The evolution of the personal computer - that is, a computer built around a microprocessor for use by an individual - has had a massive part to play in how people function in their daily lives. From the early prototypes of the early 1970s, reserved almost exclusively for those in academic and research institutions, to the ubiquitous hand-held contraptions of the 21st century, the journey from laboratory to pocket would make for a very lively discussion in itself.
In a nutshell though, the introduction of the microprocessor in the mid 1970s helped to liberate personal computing and paved the way for early pioneers such as IBM, Commodore and Apple to develop machines that would not only be commercially successful, but act as the building blocks for an industry that most people take for granted these days.
Indeed, it may be difficult to imagine life without computers, but it has only been around fifteen years or so since the internet gained a strong foothold across the world and ultimately helped make computers a global phenomenon.
From the moment we wake to when we go to bed at night, we are surrounded by computers of all shapes and sizes, with many mobile phones now acting as pocket computers, equipped with powerful operating systems, internet access, gaming capability and just about anything else a full-scale desktop computer can offer.
Today, it's estimated that there is around one billion networked PCs across the world. Consumerism has gradually shifted from the offline to the online environment and countless people now do their banking, book their holidays, shop for clothes and groceries and even buy their car through the World Wide Web. To say that computers are omnipresent would be an understatement.
For business or pleasure, computers now go with us everywhere. Laptops are great for those who travel often as it enables them to tap into the cyber highway wherever they can access a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Those with a more portable requirement can use mobile phones and PDAs to connect to the Web.
These latter pocket-sized options may be great for email or occasional internet usage, but the screen size and power limitations can be restrictive for those who need something with a little more kick.
Netbooks are becoming an increasingly popular option with people who want a halfway house between a full-sized laptop and a handheld device. Designed primarily for web-browsing and applications that don't require a lot of power, netbooks now account for around 20% of the total laptop market and are normally considerably cheaper than traditional desktop or laptop computers.
Discount netbooks have made personal computers affordable for everyone and are proving to be instrumental in the drive to make the internet available to people from all social and financial backgrounds.
In the UK alone, it's estimated that 65% of all UK households are currently wired up to the World Wide Web and, with the introduction of new affordable and portable personal computers, this figure can only increase.
Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
