Today in history: On August 12, 1981 – The IBM Personal Computer is released.

 

On August 12, 1981, IBM officially launched the IBM Personal Computer (Model 5150), marking a defining moment in the history of technology and personal computing. Designed as a mass-market desktop computer for homes, schools, and businesses, the IBM PC was built around the Intel 8088 microprocessor running at 4.77 MHz, with 16 KB of memory (expandable to 256 KB), and used Microsoft’s new MS-DOS operating system. 

Unlike earlier computers that were often proprietary and expensive, IBM took a different approach, they used off-the-shelf parts and allowed third-party developers to create compatible software and hardware. This open architecture, combined with IBM’s strong brand reputation, quickly made the IBM PC a serious competitor to Apple and other early computer makers.

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The IBM PC’s release sparked a revolution in the computing industry, effectively setting the standard for what would become known as the “PC compatible” market. Within a few years, clone manufacturers like Compaq began producing their own machines that could run the same software, accelerating the spread of personal computers worldwide. 

Popular programs like Lotus 1-2-3 and WordPerfect thrived on the IBM PC, solidifying its place in offices and homes. The success of the IBM PC not only boosted Microsoft’s rise in the software industry but also transformed personal computing from a niche hobby into a global necessity, shaping the modern tech landscape we know today.

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