The document discusses the history of personal computers from their introduction in 1975 to modern times. It notes that the first personal computer was the MITS Altair which had 256 bytes of RAM compared to today's computers that have 1-2 gigabytes on average. In the late 1990s, 60% of households owned personal computers, which increased to 62% by 2003. Personal computers have significantly increased in power and decreased in price over time, becoming ubiquitous tools that over half of American adults now own.

1. History of Personal Computers Drew Rynders

2. The desktop computer was introduced in 1975 by Intel. It sold for $498 dollars becoming the first computer introduced to individuals. The MITS Altair contained 256 bytes of RAM compared to today’s computers that hold on average 1-2 gigs of RAM. This is a significant increase!!!!!

3. Soon after the MITS Altair came a wave of personal computers. 1977 began the personal computer explosion with the introduction of the TRS80 by Radio Shack and the Apple II. The Apple II set a new high for computers marking their PC at $1,298 dollars.

4. Now a days computers range from all different prices. You can get a computer for as low as $300 dollars and tip the scales at $5000. It just depends on what kind of computer you are looking for.

5. The beginning use of computers was to assist in practices like that of accounting. As the computer industry expanded, word processing became the newest program. The biggest invention for the computer was that of the Internet. This gave a huge market place for businesses and personal uses.

6. 1991-1995 computer sales and shipments skyrocketed. Annually the shipment numbers grew 20%. Owning a computer reached an all-time high during this boom, when during the late 1990’s, 60% of households owned personal computers.

7. Entering into the new millennium personal computers continued to grow and thrive. By 2006 computer prices were as low as $500 dollars and the laptop was now selling for only $700. The most important number was that 52% of adults with only an income of $30,000 or greater reported owning a computer. In the past, the average income was around $50,000 a year, therefore showing the adaptability to different income levels.

8. MITS Altair Picture from Wikipedia.

9. Upgrades have been the norm for computer systems. Always trying to fix, better, and perfect the system is the goal of the designers. The last major upgrade to the system was right before the millennium. The floppy disk was upgraded and changed to the compact disc drives.

10. These…… Floppy Disk

11. Became these!!!! Compact Discs

12. Between 95’ to 99’ shipment numbers decreased because of the growth of worldwide shipments, but soon rose again in 2002. During this time period however, the bargains of lower prices and better computers drove the demand for computers up more than 15%.

13. Nearly 62% of households owned computers in 2003 up from the previously astonishing mark of 42% in 1998. These numbers are the tale of the tape for personal computers and laptops. Ever since day one the sale and rise of computers has been drastic. Computers are becoming the base from which we work and function everyday. To see how far we have truly come is amazing.