Beginnings of Dell Computers

University of Texas freshman Michael S. Dell began selling IBM-compatible computers from his dorm room in 1984. Using parts he purchased at wholesale prices, Dell built the machines to closely resemble IBM models and then sold them to PC users looking to avoid the prices typically charged by computer retailers. Realizing that the $80,000 per month he brought in could easily be transformed into a full-fledged business, Dell left school and founded Dell Computer Corp. in April of 1984. Believing that more experienced computer users would likely recognize the value his custom-built machines offered, Dell began placing advertisements in computer magazines. People used an 800 number to place orders that Dell would ship in the mail upon completion. Dell used no middleman, and the firm's direct sales model allowed it to price machines significantly lower than competing PC vendors.

History of the Laptop Computer

The computer considered by most historians to be the first true portable computer was the Osborne 1. Adam Osborne, an ex-book publisher founded Osborne Computer and produced the Osborne 1 in 1981, a portable computer that weighed a massive 24 pounds and cost $1795. The Osborne 1 came with a five-inch screen, modem port, two 5 1/4 floppy drives, a large collection of bundled software programs, and a battery pack. However, the short-lived computer company was never successful.

The Personal Computer

Before the introduction of the microprocessor in the early 1970s, computers were usually large, costly systems owned by large companies, colleges, or the government. Minicomputers were basically interactive and soon had their own operating systems. In 1973 the minicomputer Xerox Altowas a landmark step in the development of personal computers. With its graphical user interface, bit-mapped high resolution screen, large internal and external memory storage, mouse, and special software.
After the development of the microprocessor, individual personal computers were low enough in cost that they eventually became affordable for more people.

Microsoft History

In 1983, Microsoft announced it's development of the graphical user interface called Windows. It was an operating system that was shipped for IBM PC computers and there have been many versions of Windows in the past 20 plus years. Notable versions include Windows 95, 98, 2000, Xp, and Windows 7.

Microsoft had also worked with Apple Computer to develop several Desk Accessories and other minor pieces of software that were included with early Macintosh system software. As part of the related business negotiations, Microsoft had licensed certain aspects of the Macintosh user interface from Apple; in later litigation, a district court summarized these aspects as "screen displays".

History of Apple

Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started working together in 1975. April of 1976, however, the Apple 1 computer was born. Steve Wozniak created the computer while Steve Jobs helped with marketing. Apple saw much success with the Apple III in 1980, with several thousand employees and well selling computers. In the mid 80's Steve Jobs was working on his big project; the Macintosh computer. It initially sold well but it had its problems. The Macintosh set the bar for Apple computers and today Apple is very sucessful with the iPod and other products.

The Early Years

The invention of the computer can't be credited to one person, but many people contrinuted to its creation. Between 1936 and 1938, Germany's Konrad Zuse created the first progammable computer called the Z1. Also, in 1969, Intel was created by a Japanese calculator company. Intel is one of the fouding fathers of the computer chip.