on every desk essential for checking and sending emails quickly.

What was the purpose of the RAND Corporation's vision for a home computer in 2004, and how did it differ from actual home computer setups?

The RAND Corporation envisioned a home computer setup with large, bulky machines and a big TV as a monitor, which did not match the more compact and user-friendly home computers that eventually became popular.

What was the significance of IBM’s open architecture for personal computers?

IBM's open architecture allowed other manufacturers to produce compatible computers using IBM's design. This made IBM computers and clones more affordable and accessible to a broader audience, contributing to their widespread adoption.

Why were IBM clones more popular than Macintosh computers despite Macs being more stable?

IBM clones were more popular primarily because they were cheaper. The open architecture allowed multiple manufacturers to build and sell IBM-compatible computers, while Macs, though more stable, were more expensive due to Apple’s control over both hardware and software.

What were the key characteristics of early personal computers like the IBM XT and IBM AT?

Early personal computers, like the IBM XT and AT, were affordable and introduced the concept of personal computing. However, they had limited storage options, often relying on floppy disks, and did not include hard drives in many models.

How did the introduction of IBM clones contribute to the dominance of Windows-based systems?

IBM clones contributed to the dominance of Windows-based systems by providing affordable alternatives to Macintosh computers. As clones became widely used, they also popularized MS-DOS and Windows, which dominated the personal computing market.

What type of computer terminals were commonly used in workplaces in the early 1990s?

In the early 1990s, workplaces commonly used computer terminals that were connected to larger mainframes or mini-computers. These terminals often featured basic screens with limited functionality, relying on network drives for storage.

How did early computer screens differ in terms of readability and user experience?

Early computer screens had poor readability, with many using orange or green text on black backgrounds, which were hard on the eyes. More expensive monitors featured white text on black, which was easier on the eyes, but they were less common.