The first decade of personal computers

The first decade of personal computers is characterized by three generations of these man-made devices. During the last six years alone, the number of personal computers purchased has increased by two orders of magnitude. This rapid growth has been catalyzed by innovations in computing and communication technology and by the advent of systems with friendlier human-machine interfaces geared towards individual needs. As the microelectronics revolution progresses and better software methodologies evolve, the personal computer will find widespread use in nontraditional application areas involving computing operations on information of many different types. This paper discusses the key features of contemporary personal computers. Four different market niches are delineated and their characteristics analyzed.