Lecture Notes: The Personal Computer and Digital Revolution

Introduction

• The digital revolution was significantly influenced by the concept of personal computers.
• Initially, computers were large mainframes used by corporations and academic institutions.
• The microchip and microprocessor developments in the early 1970s were pivotal.

Silicon Valley and Culture

• Silicon Valley combined a unique mix of hippies, hackers, and entrepreneurs.
• The Whole Earth Catalog and the counterculture were influential.

Birth of the Personal Computer

• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• Key Figure: Ed Roberts, a hobbyist and entrepreneur.
• Company: MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems), founded in 1969.

Ed Roberts and MITS

• Originally catered to hobbyists with electronic kits.
• Created a DIY digital calculator kit.
• Faced competition from pre-assembled calculators.

The Breakthrough with Altair 8800

• Intel 8080: Key microprocessor released in April 1974.
• Altair 8800: $400 DIY computer kit, featured in Popular Electronics magazine.
• Inspired by a Star Trek episode, name 'Altair' chosen.
• Featured toggle switches and light displays.

Popular Electronics and Success

• Popular Electronics' January 1975 issue popularized Altair.
• The magazine's article suggested a computer in every home.

Impact on Enthusiasts

• Orders flooded into MITS, overwhelming their capacity.
• Highlighted the demand for personal computing.

Rise of the Homebrew Computer Club

• Formed in 1975 by hobbyists and hackers in Silicon Valley.
• Aimed to democratize computing, reducing reliance on big corporations.
• Featured early Altair computers and programming experiments.

Significance of Hobbyist Culture

• Bill Gates and Paul Allen took interest in personal computers.
• Stepping stones for future tech companies and the modern digital economy.

Conclusion

• The personal computer revolutionized technology and empowered individuals.
• Marked a shift from institutional to personal ownership of computing power.