Microcomputer (sometimes shortened to micro) is most often taken to mean a computer with a microprocessor (µP) as its CPU. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space. Although the terms are not synonymous, many microcomputers are also personal computers (in the generic sense) and vice versa.
The term "microcomputer" came into popular use after the introduction of the minicomputer. Most notably, the microcomputer replaced the many distinct components that made up the minicomputer's CPU with a single integrated microprocessor chip. The earliest models shipping with as little as 256 bytes of RAM, and no input / output other than lights and switches. However, as microprocessor design advanced rapidly and memory became less expensive from the early 1970s onwards, microcomputers in turn grew faster and cheaper. This resulted in an explosion in their popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The increasing availability and power of such computers attracted the attention of more software developers. As time went on and the industry matured, the market standardized around IBM PC clones running MS-DOS (and later Windows).
The term "microcomputer" came into popular use after the introduction of the minicomputer. Most notably, the microcomputer replaced the many distinct components that made up the minicomputer's CPU with a single integrated microprocessor chip. The earliest models shipping with as little as 256 bytes of RAM, and no input / output other than lights and switches. However, as microprocessor design advanced rapidly and memory became less expensive from the early 1970s onwards, microcomputers in turn grew faster and cheaper. This resulted in an explosion in their popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The increasing availability and power of such computers attracted the attention of more software developers. As time went on and the industry matured, the market standardized around IBM PC clones running MS-DOS (and later Windows).
