If you are like me, you started to learn about personal computers and about Microprocessors, namely Apple 1 in the early to mid-1970’s. What an invention, you could have your own program on a diskette. Now you say, what is a diskette? I know I am dating myself. Great for the individual who wanted to play games, you know like Pac Man and Nintendo. At this point in time microprocessors were 8008 and then came 8088 processor, Apple IIe, still 8-bit technology but much faster than the earlier microprocessors. The 8088 was widely used in personal computers. A good beginning creating, “what if questions.”
With a little research you will find the choice of the 8086 microprocessors, released in 1978, laid the foundation for the x86 architecture. Do I understand it all, NO! Prior to this, popular personal computers used 8-bit processors (e.g., Intel 8080, Zilog Z80, MOS Technology 6502.)
The microprocessor 8086 for the original IBM PC had a profound impact on the industry, the 8086-instruction set clock speed became 5 MHz to 10 MHz, still 8 bit technology. Microsoft played a role in convincing IBM to move from an 8-bit processor to the 16-bit 8088, IBM rapidly developed the IBM PC’s motherboard on the 8088 architectures.
The 8088’s adoption helped establish the Intel x86 architecture running at clock speeds of 5 MHz to 16 MHz as the future standard for most personal computers. It paved the way for future generations of processors and shaped the PC industry. Talk about an explosion! Microsoft also talked IBM into using MS DOS for an operating system.
What did that do?
Standardized: The IBM PC set a standard architecture that other manufacturers could follow. This standardization and open architecture allowed software developers to create applications that would run on any compatible PC. Thus, the rise of IBM-compatible clones from manufacturers. 
One was Compaq. Compaq’s success with the Compaq Portable (IBM-compatible) further fueled the market. (Portability made possible and later paved the way for the Laptop Computer, Tablet and iPad.) Now many Companies were manufacturing a PC.
Adopted by Business: IBM targeted businesses initially, the IBM PC gained rapid acceptance in corporate environments. Its reliability, expandability, and compatibility made it an attractive choice. And too, those Corporation who wanted the IBM PC for word Processing had 100% acceptance from the Typist because the keyboard on the PC was identical to the Selectric Typewriter (Ball Typewriter) for touch and feel. The IBM PC was shipped with Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS), which quickly became the dominant operating system for PCs. MS-DOS laid the foundation for Windows later.
What About Software: The IBM PC’s open architecture encouraged a thriving software environment. Developers could create software without worrying about hardware variations.
Challenges: The IBM PC faced competition from other platforms (such as Apple II and Commodore 64), but its open architecture allowed it to adapt and thrive.
Innovations: like the 8088 microprocessor, CGA graphics, and PC/AT (Advanced Technology) further enhanced its capabilities. The PC/AT Advancement was welcomed by Businesses. The AT had a Hard Drive. (Believe it or not the hard drive was a rotating hard diskette with a read/write head.) That allowed Corporations to have more than one program on that Hard Disk. Thus, the convenience and ease of writing letters and completing back room bookkeeping by switching between programs without diskette swaps, not without intimidation and a very steep learning curve.
CGA graphics made it possible for color monitors to be developed. Cad Cam Programming was now possible. GUI Graphical User Interface now creating more ways for the PC to explode. Later Windows!
Impact on the PC Culture: The IBM PC became a symbol of the digital revolution. It democratized access to computing power.
The iconic “IBM-compatible” label became synonymous with personal computers.
There is a Legacy: The IBM PC’s legacy lives on in the form of the x86 architecture, which continues to dominate the PC market. Even today, the term “PC” often refers to an IBM-compatible system.
The IBM PC’s impact extends beyond hardware—it shaped the way we interact with technology.
In summary, the IBM PC’s standardization, software environment, and cultural influence transformed the computing landscape, leaving an indelible mark on our digital world. Intel, AMD, IOS, Microsoft and PS 4, will have future development.
Moving from a Text-Based Interface to Windows-Touch Screen Interface opened the way for a lot of growth. The digital world has just started another EVOLUTION. Think of all the things that happened from the 90’s to now. All of which is another subject for another get-together.
