IBM PC
DOS machine pioneer
The IBM PC was a personal computer introduced by IBM in 1981 that became the template for most desktop computers thereafter.
Its open architecture allowed competitors to build compatible machines, creating the "PC clone" industry.
Today, PC usually means any Windows-based personal computer descended from this design, as distinct from Macintosh computers.
Individual-use computing machine
- microprocessorCompact computing circuit
- motherboardComputer's primary circuit platform
- RAMTemporary data storage hardware
- CPUMain computing chip
floppy disk · hard drive · monitor · keyboard · VGA · expansion card · parallel port · serial port
Early PC operating system
- DOSText-based computer platform
- BASICBeginner-friendly programming language
- WordPerfectDocument creation software
- operating systemSoftware managing computer resources
command line · batch file · CONFIG.SYS · device driver · shareware · boot disk · file manager
Genetically identical organism
- CompaqDefunct PC manufacturer
- TandyFormer electronics retailer
- GatewayAccess point or portal
- x86Intel processor architecture
open architecture · third-party · industry standard · de facto standard · white box
A calendar year
- personal computingIndividual use of machines
- Boca RatonSoutheast Florida coastal municipality
- CompaqDefunct PC manufacturer
- home computerResidential electronic workstation
Interest in obsolete machines
- retroEvoking recent past
- classicOf lasting excellence
- nostalgiaLonging for the past
- museum pieceObject preserved for display
collector · emulator · preservation · abandonware · retrocomputing · influential · pioneering · foundational
personal computer
Individual-use computing machine
- microprocessorCompact computing circuit
- motherboardComputer's primary circuit platform
- RAMTemporary data storage hardware
CPU · floppy disk · hard drive · monitor · keyboard · VGA · expansion card · parallel port · serial port · BIOS
MS-DOS
Early PC operating system
- DOSText-based computer platform
- BASICBeginner-friendly programming language
- WordPerfectDocument creation software
operating system · command line · batch file · CONFIG.SYS · device driver · shareware · boot disk · file manager
clone
Genetically identical organism
x86 · open architecture · third-party · industry standard · de facto standard · white box
1981
A calendar year
- personal computingIndividual use of machines
- Boca RatonSoutheast Florida coastal municipality
- CompaqDefunct PC manufacturer
Bill Gates · home computer · desktop publishing · open architecture
vintage computing
Interest in obsolete machines
museum piece · collector · emulator · preservation · abandonware · retrocomputing · influential · pioneering · foundational · obsolete
- Vintage ComputersCommodore 64, Apple II, Apple IIe, Amiga, Lisa
- computerscomputer, computers, desktop, desktops, laptop
- obsolete techfloppy disk, VHS, dial-up modem, cassette tape, floppy disks
- retro electronics8-track, 8-track player, answering machine, Atari, Betamax
- vintage techvintage cameras, transistor radios, vacuum tubes, turntables, phonographs
- Computing HistoryENIAC, UNIVAC, mainframe, mainframes, punch card
IBM PCmainframe
Large centralized computer system
supercomputer · minicomputer · ENIAC · server farm · data center