4th Generation Computers: Microprocessor, Rise of Apple and Microsoft
With the creation of Intel's 4004 4-bit microprocessor in 1971, computers could perform multiple actions at once. It was able to combine millions of transistors along with other components of the computer onto a single chip making what used to take up part of a wall now only take a corner in your living room. This made computers reliable, faster, and more affordable. In 1972 Intel released a new 8-bit processor the 8008, with technology ever growing and hardware becoming cheaper and more efficient computers made their way to people's homes. This new technology a market opened up with multiple companies such as Apple and IBM creating computer hardware for the everyday man to understand, use, and own.
Alot of software was created during this time, most notably is Bill Gate's Microsoft Windows Operating System created in 1985 as well as the C++ programming language also created 1985.
Some of the more notable computers during this time are the Altair 880, Apple's Lisa and Apple Macintosh.
The Altair 880 released in 1975 could be considered the first Personal computer, but it lacked almost any kind of interface and was more of a hobby kit to learn about computers.
Apple's Lisa released in 1983 was the first home computer to use a graphical interface. Instead of typing out code like before to talk with the computer, the graphical interface represented what you wanted to do with the computer. This would be where the idea of a 'desktop' and 'folders' and 'files' on a computer is born. Instead of typing out lines to move, open or delete folders and files, the operator can now see the files and folders on the computer screen much like how we do on today's computers. Even with this revolutionary interface Lisa sold poorly since its price tag was so high, even still Lisa lead the way in how we interact with our computers today.
Apple's Macintosh released in 1984 followed Lisa's footsteps in having a graphical interface but also improved its overall efficiency and lowered cost to be able to sell well. With a much cheaper price tag Apple's Macintosh made it's way into peoples homes and established itself as one of the leading computer companies. One of the first right steps toward a computer system we still use today.
sources cited:
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0115420/Cyber-club%20800x600/History/3rd%20Generation%20Computers%20%281964-1971%29.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0125787/thigen.htm
http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/2002/FiveGenerations.asp
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