January 22

Personal Computers Introduced

On January 22 in 1984, Macintosh introduced the first personal consumer computer. Thier groundbreaking advertisment aired during the superbowl. Several days later Macintosh or Mac computers were on sale, heralded by an enthusiastic following.

The original Macs came with two programs which highlighted their innovative graphical user interface or GUI. Until the advent of this program, work done on computers was completely in code.

However, there were issues with the new product. Because of the GUI, existing programs had to be rewritten, and many software developers found this too great a challenge.

A Way to Celebrate

How much the world has changed due to the introduction of home computers. We are able to chat with people in different countries, both in text and voice. We can send video, pictures, e-mail and MP3s. The world has truly become a global village. Our sense of space has expanded and we now view places thousands of miles away as almost as accessible to us as the local supermarket.

Reader, how often do you and your family use the computer? If you own one it is sure to be often. Access to encyclopedias, dictionaries, and research materials make the Internet a valuable tool for school children. E-mail and chats help older generations keep in touch with their friends and families around the country. It is little wonder that 51% of American households owned at least one computer by 2001.

Today, spend a little time appreciating all that you do with the computer. From the recipe you looked up on a food site, to the e-mail you got from your Aunt on the other coast, enjoy all that the new technology has brought you. And don't forget, computers paved the path for other items such as MP3 players and cell phones with TV in them.