microcomputing
Personal digital calculation
Microcomputing refers to the use, development, or study of microcomputers—small, relatively inexpensive computers built around a microprocessor, as distinguished from the large mainframes and minicomputers that preceded them.
The term was especially common in the 1970s and 1980s when personal computers first became accessible to individuals and small businesses.
She got into microcomputing back when you had to build your own machine from a kit.
Casual, unskilled adjusting
- DIYAmateur home projects
- Raspberry PiAffordable miniature programmable computer
- ArduinoOpen-source prototyping platform
- makerOne who produces
soldering · breadboard · kit · project · build · homebrew · modding · overclocking
Reducing physical scale significantly
- portabilityEase of carrying
- handheldDesigned for palm use
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
- microcontrollerIntegrated circuit with processor
embedded · compact · desktop · tower · peripheral · keyboard · monitor · expansion slot
Writing software instructions
- debuggingError removal from programs
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- syntaxRules for arranging words
- compilerSource-to-machine-code translator
IDE · scripting · executable · binary · BASIC · assembly · runtime · variable
Partial electrical conductor
- Silicon ValleyBay Area tech corridor
- IBM PC1981 personal computer standard
- TandyFormer electronics retailer
- SinclairScottish-origin family name
Commodore · Apple · Compaq · Intel · clone · mass production · retail · distribution
Quality from past eras
- Commodore 64Popular 1982 home computer
- Apple IILandmark 1977 microcomputer
- AmigaCommodore's 1985 home computer
- AltairAlpha of the Eagle
MS-DOS · floppy disk · cassette tape · dot-matrix · CRT · 8-bit · 16-bit · boot disk
tinkering
Casual, unskilled adjusting
- DIYAmateur home projects
- Raspberry PiAffordable miniature programmable computer
- ArduinoOpen-source prototyping platform
maker · soldering · breadboard · kit · project · build · homebrew · modding · overclocking · electronics
miniaturization
Reducing physical scale significantly
- portabilityEase of carrying
- handheldDesigned for palm use
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
microcontroller · embedded · compact · desktop · tower · peripheral · keyboard · monitor · expansion slot · bus
programming
Writing software instructions
- debuggingError removal from programs
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- syntaxRules for arranging words
compiler · IDE · scripting · executable · binary · BASIC · assembly · runtime · variable · loop
semiconductor
Partial electrical conductor
- Silicon ValleyBay Area tech corridor
- IBM PC1981 personal computer standard
- TandyFormer electronics retailer
Sinclair · Commodore · Apple · Compaq · Intel · clone · mass production · retail · distribution · licensing
vintage
Quality from past eras
- Commodore 64Popular 1982 home computer
- Apple IILandmark 1977 microcomputer
- AmigaCommodore's 1985 home computer
Altair · MS-DOS · floppy disk · cassette tape · dot-matrix · CRT · 8-bit · 16-bit · boot disk · green screen
computer, computing, computers, computed, microchip, computation, computerized, computerize, computerization