PC stands for "Personal Computer". The term was coined in the 70s for machines that are used directly by one person at a time. This was a huge paradigm shift over the big and expensive mainframe computers that were common at the time. Early examples of Personal Computers include the Apple II and the Commodore PET.
Nowadays the term PC usually refers to IBM compatible PCs. IBM built the original IBM PC in 1981 later followed by the IBM XT and the IBM AT. Since IBM decided to open up the design other manufacturers started to sell clones of the original IBM PC and it's successors, so called "IBM compatibles". This allowed the IBM PC architecture to quickly become the industry standard for Personal Computers intended for business oriented tasks.
The IBM PC is the ancestor of most modern desktop and laptop computers. In the early 80s, PCs were rather expensive and not really suited for multimedia. They were not often used as home computers. This changed throughout the 90s when better graphics and sound cards appeared, PCs became cheaper and modern operating systems made them easier to use.
Although the name Amstrad CPC is an abrivation for Color Personal Computer, the Amstrad CPC was not an IBM compatible PC. But unlike many other homecomputers of the era, the Amstrad CPC shared many components which also was found in first IBM PCs and compatibles of the 80's:
- CRTC (found on CGA cards)
- FDC The PC used the same Floppy Disc Controler.
- PPI Same programmable peripheral interface as the CPC
IBM Antitrust Consent Decree
In the early 1950s, IBM was the dominant player in the computing industry, particularly with its mainframe computers. The company held a substantial market share, leading to concerns about monopolistic practices and stifling competition.
The U.S. government, particularly the Department of Justice, initiated legal action against IBM in 1952, alleging that the company was violating antitrust laws by using its market power to suppress competition.
The Consent Decree, finalized in 1956, was not a traditional antitrust lawsuit but rather a settlement that aimed to modify IBM's business practices. Notably, the decree encouraged the development of open standards in computing, promoting interoperability among different systems.
This U.S. antitrust consent decree with IBM led to the PC architecture being functionally an open design, as IBM was required to share its technology and promote competition. Therefore, IBM used standard components and a flexible design, making it easy for other manufacturers to replicate.
This openness encouraged many companies like Amstrad to create compatible products, leading to rapid growth in the PC market. Software developers also benefited, as they could create programs that worked across various compatible machines.
Note: A consent decree is an agreement or settlement that resolves a dispute between two parties without admission of guilt or liability.
Amstrad and PCs
List of Amstrad PCs
- PC1512 (1985)
- PC1640 (1987)
- PC2086
- PC20
- MegaPC (1993)
And many others.