The IBM PC
From an "Acorn" grows a personal computer revolution. In July 1980, IBM representatives meet for the first time with Microsoft's Bill Gates to talk about writing an operating system for IBM's new hush-hush personal computer. On August 12 1981, IBM executives held a press conference in New York to introduce a momentous new computer - the IBM Personal Computer. The first IBM PC ran on a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 microprocessor.

Definition of an IBM-PC

History of the Microcomputer Revolution
Segment 11: IBM's secret - history of the IBM PC.
Segment 12: The deal of the century - Microsoft writes MS DOS for IBM.

Outstanding IBM Electrical Engineers
David Bradley joined IBM immediately upon graduation. In September 1980, David Bradley became one of the "original 12" engineers working on the IBM Personal Computer and was responsible for the ROM BIOS code.

The History of Computers During My Lifetime: The 1980's
A history written by Jason Patterson, several computers are described including the IBM PC, Commodore VIC-20 and the Osborne 1, along with details on important software of the decade.

IBM History
History of IBM Achievements, Timeline and Multi-Media Gallery
From IBM's own website. Timeline of IBM's innovations and the history of the largest computer company in the world, from its incorporation in 1911 until today. A fun history of IBM written for kids.

Definition of IBM
The best-known American computer manufacturer, founded by Thomas J. Watson (born 1874-02-17), known as "Big Blue" after the color of its logo.

Ten Top Innovations
Created by IBM.

Illustrations

• picture of the 701's tape drive.
• picture of 701's electrostatic storage tubes used for memory.
• picture of the 704, a later model in the 700 series.
• 650 EDPM

Related Information
Computers
Learn about different computer inventors, read about the history of the computer, computer games, Apple Computers and more.

Bill Gates - Biography
A biography of Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft.

 artwork ©Mary Bellis/army photos