History and Development
The Altair 8800, also known as the Altair Microcomputer, was a revolutionary computer kit designed and sold by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) in the early 1970s. The company, founded by Ed Roberts, began developing the Altair in 1974, and the first prototype was released in September of that year. The Altair 8800 was initially marketed as a kit that customers could assemble themselves, priced at $439.
The Altair's design was influenced by the Intel 8080 microprocessor, which was the first widely available 8-bit microprocessor. The Altair's circuit board design was created by Bill Yates, who had previously worked on the Intel 8008 microprocessor. The Altair's original design included a single-board computer that contained the CPU, memory, and input/output interfaces.
Technical Specifications
The Altair 8800 was a significant achievement in the development of personal computers. Its technical specifications included:
- CPU: Intel 8080A microprocessor
- Memory: 256 bytes of read/write memory (later expanded to 64 KB)
- Input/Output: 256 bytes of read/write memory
- Storage: Magnetic tape or cassette interface for data storage
- Graphics: Monochrome display with a resolution of 64x48 pixels
- Input Devices: Keyboard and toggle switches
- Power Supply: 115 VAC, 60 Hz, 20 W
The Altair 8800 also included an optional floppy disk drive, which was a significant innovation at the time. The floppy disk drive allowed users to store larger amounts of data and programs, making it easier to use the computer for more complex tasks.
Impact and Legacy
The Altair 8800 played a significant role in popularizing personal computers and inspiring the development of the microcomputer industry. Its impact can be seen in several areas:
- Hobbyist Community: The Altair 8800 sparked a community of hobbyists who built and modified their own computers. This community helped to drive innovation and improvement in the design and development of personal computers.
- Industry Development: The Altair 8800's success led to the development of other personal computers, including the Apple I and the Commodore PET. These computers, in turn, led to the creation of the modern personal computer industry.
- Software Development: The Altair 8800's popularity led to the development of a wide range of software, including programming languages, games, and productivity applications.
- Education: The Altair 8800 was used in several educational institutions to teach computer programming and electronics.
Notable Users and Projects
The Altair 8800 had a significant impact on several notable users and projects, including:
- Bill Gates and Paul Allen: The founders of Microsoft developed the BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800, which helped to popularize the computer.
- Steve Wozniak: Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, was inspired by the Altair 8800 and built his own computer, the Apple I, which was later followed by the Apple II.
- Ed Roberts: Roberts, the founder of MITS, continued to innovate and improve the Altair 8800, releasing several updates and enhancements to the computer.
Preservation and Legacy
The Altair 8800 is now a collector's item and a relic of the early days of the personal computer industry. Many original Altair 8800 computers have been preserved and are on display in museums and private collections. The Altair 8800 has also inspired a new generation of computer enthusiasts and historians, who continue to study and document its history and legacy.
In 2018, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History acquired an original Altair 8800 computer, recognizing its significance in the development of the personal computer industry. The Altair 8800's impact on the development of modern personal computers and its enduring legacy as a symbol of innovation and entrepreneurship make it an important part of computer history.