On December 19, 1974, the Altair 8800 microcomputer was first put on sale through an advertisement in Popular Electronics magazine. This event is considered by many to be the birth of the personal computer revolution.
The Altair 8800, created by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS), was a build-it-yourself kit that included an Intel 8080 processor, a front panel with switches and LEDs, and 256 bytes of memory. Despite its primitive nature by today's standards, it was a groundbreaking device that made computing accessible to hobbyists and enthusiasts.
The Altair's launch inspired a generation of computer pioneers, including Bill Gates and Paul Allen, who founded Microsoft to develop software for the machine. They created Altair BASIC, the first high-level programming language for a microcomputer.
The Altair 8800's success led to the development of numerous other microcomputers, such as the Apple II and the Commodore PET, which further fueled the growth of the personal computing industry. It also spawned the "Homebrew Computer Club," a group of enthusiasts who met regularly to discuss and share ideas about microcomputers, and whose members included Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the founders of Apple Computer.
The Altair 8800's release on December 19, 1974, marked the beginning of a new era in computing, one in which computers became increasingly accessible, affordable, and powerful, ultimately transforming the way we live and work. It is a crucial milestone in the history of science and technology, and its impact continues to be felt to this day.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
