The computer configurator with compatibility check allows you to quickly assemble a system unit with the technical characteristics required by the user. With the help of our online construction set, you can easily build a reliable office machine, home multimedia system unit or powerful gaming configuration.
Assembling your computer online
Nowadays, like many years before that, assembling a computer from self-selected components is popular. This is a good opportunity to find what exactly you want. Nothing limits you, hundreds of options are available for assembly, among which there will definitely be one that you like.
Our online store offers the possibility of assembling a computer online through the configurator. In him this process presented in the form of categories of components, from the processor to the power supply. Each category contains an expanded assortment of models with descriptions of characteristics for easy selection.
To simplify the selection of components, a compatibility filter for the main components of the assembly is configured in the configurator. For example, by selecting a specific processor, the following components are automatically filtered by compatibility. Also, you will be presented with a choice to install the operating system. After completing the assembly process, you get the final result in three parameters: price, technical data, rendered image. After placing an order and confirming it by phone, our specialists assemble this complete set, check its functionality.
The advantage of this method of buying a system unit is that you not only choose the components you want, but also have the opportunity to choose the brand or company of the part manufacturer.
After assembling a certain configuration, completing by pressing the collect / buy buttons, the assembly is assigned a certain serial number, by typing which in the product search bar, you can find this PC and send a link to it to friends or acquaintances for consultation or recommendation to them for purchase.
An important feature of our configurator is the function "get an expert opinion" By sending your request via this form, You will receive a detailed answer with a recommendation for emailspecified by you.
Try it and see for yourself - assembling a computer online is easy and simple! In case of difficulties, you can always get advice from our specialists on all issues of interest to you.
A key unit of system performance. The choice of the model depends on the speed of calculations, performance, the choice of tasks and more. At your choice, both low-cost productive 2-4 core solutions for home, and the most powerful 6-12 core processors for rendering and modeling
The motherboard is the base of any computer and the base for other components. The system is built on it. A multilayer printed circuit board with an abundance of connectors and expansion slots integrates components such as a processor, video card, RAM and disks.
Inexpensive, but very important element of the PC, on which the stability of the processor depends, which is prone to overheating under intense loads. Cooling the CPU regularly will keep you from artifacts and computer breakdowns. The key characteristics of the cooler are noise level, rotation speed and bearing type
Graphics core - a key node for processing data related to the rendering of 3D objects. It is an indispensable component of any gaming computer or graphics station. Powerful video cards are demanding on the quality of the power supply, since they can consume up to 300W of energy.
A mechanical drive that is a permanent storage of all information on a computer. Its characteristics are determined by the spindle speed (5400 / 7200rpm) and capacity. The latter figure can range from 500 GB to 10 TB. You yourself determine the tasks assigned to the HDD.
SSD
Solid State Drives (Solid State Disk) are devices for storing data with prohibitive speed of reading and writing information, which is significantly faster than a conventional HDD. They are also distinguished by their quietness and lack of mechanical components that can fail.
Metal case, which contains all the elements of the system unit. The choice of model will determine the compactness of the PC, the quality of cooling, the amount of space for installing components and free space for further upgrades. Some chassis come with pre-installed power supplies.
The most important element of the computer, powering all the key components of the computer (processor, video card, disks, cooling systems). High-quality PSUs additionally protect the PC from short circuits, voltage surges and static.
The software and operating system are the key components of the system, linking together all the components of a PC, making them work correctly. Install only licensed software in order to protect yourself in the future, getting official support from the manufacturer.
MODDING
Additional options
PCI / PCI-E controllers LPT, COM, 1394 FireWire, SATA, USB 3.0. Devices for connecting any memory cards. Bluetooth adapters. Fan speed controllers, classic and with touch control. Additional USB controllers on the front panel 3.5 ”; 5.25 "
The sound card is a great alternative to the analogs built into the motherboard. Discrete board unleashes potential acoustic systems, will add modern interfaces connecting speakers and will allow you to get the effect of complete immersion in a movie or game.
Periphery equipment
The monitor is your window to the world of information. TN, PLS, IPS-matrices with LED-backlighting, a delay of 1 ms and the ability to display a picture on a screen with a diagonal of 22, 24, 27, 30 inches and more. Want to get more thrills from your favorite game? Take a closer look at gaming models with refresh rates of 120, 144 and even 240 Hz.
An input device and a faithful companion in most modern games. We have presented office models with minimal functionality, multimedia with additional keys and gaming options. Mechanical or membrane switches, with and without illumination. Find an option to your liking.
An optical or laser mouse is an indispensable component of a PC, with which you will open folders, move documents, surf the Internet, interact with programs and games. Wired or wireless models. Strict office or gaming with additional keys. Choose a model that fits your palm.
The speaker system is an audio signal output device and an excellent companion when watching multimedia content, as well as playing your favorite 3D games. Organize home theaterby connecting the speaker system to the sound card and enjoy movies and music. Get the edge in games by hearing footsteps from afar.
A convenient tool for chatting on the Internet and silent listening to music. An indispensable attribute for video calls, conferences, group voice chats. Headphones will allow you to watch movies or enjoy your favorite performers in crowded places without distracting others from their daily activities.
Power protection is essential in areas with frequent power outages. An uninterruptible power supply will keep your PC running stably without unexpected power outages. Characteristic sound signal will make it clear that it is time to end the session and save the changes in the documentation, so that the work is not in vain.
For those who decided to assemble a computer in the online store "ZHELEZA.NET", there is a permanent offer - assembling a computer, checking, diagnosing, setting up and stress testing components for free!
The client receives a system unit completely prepared for further work, assembled from those components that you previously selected in our online PC configurator. If you additionally ordered a package software or the operating system, they will also be installed and debugged. Each offered computer is thoroughly tested for performance under maximum load. If the customer wishes, we update the BIOS, change the standard thermal interface to a better one, check the stability under overclocking and more.
Build the optimal PC assembly using the online configurator
The indisputable advantage of our PC configurator is the ability to select not only the main hardware components, but also peripheral devices. The online store "ZHELEZA.NET" presents both new and current models of monitors, acoustic systems, keyboards and mice. Connect your imagination by purchasing elements of the future computer in the same style. Our team of specialists will not let you get confused by the variety of products. Assembling a computer with a compatibility check will not be particularly difficult for the company's specialists.
Choose accessories? What could be easier
The range of components offered on the market is growing and expanding every month. On the one hand, it becomes problematic to decide on the choice of iron. On the other hand, you have an excellent opportunity to find exactly the component that best suits the tasks assigned to the future system. Assembling a computer using the online PC configurator is the easiest and most affordable way generate an individual model that fully meets your specific requirements. Our service will allow you to find the optimal hardware without overpaying for unnecessary functionality and unclaimed options. In parallel, he will tell you how to avoid unnecessary expenses when choosing a motherboard or video card for a specific processor. If you want to purchase gaming computer in a top-end configuration without overpayments, try replacing some components (GPU model, cooling system, case, disks) in order to avoid brand cheating. Today, there are no bad manufacturers, but undervalued - over the edge.
Discover the makings of a system administrator
Self-assembly of a PC will teach you to understand the components and their characteristics, which will greatly facilitate the task in subsequent upgrades. You will be able to filter out components that do not match your socket and chipset, find current product models and build a foothold for further PC upgrades. Our PC Configurator with Compatibility Check will remove inappropriate parts by itself if you want to rebuild your PC from scratch but don't have the experience to do it. Remember that each system requires a different approach: Home (multimedia) - good graphics card, large amount of memory, high-quality acoustic component; Office - fast processor for on-line data processing, capacious HDD; Gaming - a powerful graphics subsystem, an overclocked CPU (and the corresponding motherboard for it), a large amount of RAM, a fast SSD. Work station for graphics processing - everything is identical to a gaming PC, but with an even larger RAM size and an impressive data storage (Raid array of several HDDs).
Advantages of the online configurator of the online store "ZHELEZA.NET"
With the help of the configurator on our website, you can build a PC for any need. The cost of the system unit is displayed automatically, and therefore you can always choose a cheaper or more expensive alternative, depending on the previously set budget. It is not necessary to add to the cart all the items presented in the categories. You may already have an HDD, motherboard, or GPU. It remains only to choose the missing parts, focusing on the existing ones, having assembled the system that is optimal in all parameters. Want to save your configuration? It couldn't be easier. Return to it as soon as there is time to finish, or rework the assembly.
Professional help at the click of a finger
Difficulties encountered during the virtual assembly phase, or do not know which processor will fit for your tasks? Contact the team of specialists of the online store "ZHELEZA.NET" by any in a convenient way: mail, phone, instant messengers, social networks. Ask a question of interest and get an exhaustive answer to it. When assembling the system using the PC configurator, you do not overpay extra for assembly, diagnostics, configuration and testing of the computer - we provide all these services free of charge. You always know what you spent your money on. Make an order now and become the owner of a brand new system unit, or maybe a completely finished computer assembly. We will always be happy to help.
In this essay, we will try to briefly explain some of the features of IBM PC-compatible computers, and also introduce some basic concepts, which we will later refer to more than once.
Open architecture (block-modular construction principle)
The appeal of IBM PC-compatible computers lies in their open architecture. This, in particular, means that such computers have a modular construction principle, that is, their main units and blocks are made in the form of separate modules. Thus, installing new or replacing old devices included in the computer is not particularly difficult. Improvement of such computers is within the power of the users themselves.
As part of an IBM PC-compatible personal computer, there are three main components: a system unit, a monitor and a keyboard. IN system unit all the main electronic stuffing of the computer is located: the power supply, the motherboard (system) board and storage drives (floppy drives) with removable or non-removable media. The keyboard is a standard input device that allows the computer to transmit certain characters or
control signals. The monitor (or display) is designed to display on its screen monochrome or color, symbolic or graphic information... All of the above main components are connected to each other through special cables with connectors.
The type of case of the system unit depends, in particular, on the size and location of the motherboard used, the minimum power supply unit (that is, the possible number of connected devices) and the maximum number of installed storage drives. Computer cases are available in tower and desktop versions. The main difference between these types of cases can be considered a different number of mounting places for drives and, accordingly, the power of the power supply. By the way, mounting locations (mounting bays) for drives can be of two types: external access and internal access. Thus, by definition, access to drives installed in the mounting bays of the latter type can be carried out only when the cover of the system unit case is open. Such mounting locations can only be used for drives with non-removable media, such as hard drives.
The motherboard is the basis of the computer and is a flat sheet of foil-clad fiberglass, on which the main electronic elements are located: the base microprocessor, RAM, quartz resonator and other auxiliary microcircuits.
In accordance with the principle of open architecture, most
IBM PC-compatible computers have motherboards that contain only the main components, and there are no communication elements, for example, with storage drives, a monitor and other peripheral devices. In such
in this case, these missing elements are located on separate printed circuit boards, which are inserted into special expansion slots provided for this on the system board. These additional boards are called daughter boards, and the system board is called the motherboard. Functional devices on daughter cards are often called controllers or adapters, and daughter cards are often called expansion cards.
Microprocessors and system buses
IBM PC-compatible computers use only Intel microprocessors or their clones with a similar architecture.
The microprocessor is connected to the main devices of the computer through the so-called system bus. This bus is used not only to transfer information, but also to address devices, as well as to exchange special service signals. Typically, the connection additional devices to system bus produced through expansion connectors.
To connect expansion cards on the system bus of computers based on the i8088 microprocessor (IBM PC and IBM PC / XT), 62-pin connectors are used. In particular, this system bus includes 8 data lines and 20 address lines, which limit the address space of a computer to a limit of
1 MB. For the first time, the new system bus ISA (Industry Standart Architecture) was used in PC / AT286 computers, through which it was possible to transmit 16 data bits in parallel, and thanks to 24 address lines, directly access 16 MB system memory... This system bus differs from the previous one by the presence of an additional 36-pin connector for the corresponding expansion cards. Computers based on i80386 / 486 microprocessors began to use special buses for memory, which made it possible to maximize its performance. However, some devices connected through the system bus expansion connectors cannot achieve baud rates comparable to a microprocessor. This mainly concerns working with storage controllers and video adapters. To solve this problem, they began to use the so-called local (local) buses, which directly connect the microprocessor with the controllers of these peripheral devices. Currently, two standard local buses are known: VL-bus (VESA Local-bus) and PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect). There are special connectors on the computer's motherboard to connect devices to such buses.
Ports, interrupts, direct memory access
All devices on the system bus are treated by the microprocessor as either addressable memory or I / O ports. Generally speaking, a port is understood as a kind of interface circuit, which usually includes one or more I / O registers (special memory cells).
The microprocessor can find out about the commission of a certain event by a signal called an interrupt. In this case, the execution of the current sequence of commands is suspended (interrupted), and instead of it another sequence corresponding to this interrupt begins to be executed. Interrupts are typically classified as hardware, logic, and software.
Hardware interrupts (IRQs) are transmitted on special lines of the system bus and are associated with requests from external devices (for example, pressing a key on the keyboard). Logic interrupts occur during the operation of the microprocessor itself (for example, division by zero), while software interrupts are initiated by the executable program and are usually used to call special subroutines.
The first IBM PCs used the i8259 (Interrupt Controller) interrupt controller chip, which has eight interrupt signal inputs (IRQ0-IRQ7). As you know, at the same time the microprocessor can serve only one event and the interrupt controller helps it in choosing this event, which sets a certain level of importance for each of its inputs - priority. The IRQ0 interrupt request line has the highest priority, and IRQ7 has the lowest priority, that is, the priority decreases in ascending order of the line number. In IBM PC / AT, eight interrupt lines were no longer enough and their number was increased to 15. In the first models, cascading of two i8259 microcircuits was used for this. It was carried out by connecting the output of the second controller to the IRQ2 input of the first.
The following is important to understand here. Interrupt lines IRQ8 - IRQ15 (that is, the inputs of the second controller) have a priority lower than IRQ1, but higher than IRQ3.
Direct Memory Access (DMA) peripheral device connected to the RAM directly, and not through the internal registers of the microprocessor. Such data transmission is most effective in situations where a high exchange rate is required for a large amount of information. The corresponding signals are used to initiate the direct access process on the system bus.
In computers compatible with IBM PC and PC / XT, one 4-channel DMA i8237 chip is used to provide direct memory access, channel 0 of which is intended for dynamic memory regeneration. Channels 2 and 3 are used to control high-speed data transfer between floppy drives, hard drive and RAM, respectively.
IBM PC / AT-compatible computers have 7 DMA channels. In the first computers, this was achieved by cascading two i8237 microcircuits, as in the case of interrupt controllers.
Computer memory
All personal computers use three types of memory: operational, permanent and external ( various drives). Random access memory is intended for storing variable information, since it allows its contents to be changed during the corresponding operations by the microprocessor. Since at any moment of time access can be carried out to an arbitrarily selected cell, this type of memory is also called random access memory - RAM (Random Access Memory).
All programs, including games, are executed in RAM. Persistent memory usually contains information that should not change over time. Permanent memory has its own name - ROM (Read Only Memory), which indicates that it only provides read and storage modes.
Logical memory organization
As you know, used in the IBM PC, the PC / XT microprocessor i8088 through its 20 address buses provides access to only 1 MB of memory space. The first 640 KB of addressable space in IBM PC-compatible computers is usually called conventional memory. The remaining 384 Kbytes are reserved for system use and are called memory in the upper addresses (UMB, Upper Memory Blocks, High DOS Memory or UM Area - UMA). This memory area is reserved for the location of the system ROM BIOS (Read Only Memory Basic Input Output System), for video memory and ROM memory of additional adapters.
Expanded memory
On almost all personal computers, the UMB is rarely full. As a rule, the area for expanding the system ROM BIOS or part of the video memory and areas for additional ROM modules is empty. This is the basis of the EMS (Expanded Memory Specification) specification, first developed by Lotus Development, Intel and Microsoft (therefore sometimes referred to as the LIM-specification). This specification allows the use of RAM in excess of the standard 640KB for application programs... The principle of using additional memory is based on switching blocks (pages) of memory. In the UMB area, between the video buffer and the system RGM BIOS, an unoccupied 64K "window" is allocated, which is divided into pages. Software and hardware allow mapping any segment of additional memory to any of the allocated "window (TM) pages. Although the microprocessor always accesses the data stored in the" window "(address below 1 MB), the addresses of this data may be offset in the additional memory relative to "windows" for several megabytes (see Fig. 1).
Most (over 90%) of modern computers are IBM PC-compatible personal computers. These computers are called IBM PC-compatible because they are compatible with the IBM PC, developed in 1981 by the world's largest computer company, IBM. The word "compatibility" here means: software compatibility - all programs developed for the IBM PC will work on all IBM PC-compatible computers; to a large extent - and hardware compatibility: the vast majority of devices for computers IBM PC and newer versions (IBM PC XT, IBM PC AT, etc.) are suitable for modern computers. True, usually ancient devices (five or ten years old) are not used in modern computers, since they have long been morally obsolete.
And the word "personal" means that this computer is designed to work with one user at the same time (large computers, as a rule, support the simultaneous work of many users).
The most important role in the development of IBM PC-compatible computers was played by the principle of open architecture laid down in them by IBM. IBM made the computer not a single one-piece device, but made it possible to assemble it from independently manufactured parts, similar to a children's designer. At the same time, the methods of pairing various parts of the IBM PC and connecting external devices to it were not only not kept secret, but were available to everyone. Therefore, not only selected IBM companies were able to produce components and external devices for the IBM PC, but everyone interested, and soon hundreds of companies began to assemble the computers themselves. A couple of years later, IBM became not a monopoly in the production of computers it developed, but one of thousands of competing firms. Moreover, many assemblers began not only to adopt the achievements of IBM, but also to introduce many technical innovations before IBM, so that IBM was no longer a technology leader. Now IBM has ceased to be the largest manufacturer of IBM PC-compatible computers. And even the term "IBM PC" is usually used in the sense of "IBM PC-compatible computer" and not as the name of a computer produced by IBM itself.
But what went to the detriment of IBM had the most favorable effect on the IBM PC-compatible computers market. Competition from thousands of computer assemblers, component and software manufacturers has led to a rapid increase in the capabilities of computers, devices and software intended for them, and a decrease in their prices. Many firms invested huge sums of money in software development, because they were confident that the programs would work on all IBM PC-compatible computers, no matter what models appeared in the future.
The openness of the market for IBM PC-compatible computers has led to intense competition from thousands of computer manufacturers and their components, which means the fastest pace of introduction of technical innovations that increase the capabilities of computers while maintaining relatively low prices (from several hundred to several thousand dollars). The modular design and integration of components of IBM PC-compatible computers ensured compactness of computers, their high reliability and ease of repair.
The modular design of IBM PC-compatible computers also made it possible to easily upgrade them, including by the users themselves. As a result, users could adapt these computers to their needs by purchasing and connecting a device, as well as increasing the power of their computer (for example, installing a more powerful processor or a larger hard drive).
The relatively high capabilities of IBM PC-compatible computers for information processing made it possible to use them (and not more powerful computers) both for solving the overwhelming majority of tasks in business and for almost all personal needs of users.
Text analysis
Information
This publication belongs to popular science literature, the reader's address is popular.
This book contains information concerning computers, in an accessible form tells about the computer device, programs, work on a computer.
The purpose of this book is not only to provide information about the capabilities of a personal computer. The compiler of the textbook offers the reader the history of the appearance of the computer, helps to find rational programs and methods of doing work. And if at first glance such information seems superfluous, then after studying it, firstly, the horizons expand, and the work at the computer becomes extremely simple, does not require the performance of lengthy and unnecessary operations.
This book is divided into several sections, divided into subsections. I was looking at the section "What is a computer?"
IN subsection "What is a computer" tells about the evolution from the adding machine to modern computer... An example is the difference in the scope of functions performed by these two devices.
IN subsection "Presentation of information in a computer"it says that information is stored in a computer only in numerical form. Any information in the PC is converted into numbers, in the system unit the data can be processed only in this form.
IN subsection "How the computer works"tells about the device of the computer, about the principles of its operation. The subsection deals with the fact that any information is entered into a computer using input means (keyboard, scanner, etc.), then processed in the system unit and displayed for the user, for example, on a monitor.
IN subsection "Programs for computers"says that in general computer does not perform any operations. They are dealt with by programs created specifically for this. Also, readers can learn about the types of programs that exist.
IN subsection "IBM PC-compatible computers» explains the meaning of "compatibility", namely, that all programs developed for the IBM PC will work on all IBM PC-compatible computers. The subsection provides comprehensive information on the consequences of creating such compatibility for both the manufacturer and ordinary users.
Thus, the purpose of this section is to provide general information about the origin, purpose and functions of the computer. This information is available to anyone, even those who have not previously dealt with such equipment. But at the same time, it is impossible to bypass them, it is impossible to move on to the next level of training without passing this step.
To assess the quality of the information provided by the compiler, it is necessary to analyze it in terms of the following criteria:
In general, this text shows sufficiency of information, that is, the information in this section is presented in such a way that double or incorrect perception of the author's thought about the emergence of a computer is excluded, the reader correctly understands the principles of computer operation from the text.
Concerning need for information, the information given by the author helps to perceive the text, to understand the thought of the author. And the structure of the text, created by the compiler, allows the reader to master the personal computer step by step without jumping forward and without going back to what has already been studied.
A serious problem for some modern publications is redundancy of information... Long-known facts, tautologies, as well as "superfluous" information only clog the text. Our section of the book does not suffer from redundancy of information.
It happens that the information contained in the work may be insufficient for an error-free understanding of it. In our case, the lack of information is observed in the subsection "Presentation of information in the computer". It is unlikely that the uninitiated reader will immediately understand the principle of operation. hexadecimal system reckoning. In this case, an example of writing an expression in this system would not hurt.
It should be noted that the information in this section is intended to satisfy the non-professional interests of a wide range of readers. Since today the computer is an integral part modern life, even those who do not work with him should have general information. Apparently, therefore, the compiler made this part accessible to a person of any age and regardless of education.
Information component
The information component is the material selected by the author, facts, their necessity and sufficiency to achieve the goal of the work. The information component is manifested in a well-thought-out organized presentation of information.
The following criteria are used to assess the information component:
- 2) The history of what is depicted - the text gives the history of the creation of a computer from an adding machine to a modern PC, not missing even the most unsuccessful attempts to create a computer.
- 3) Classification of material - this publication is addressed to the general reader, since some sections contain information for general development, while others allow the material to be assimilated even by an inexperienced reader who did not deal with a computer.
Thus, it can be seen that the presentation of information both in the whole book and in the section "What is a computer?" organized logically, thought out, which testifies to the quality and strength of the information component.
Relationship with other components
Without an information component or with weakness, its work, with rare exceptions, is unusable. At the same time, the information component can, even with the presence of facts and often with their abundance, disintegrate. Connects information together, builds it into a work, most often a logical component, which is clearly expressed in our text.
An important role in the text is played by the psychological component, which attracts the reader's attention, maintains interest, as well as the aesthetic component that arises as a result of the reader's intuitive assessment of the appropriateness of the construction. Of course, depending on the goals of the work, the meanings of this or that component change in it.
In our text, informational and logical components play a dominant role.
IBM is a large corporation that develops and supplies software and other high-tech products today. Over its more than 100-year history, it has brought many new products to the market. It was thanks to IBM that computers appeared in almost every home.
Start
IBM came into being at a time when the personal computer was difficult to imagine. In 1896 it was founded by the name of the company then received TMC and was engaged in the production of calculating machines, which were sold mainly to government organizations.
At the beginning of its history, the company received a huge order from the Ministry of Statistics, and thanks to this, it immediately took a significant position in the market. However, due to health problems, the founder and owner still had to sell the company to the famous financial genius Charles Flint. The millionaire paid a whopping $ 2.3 billion for the company at the time.
The emergence of IBM
After taking control of TMC, Charles Flint immediately began merging with other assets such as ITRC and CSC. As a result, the prototype of the modern "blue giant" was created - the CTR corporation.
The formed company started producing a wide variety of equipment corresponding to that time. Among them were scales, time tracking systems and, most importantly, punch card equipment. It was the latter that played a big role in the company's transition to the production of computers.
The IBM brand first appeared in the Canadian market in 1917. This is how the company decided to show that it had become an international corporation. After the sufficient success of the new name, the American division also changed its name to IBM in 1924.
Over the next several years, the company actively continues to improve its own technologies, creating a new type of punched cards called the IBM Card. Also, the corporation again gains access to large government orders, which allows it to practically not carry out reductions even during the Great Depression.
IBM and World War II
The IBM company actively cooperated with the fascist regime in Germany. In 1933, after the corporation even launched its own plant in Germany. However, the company, like most other American firms, only announces the sale of cars and does not consider this to be support for the regime.
On the territory of the United States during the war years, the corporation was mainly engaged in supplying the front on a government order. She was engaged in the production of scopes for throwing bombs, rifles, engine parts and other items necessary for the military. At the same time, the head of the corporation then set a nominal profit of 1%, which was sent not to shareholders, but to the needs of aid funds.
The beginning of the era of computers
The first IBM computer was released in 1941-1943 and was named "Mark-I". The car weighed an impressive 4.5 tons. After testing, its official launch took place only in 1944, after being transferred to Harvard University.
In fact, "Mark-I" was a very much improved adding machine, but due to its automation and programmability, it is the first electronic computer.
The collaboration between the international corporation and the main developer was extremely unsuccessful. IBM computers continued to develop without him. As a result, in 1952, the company released the first tube computer.
In the late 1950s, the first transistor-based IBM computers were created. It is thanks to this improvement that the reliability has been increased. computing machines and create on their basis the first missile defense system. At the same time, the first mass-produced IBM computer with hard disk... True, the drive, shown to the Soviet leader in 1958, occupied two large cabinets and was 5 MB in size. IBM set prices for it, too, rather big. The first hard drive prototype cost about $ 50,000 at the prices of the time. But that was only the beginning.
First appearance of the IBM System
In 1964, new IBM computers were introduced. They have changed significantly and set the standard for many years to come. The family was named IBM System / 360. These were the first machines that allowed you to gradually increase computing power by changing the model without changing the software. It was in these mainframes that microcode technology was first introduced.
The computers created by IBM received a very successful architecture that became the de facto standard for many years. And today the System Z series, which is a logical continuation of the System / 360 line, is very actively used.
First PC
IBM did not see personal computers as a promising market. However, in 1976, the first desktop computer of the IBM 5100 series was introduced. It was intended more for engineers and was not suitable for office work or personal use.
The first mass personal computer "blue giant" presented only in 1981. In fact, the company did not really hope for its success. That is why most of its components were purchased from other companies. The new computer was included in the IBM 5150 family and received the name PC.
The popularity of the IBM PC
New processor from intel demanded and very well proposed by a young company founded by Bill Gates.
The biggest factor that made the PC popular was its open architecture. For the first time, the corporation abandoned long-term principles and did not license the components or BIOS used. This allowed many third-party companies to quickly build "clones" based on the published specifications.
The open architecture provided other advantages, such as the ability to repair and self-upgrade computers. In the future, this gave rise to the development of personal computers.
However, IBM itself practically did not hit the home computer market. The original IBM PC was quite expensive. In addition to this basic kit, it was required to purchase a floppy disk controller and the drives themselves. Competitors looked more promising against this background.
Nevertheless, the company tried to launch a number of models for home users as well. One of them, called the IBM PCjr, was ranked among the 25 worst computing devices. But the production of this model was quickly discontinued.
In the business segment, IBM traditionally felt excellent, including in the personal computer market. This was achieved by high brand awareness and well-thought-out marketing. Success has resulted in the IBM PC / XT and IBM PC / AT.
First laptop
Despite the rather bad initial attitude towards personal computers, the giant was forced to think. First of all, this was influenced by the overwhelming success of the IBM PC. By the way, the six-month sales target for the first personal computer was completed in less than 30 days.
The IBM Convertible went on sale in early 1986 and, despite rather modest characteristics, was produced until 1991. Among the innovations, this device was the first PC from the giant corporation equipped with a 3.5 ”floppy drive.
90s
By the 90s, the giant corporation was rapidly losing its position in the personal computer market, but for a long time it continued to produce new models of stationary and mobile computers.
First, in 1990, IBM introduced to the market new computer, which has a completely new architecture and is incompatible in hardware and software with previous generations.
New computer received modern tire data transmission, and many of the components were changed in such a way that it was almost impossible to reproduce them by small companies from Asia for technological and licensing reasons. But the architecture was a failure. Although some of the innovations applied to these PCs have been around for a long time, for example, PS / 2 mouse and keyboard connectors are sometimes used even in modern machines.
At the same time, the company produced a series of computers compatible with the previous generation called PS / 1, and later - Aptiva.
These were the last personal computers produced by the blue giant. By 1996-1997, the production of cars for this market segment was phased out.
2000s and the final exit from the PC market
IBM, despite the termination of the development and production of desktop PCs, continued to produce and quite successfully sell on the market laptops. Some users even continued to regard IBM computers as benchmarks.
In 2004, the corporation made a difficult decision, as a result of which the entire business of manufacturing personal computers and laptops was sold to the Chinese company Lenovo. The company itself has focused on a much more interesting server and support market for the giant. Somewhat later, IBM sold other divisions that linked it to the production of PCs, for example, hard drives the department came under the control of HITACHI.
The long history of IBM has allowed the company to accumulate vast experience in the creation of computer hardware and software. Today, even despite the withdrawal from the PC market, the company has a fairly strong influence on the development of the entire industry.
