computer speech- jh101490
During the past decade, we have seen a great increase in available technology. One of the greatest innovations has been the personal computer. Though the computer was first invented shortly after World War II, it wasn't until the mid-1970s when computers became available in the home. One of the first computers that became available for the general public was the Altair 8000. Featured as a put-together kit in electronics magazine, this computer ushered started was one of the first computers of the modern era. Unfortunately, this computer was difficult to program, and had no pre-programmed software available for it, therefore it was restricted for use primarily by hobbyists. The first real home computer for use by the general public was Commodore's PET. This computer featured the BASIC programming language built in, making it much easier to program. It also had a monitor and tape drive, thus facilitating a much greater user friendliness, and allowing people to more easily obtain other programs. The next significant computer was the Apple. The Brainchild of two college-age guys working in their garage, this was the first color computers. The next major computer was again created by Commodore. Faced with the knowledge that Japan planned to invade the US with many under $300 color computers, Jack Tramiel, commodore's president, set out to create a low cost color computer. He eventually succeeded with the Commodore Vic-20. This computer featured color and significant sound abilities (far more advanced than the single beeper found in previous computers). To further insure the popularity of this machine, Commodore created many software products for it, ranging from video games, to word processors, to educational programs. A few years later, Commodore introduced the Commodore 64, another color computer, with many more features than the Vic, which became the all time best selling individual computer.
During all these early developments in the home computer industry, IBM was carefully observing. IBM had already been a major player in the Super-computer field, making many of the mainframes used in large workplaces. However they had yet to invade in the small business, or home area. Finally, in 1981, IBM unveiled the PC, aimed primarily at business users. While most of the previously mentioned computers were made from customly designed chips and system configuration, the PC was made almost entirely from off-the-shelf electronic equipment. The PC was also built with a bus so that it may be easily expanded. This two factors helped spur into existence the clone-makers. Soon after the PC gained success in the workplace, the clonemakers popped into the field. One of the first, Compaq, specialized in making portable versions of the PC. - Later IBM tried to make a portable PC, but there attempt failed miserably. - Others later followed, adding features to the PC, and more importantly, lowering the price. Soon, PC clones were priced in a range that was affordable to the average man. Many people started to buy PC-clones so that they could take their work home with them. Seeing, the great interest in low-priced clones, IBM tried to introduce their own 'home' computer. Called the PCjr, this computer contained many minor defects (such as a 'chiqlet' keyboard) which prevented it from becoming a major success. Soon, however, clones began to catch on greatly, and today PC-clones account for the majority of all computers in the home.