Who invented the personal computer?

Answer

The personal computer that you use today was actually the collaberated efforts of many different companies but the first company to make a computer avalible to the public as a "PC" was IBM. The first computers took up whole rooms and needed tons of power and fans to run. IBM shrank the Computer down to a smaller version that can be placed in home.

Answer

There were many, many personal computers built and used before the IBM PC. They started by being used only by electronic hobbyists with very simple interfaces (no monitors or keyboards - just switches and lights, etc.). Then units were sold that could be used for simple computing and gaming, etc. While there were a multitude of computers sold in that period of time (late 1970's through early 80's) just a couple of the more popular computers were the Commodore 64, the TRS-80 by Tandy (Radio Shack). Then the TRS-80 and small computers made by Xerox, Zenith, etc. began to be used here and there in businesses. And along came the Apple I and Apple II which really opened the door to be widely used in businesses. However, they were just called "computers" not personal computers or PC's. The IBM PC was introduced in August of 1981 and coined the term PC. Over the next 2 years or so as more software became available, the IBM PCs started to win out in a big way over the Apple for general business use. This was initially primarily due to IBM's reputation and existing business influence over large companies.

First answer by Andyjamison. Last edit by ID0000000000. Question popularity: 64 [recommend question]