1974: The Introduction of the Altair 8800 Computer

Name: 1974: The Introduction of the Altair 8800 Computer
Start: 1974-12-31
Location: Unspecified

The Birth of the Personal Computer

Altair 8800: A Revolutionary Device

The Altair 8800, unveiled in January 1975 by MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems) in the pages of Popular Electronics, marked the dawn of the personal computing era. This microcomputer was based on the Intel 8080 microprocessor and was considered groundbreaking for anyone interested in computer technology at the time.

Impact of the Altair 8800 on Computing

The Altair 8800 wasn't merely a technological innovation; it ignited a passion for computing among hobbyists and engineers. The device was incredibly customizable, allowing enthusiasts to build it from a kit, which created a wave of interest and excited a generation about the possibilities of personal computing.

The Community Sparked by Altair 8800

Formation of the Homebrew Computer Club

After the release of the Altair 8800, like-minded individuals formed the Homebrew Computer Club to share knowledge and ideas, paving the way for future computer giants like Apple and Microsoft. This community became a breeding ground for innovation, where enthusiasts gathered to discuss their projects and learn from each other.

Early Software Development for the Altair 8800

The excitement surrounding the Altair 8800 led to the creation of software designed specifically for it. Notably, BASIC was adapted for the Altair by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, which eventually launched Microsoft, a company that would dominate the software industry.

Fun Fact

Altair 8800's Place in History

One of the interesting facts about the Altair 8800 is that it was named after the star Altair in the constellation Aquila. This tiny device sparked the beginning of a digital revolution that would transform our world.