Microcomputer
𐑥𐑲𐑒𐑮𐑴𐑒𐑩𐑥𐑐𐑿𐑑𐑼
A microcomputer is a computer that uses a microprocessor as its CPU. This allows it to be even smaller than a minicomputer.
They were introduced in the 1970s as kits for US hobbyists, such as the Altair 8800. By the 1980s, British children were using prebuilt home computers such as the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 to play and even write their own games. By the 1990s, businesses had embraced personal computers, chiefly IBM PC clones.
Technically, all home computers and personal computers are microcomputers, although by the time people started using personal computers, the term had fallen out of favour.
Further reading
Encyclopedias
- The Penguin Dictionary of Computers, Third Edition Anthony Chandor, John Graham, Robin Williamson, 1985, ISBN 0-14-051127-X, p. 301
Types of computer: Microcomputer
Microcomputers: Home computer | Personal computer
