Altair 8800

Definition

The Altair 8800 is considered one of the first commercially successful personal computers, launched in 1975. It was designed by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) and featured an Intel 8080 microprocessor, setting the stage for the personal computing revolution and the development of software like Microsoft BASIC.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Altair 8800 was introduced through a feature article in Popular Electronics magazine, which greatly increased its visibility and sales.
2. Its design was based on a modular architecture that allowed users to add components and peripherals, making it highly customizable.
3. The computer initially lacked a keyboard and monitor; users interacted with it using toggle switches and LED lights.
4. The success of the Altair 8800 inspired a wave of other personal computers, leading to the growth of the home computing market in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
5. The Altair 8800 is often credited with sparking interest in programming among hobbyists, leading to the emergence of the software industry as we know it today.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of the Altair 8800 influence the development of personal computing?
  • The introduction of the Altair 8800 marked a significant turning point in the history of personal computing. It demonstrated that computers could be compact and affordable enough for individual consumers and hobbyists, sparking a surge in interest and innovation within the tech community. The Altair's modular design allowed users to customize their systems, laying the groundwork for future personal computers and inspiring many companies to enter the market.
• Evaluate the impact of MITS's marketing strategy on the popularity of the Altair 8800 among hobbyists.
  • MITS's marketing strategy played a crucial role in popularizing the Altair 8800. By featuring it prominently in Popular Electronics magazine, they captured the attention of tech enthusiasts who were eager to explore computing technology. This strategic exposure helped create a community around home computing and sparked widespread interest in building and programming personal computers, which fueled demand for not only the Altair but also other emerging technologies in that space.
• Assess how the Altair 8800 contributed to Microsoft's establishment as a major software company.
  • The Altair 8800 was instrumental in establishing Microsoft as a key player in the software industry. When Microsoft developed BASIC for the Altair, it marked one of their first major successes and showcased their ability to provide essential software solutions for personal computers. This early partnership set off a chain reaction that would see Microsoft grow alongside the personal computing boom, ultimately becoming one of the most influential technology companies in history.

Related terms

Intel 8080: A pioneering microprocessor released in 1974, which became the brain of many early personal computers, including the Altair 8800.

MITS: Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems, the company that created the Altair 8800, initially aimed at hobbyists before transforming the landscape of personal computing.

Microsoft BASIC: A programming language developed by Microsoft for the Altair 8800, which helped to establish Microsoft as a key player in software development for personal computers.