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What are Microcomputers?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

"Microcomputer" is an antiquated term that refers to a computer that uses a microprocessor (integrated circuit) for its central processing unit (CPU). In addition, this type of computer should be small enough to fit on a desk, as microprocessor-based computers larger than that are generally called "minicomputers" instead. Microprocessor-based computers are the backbone of the modern computer era, often considered "third generation" computers, in contrast to the first and second generation of vacuum tubes and bipolar junction transistors, which were common before the microprocessor was developed. Today, almost all computers are microcomputers.

Computers were relatively slow and expensive throughout the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, often requiring large amounts of power and room-sized mainframes. Even a computer the size of a refrigerator could be called a "minicomputer," due to its comparatively small size. At this point, computers were only available to the government, universities, and large companies, and had to be used on timeshare. In 1958, however, Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit, which opened up the possibility of much smaller computers.

"Microcomputer" is an outdated 1980s term for a desktop computer.
"Microcomputer" is an outdated 1980s term for a desktop computer.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, minicomputers carried the day, being based on integrated circuits but too large to be called microcomputers. As early as 1956, Isaac Asimov wrote about the possibility of small personal computers, and by the mid-1970s, they had become technologically possible. In 1974, Intel released the Intel 8080, what has been called the first truly usable microprocessor. This circuit was then installed in many computers, such as the Altair 8800, which were the first true microcomputers. Among the early users were Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, roommates at Harvard who would go on to found the software behemoth Microsoft.

A central processing unit.
A central processing unit.

In the early and mid-1980s, microcomputers began to slowly edge out of the realm of the nerd and into the mainstream. The Apple II, which launched Apple Computer to fame, had been released in 1977, and more and more people began to realize its utility for business and in education. Throughout the 1980s, Apple released more machines that were progressively smaller and more powerful, increasing the appeal of personal computers. Many competitors emerged, running operating systems like DOS and Windows®. Today, there are over a billion computers in use worldwide.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime WiseGEEK contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime WiseGEEK contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Charred

@NathanG -- You can still play those old games used in microcomputers if you want. You can download emulators for those different environments and play those games in a separate window on your computer.

NathanG

@allenJo -- Yes, those were the days. My micro computer was a Commodore 64. I loved the graphics and there were so many games available, it was a blast to use. It’s too bad they quit making them. Now Microsoft and Intel rule the world.

allenJo

Every time I read about the history of computer hardware I get nostalgic. My first computer was a Radio Shack TRS-80. It was jokingly called a “Trash ‘80” in those days but it was a pretty serious machine for its time. It had a whopping 16K of RAM, two empty bays for 5 1/4" floppy disks, a black and white monitor attached to the keyboard and a cassette player. Believe it or not, I stored my BASIC programs on cassette tapes. I never did invest in the floppy disks.

I spent my nights in a dark room programming video games in BASIC. That was where I got my real education in software development.

I checked out Ebay recently to see what an old TRS-80 was selling for. I thought it had become a collector’s item by now and maybe I could get rich. They go for about $50. I guess I’ll have to get rich some other way.

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    • "Microcomputer" is an outdated 1980s term for a desktop computer.
      By: dp3010
      "Microcomputer" is an outdated 1980s term for a desktop computer.
    • A central processing unit.
      By: Restyler
      A central processing unit.