Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Microcomputer shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Microcomputer offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Microcomputer at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Microcomputer? Wrong! If the Microcomputer is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Microcomputer then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Microcomputer? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Microcomputer and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Microcomputer wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Microcomputer then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Microcomputer site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Microcomputer, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Microcomputer, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
was one of the most popular microcomputers of its era, and is the best selling model of home computer of all time.Although there is no single definition, a
microcomputer (in the 1970s and 80s sometimes shortened to
microProof of "micro" as a once-common term:
(i) Direct reference: Jack Kibble-White, Jack "Stand by for a Data-Blast", Off the Telly. Article written December 2005, retrieved
2006-12-15.
(ii) Usage in the titles of Christopher Evans (computer scientist)' books "The Mighty Micro" (ISBN 0-340-25975-2) and "The Making of the Micro" (ISBN 0-575-02913-7). Other books include Usborne's "Understanding the Micro" (ISBN 0-86020-637-8), a children's guide to microcomputers.) is most often taken to mean a
computer with a
microprocessor as its
central processing unit. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space. Although the terms are not synonymous, many microcomputers are also personal computers (in the generic sense).As neither term is precisely-defined, the degree of overlap is debatable. An early use of the term "personal computer" in 1962 predates microprocessor-based designs.
(See "Personal Computer: Computers at Home" reference below). Similarly, "microcomputer" may technically encompass applications beyond "personal computers". Additional complications include whether "personal computer" is being used generically or to denote an IBM PC compatible machine. "Personal Computer: Computers at Home", Wikipedia article section. Version used dated 2006-11-04, retrieved
2006-11-07.
The term "microcomputer" came into popular use after the introduction of the minicomputer, although Isaac Asimov used the term microcomputer in his short story "The Dying Night" as early as 1956 (published in
The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction in July that year). Most notably, the microcomputer replaced the many separate components that made up the minicomputer's CPU with a single integrated microprocessor
integrated circuit.
The earliest models often sold as kits to be assembled by the user, and came with as little as 256 bytes of random access memory, and no
input/output devices other than indicator lights and switches. However, as microprocessor design advanced rapidly and semiconductor memory became less expensive from the early-to-mid-1970s onwards, microcomputers in turn grew faster and cheaper. This resulted in an explosion in their popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The increasing availability and power of
desktop computers for personal use attracted the attention of more software developers. As time went on and the industry matured, the market for
personal computers standardized around
IBM PC compatibles running
MS-DOS (and later
Microsoft Windows).
Modern desktop computers, video game consoles,
laptop computers, tablet PCs, and many types of handheld devices, including
mobile phones and calculators, as well as industrial embedded systems, may all be considered examples of microcomputers according to the definition given above.
Colloquial use of the term
Everyday use of the expression "microcomputer" (and in particular the "micro" abbreviation) has declined significantly from the mid-1980s onwards, and is no longer commonplace. It is most commonly associated with the first wave of all-in-one 8-bit
home computers and small business microcomputers (such as the Apple II family,
Commodore 64, BBC Micro, and
TRS 80). Although—or perhaps because—an increasingly diverse range of modern microprocessor-based devices fit the definition of "microcomputer," they are no longer referred to as such in everyday speech.
In common usage, "microcomputer" has been largely supplanted by the description "
personal computer" or "PC," which describes that it has been designed to be used by one person at a time. IBM first promoted the term "personal computer" to differentiate themselves from other
microcomputers, often called "home computers." and also IBM's own mainframes and minicomputers. Unfortunately for IBM, the microcomputer itself was widely imitated, as well as the term. The component parts were commonly available to manufacturers and the BIOS was
reverse engineered through cleanroom design techniques. IBM PC compatible "clones" became commonplace, and the terms "Personal Computer," and especially "PC" stuck with the general public.
Description
Monitors, keyboards and other devices for input and output may be integrated or separate. Computer memory in the form of RAM, and at least one other less volatile, memory storage device are usually combined with the CPU on a
system bus in a single unit. Other devices that make up a complete microcomputer system include, batteries, a
power supply unit, a keyboard and various input/output devices used to convey information to and from a human operator (Computer printer,
Computer display, human interface devices) Microcomputers are designed to serve only a single user at a time, although they can often be modified with software or hardware to concurrently serve more than one user. Microcomputers fit well on or under desks or tables, so that they are within easy access of the user. Bigger computers like
minicomputers, Mainframe computer, and
supercomputers take up large cabinet (computer)s or even a dedicated room.
A microcomputer comes equipped with at least one type of data storage, usually
random-access memory. Although some microcomputers (particularly early 8-bit home micros) perform tasks using RAM alone, some form of
secondary storage is normally desirable. In the early days of home micros, this was often a data
cassette deck (in many cases as an external unit). Later, secondary storage (particularly in the form of
Floppy disk and hard disk drives) were built in to the microcomputer case itself.
History
Although they contained no microprocessors but were built around TTL logic, Hewlett Packard Calculators as far back as 1968 had various levels of programmability such that they could be called microcomputers. The HP 9100B (1968) had rudimentary conditional (IF) statements, statement line numbers, and subroutines. Later models incrementally added more features, including the
BASIC programming language (HP 9830A in 1971). Some models had tape storage and small printers. However, displays were limited to a single line at a time. The Hewlett Packard 9100A was referred to as a
personal computer in an advertisement in a 1968 Science (journal) magazine http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/abouthp/histnfacts/museum/personalsystems/0021/other/0021ad.pdf but that advertisement was quickly dropped.http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/issue_pdf/frontmatter_pdf/162/3852.pdf It is suspected that HP was reluctant to call them "computers" because it would complicate government procurement and export procedures.
The
Datapoint 2200, made by
Datapoint in 1970, is perhaps the best candidate for the title of "first microcomputer". While it contains no microprocessor, it used the
Intel 4004 programming instruction set and its custom TTL logic was the basis for the
Intel 8008, and for practical purposes the system behaves approximately as if it contains an 8008. This is because Intel was the contractor in charge of developing the Datapoint's CPU but ultimately CTC rejected the 8008 design because it needed 20 support chips. http://www.computermuseum.li/Testpage/MicroprocessorHistory.htm
Another early system, the
Kenbak-1, was released in 1971. Like the Datapoint 2200, it used discrete
TTL logic instead of a microprocessor, but functioned like a microcomputer in most ways. It was marketed as an educational and hobbyist tool, but was not a commercial success; production ceased shortly after introduction.. Another system of note is the Micral, introduced in 1973 by a French company and powered by the 8008; it was the first microcomputer sold all assembled and not as a construction kit.
Virtually all early microcomputers were essentially boxes with lights and switches; one had to read and understand binary numbers and machine language to program and use them (the Datapoint 2200 was a striking exception, bearing a modern design based around a monitor, keyboard, and tape and disk drives). Of the early "box of switches"-type microcomputers, the MITS Altair 8800 (1975) was arguably the most famous. Most of these simple, early microcomputers were sold as
electronic kits--bags full of loose components which the buyer had to solder together before the system could be used.
The period from about 1971 to 1976 is sometimes called the
:Category:Early microcomputers of microcomputers. These machines were for engineering development and hobbyist personal use. In 1975, the
Processor Technology SOL-20 was designed, which consisted of a single board which included all the parts of the computer system. The SOL-20 had built-in EPROM software which elimated the need for rows of switches and lights. The
Altair 8800 just mentioned played an instrumental role in sparking significant hobbyist interest, which itself eventually led to the founding and success of many well-known personal computer hardware and software companies, such as
Microsoft and
Apple Computer. Although the Altair itself was only a mild commercial success, it helped spark a huge industry.1977 saw the introduction of the second generation, known as
home computers. These were considerably easier to use than their predecessors, whose operation often demanded thorough familiarity with practical electronics. The ability to connect to a monitor (screen) or TV set allowed for visual manipulation of text and numbers. The
BASIC programming language, which was easier to learn and use than raw machine language, became a standard feature. These features were already common in
minicomputers, which many hobbyists and early manufactures were familiar with.
1979 saw the launch of the VisiCalc spreadsheet (initially for the
Apple II family) that first turned the microcomputer from a hobby for computer enthusiasts into a business tool. After the 1981 release by IBM of their IBM PC, the term
Personal Computer became generally used for microcomputers compatible with the IBM PC architecture (PC compatible).
References and footnotes
See also
was one of the most popular microcomputers of its era, and is the best selling model of
home computer of all time.Although there is no single definition, a
microcomputer (in the 1970s and 80s sometimes shortened to
microProof of "micro" as a once-common term:
(i) Direct reference: Jack Kibble-White, Jack "Stand by for a Data-Blast", Off the Telly. Article written December
2005, retrieved 2006-12-15.
(ii) Usage in the titles of Christopher Evans (computer scientist)' books "The Mighty Micro" (ISBN 0-340-25975-2) and "The Making of the Micro" (ISBN 0-575-02913-7). Other books include Usborne's "Understanding the Micro" (ISBN 0-86020-637-8), a children's guide to microcomputers.) is most often taken to mean a
computer with a
microprocessor as its central processing unit. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space. Although the terms are not synonymous, many microcomputers are also
personal computers (in the generic sense).As neither term is precisely-defined, the degree of overlap is debatable. An early use of the term "personal computer" in 1962 predates microprocessor-based designs.
(See "Personal Computer: Computers at Home" reference below). Similarly, "microcomputer" may technically encompass applications beyond "personal computers". Additional complications include whether "personal computer" is being used generically or to denote an IBM PC compatible machine. "Personal Computer: Computers at Home", Wikipedia article section. Version used dated 2006-11-04, retrieved 2006-11-07.
The term "microcomputer" came into popular use after the introduction of the
minicomputer, although
Isaac Asimov used the term microcomputer in his short story "The Dying Night" as early as 1956 (published in
The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction in July that year). Most notably, the microcomputer replaced the many separate components that made up the minicomputer's CPU with a single integrated microprocessor integrated circuit.
The earliest models often sold as kits to be assembled by the user, and came with as little as 256 bytes of random access memory, and no
input/output devices other than indicator lights and switches. However, as microprocessor design advanced rapidly and
semiconductor memory became less expensive from the early-to-mid-1970s onwards, microcomputers in turn grew faster and cheaper. This resulted in an explosion in their popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The increasing availability and power of
desktop computers for personal use attracted the attention of more software developers. As time went on and the industry matured, the market for
personal computers standardized around IBM PC compatibles running MS-DOS (and later Microsoft Windows).
Modern desktop computers,
video game consoles,
laptop computers,
tablet PCs, and many types of
handheld devices, including mobile phones and calculators, as well as industrial
embedded systems, may all be considered examples of microcomputers according to the definition given above.
Colloquial use of the term
Everyday use of the expression "microcomputer" (and in particular the "micro" abbreviation) has declined significantly from the mid-1980s onwards, and is no longer commonplace. It is most commonly associated with the first wave of all-in-one
8-bit home computers and small business microcomputers (such as the Apple II family,
Commodore 64, BBC Micro, and TRS 80). Although—or perhaps because—an increasingly diverse range of modern microprocessor-based devices fit the definition of "microcomputer," they are no longer referred to as such in everyday speech.
In common usage, "microcomputer" has been largely supplanted by the description "personal computer" or "PC," which describes that it has been designed to be used by one person at a time. IBM first promoted the term "personal computer" to differentiate themselves from other
microcomputers, often called "home computers." and also IBM's own mainframes and minicomputers. Unfortunately for IBM, the microcomputer itself was widely imitated, as well as the term. The component parts were commonly available to manufacturers and the BIOS was reverse engineered through cleanroom design techniques. IBM PC compatible "clones" became commonplace, and the terms "Personal Computer," and especially "PC" stuck with the general public.
Description
Monitors, keyboards and other devices for input and output may be integrated or separate. Computer memory in the form of
RAM, and at least one other less volatile, memory storage device are usually combined with the CPU on a
system bus in a single unit. Other devices that make up a complete microcomputer system include, batteries, a power supply unit, a keyboard and various input/output devices used to convey information to and from a human operator (Computer printer, Computer display, human interface devices) Microcomputers are designed to serve only a single user at a time, although they can often be modified with software or hardware to concurrently serve more than one user. Microcomputers fit well on or under desks or tables, so that they are within easy access of the user. Bigger computers like minicomputers,
Mainframe computer, and supercomputers take up large cabinet (computer)s or even a dedicated room.
A microcomputer comes equipped with at least one type of data storage, usually random-access memory. Although some microcomputers (particularly early 8-bit home micros) perform tasks using RAM alone, some form of secondary storage is normally desirable. In the early days of home micros, this was often a data cassette deck (in many cases as an external unit). Later, secondary storage (particularly in the form of
Floppy disk and
hard disk drives) were built in to the microcomputer case itself.
History
Although they contained no microprocessors but were built around TTL logic, Hewlett Packard Calculators as far back as 1968 had various levels of programmability such that they could be called microcomputers. The HP 9100B (1968) had rudimentary conditional (IF) statements, statement line numbers, and subroutines. Later models incrementally added more features, including the BASIC programming language (HP 9830A in 1971). Some models had tape storage and small printers. However, displays were limited to a single line at a time. The
Hewlett Packard 9100A was referred to as a
personal computer in an advertisement in a 1968 Science (journal) magazine http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/abouthp/histnfacts/museum/personalsystems/0021/other/0021ad.pdf but that advertisement was quickly dropped.http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/issue_pdf/frontmatter_pdf/162/3852.pdf It is suspected that HP was reluctant to call them "computers" because it would complicate government procurement and export procedures.
The Datapoint 2200, made by Datapoint in 1970, is perhaps the best candidate for the title of "first microcomputer". While it contains no microprocessor, it used the
Intel 4004 programming
instruction set and its custom TTL logic was the basis for the
Intel 8008, and for practical purposes the system behaves approximately as if it contains an 8008. This is because Intel was the contractor in charge of developing the Datapoint's CPU but ultimately CTC rejected the 8008 design because it needed 20 support chips. http://www.computermuseum.li/Testpage/MicroprocessorHistory.htm
Another early system, the Kenbak-1, was released in 1971. Like the Datapoint 2200, it used discrete TTL logic instead of a microprocessor, but functioned like a microcomputer in most ways. It was marketed as an educational and hobbyist tool, but was not a commercial success; production ceased shortly after introduction.. Another system of note is the Micral, introduced in 1973 by a French company and powered by the 8008; it was the first microcomputer sold all assembled and not as a construction kit.
Virtually all early microcomputers were essentially boxes with lights and switches; one had to read and understand binary numbers and machine language to program and use them (the Datapoint 2200 was a striking exception, bearing a modern design based around a monitor, keyboard, and tape and disk drives). Of the early "box of switches"-type microcomputers, the MITS
Altair 8800 (1975) was arguably the most famous. Most of these simple, early microcomputers were sold as electronic kits--bags full of loose components which the buyer had to solder together before the system could be used.
The period from about 1971 to 1976 is sometimes called the :Category:Early microcomputers of microcomputers. These machines were for engineering development and hobbyist personal use. In 1975, the Processor Technology SOL-20 was designed, which consisted of a single board which included all the parts of the computer system. The
SOL-20 had built-in EPROM software which elimated the need for rows of switches and lights. The Altair 8800 just mentioned played an instrumental role in sparking significant hobbyist interest, which itself eventually led to the founding and success of many well-known personal computer hardware and software companies, such as Microsoft and
Apple Computer. Although the Altair itself was only a mild commercial success, it helped spark a huge industry.1977 saw the introduction of the second generation, known as
home computers. These were considerably easier to use than their predecessors, whose operation often demanded thorough familiarity with practical electronics. The ability to connect to a monitor (screen) or TV set allowed for visual manipulation of text and numbers. The BASIC programming language, which was easier to learn and use than raw machine language, became a standard feature. These features were already common in
minicomputers, which many hobbyists and early manufactures were familiar with.
1979 saw the launch of the
VisiCalc spreadsheet (initially for the
Apple II family) that first turned the microcomputer from a hobby for computer enthusiasts into a business tool. After the 1981 release by IBM of their
IBM PC, the term Personal Computer became generally used for microcomputers compatible with the IBM PC architecture (
PC compatible).
References and footnotes
See also
microcomputer from FOLDOC
microcomputer. A computer based on a microprocessor. Contrast with minicomputer, mainframe. (1995-02-07) Try this search on Wikipedia, OneLook, Google
BBC Microcomputer from FOLDOC
BBC Microcomputer. A series of 6502-based personal computers launched by Acorn Computers Ltd. in January 1982, for use in the British Broadcasting Corporation's educational ...
Microcomputer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A microcomputer [2] is a computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small ...
AskOxford: microcomputer
microcomputer • noun a small computer with a microprocessor as its central processor. Perform another search of the Compact Oxford English Dictionary
Micro Mart
News and Reviews, classifieds section, sale and purchase of IT-related goods.
Acorn 6502 Microcomputer Kit - Introduction
Details of the Acorn Microcomputer, later called the Acorn System 1, including an introduction, documentation, pictures, schematics, and specifications.
Micro Computer Solutions Ltd | MCS Group | Welcome
IT services business specialising in the implementation and support of accounting and office administration systems for medium sized corporate clients. Includes news, product guide ...
Microcomputer Music Research Unit, University of Bradford
The main research objective of the MMRU is the application of computers and computing techniques to explore the nature of musical instrument sound and its ...
Mighty-Micro Computer Store, Manchester and Macclesfield
PC Equipment Consultants Since 1983. Suppliers include Acer, Microsoft, Toshiba, IBM, Sony, Logitech, INtel, Belkin and many more
Zoom Technologies: Zoom Telephonics, Modems, DSL, VoIP, Dial-up Analog ...
Zoom Telephonics: Modems, Broadband, Cable, DSL, ISDN, USB, Wireless Bridge, Cameras, Gateways, Wireless LAN, HomeLAN, 802.11, V.92, Dialers
