The Evolution of Personal Computing: From Amstrad to Advanced CAD Systems
Personal computing has seen significant transformation over the decades since its inception. From humble beginnings with the Amstrad PC in the 1980s to the robust CAD systems of today, this journey reflects how technological advancements have shaped the digital landscape.
The Birth of Personal Computing
Bought for about ￡80 in the 1980s, the Amstrad PC was a far cry from modern computers. The system consisted of one floppy disc and a green screen, all packaged in a single unit. The machine ran on CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers), an operating system that was quite different from the DOS (Disk Operating System) which quickly replaced it due to its incompatibility with the Amstrad's needs. Setting up the system was a challenge, especially dealing with the extreme screen brightness which some users mitigated by using tights to reduce glare.
Adapting and Improving
Having worked as a TV tekkie prior to my PC journey, adjusting the brightness control on the Amstrad was a simple task with just a single resistor. However, the true test came when the company decided to return the computer for a refund, ensuring someone got a brighter and more comfortable machine.
The Amstrad PC also came with a file management program similar to XTree, which taught the importance of such tools in efficient file handling. Later, a company-issued IBM Luggable XT with a built-in small brown screen and the first word processor, Display Write, brought in two floppy discs, marking a shift in the computer’s role in our lives.
Transitioning to Advanced Computing
Acquiring AT (Advanced Technology) systems significantly accelerated our progress. The speed and capabilities of these machines were unmatched, propelling our company forward. As the tech industry advanced, the move towards CAD (Computer-Aided Design) became inevitable. CAD was positioned as the future, offering unparalleled precision and efficiency.
Driven by the need for more power, I explored the market for compatible hardware, eventually investing in cutting-edge motherboards and a hard drive. This lifted us to new heights, as we started turning out powerful PCs with large drives and high-resolution screens. The demand from companies that had previously invested heavily in mini computers made the benefits of these new systems even more apparent.
The Cambridge Computer Graphics card, working in tandem with Texas graphics cards, was a game-changer. Showing the capabilities of these cards to a manufacturer led to a fascinating revelation—that money spent on advanced graphics truly translated to superior performance. The success of our first UK CAD customer, who purchased both the mono version and the first copy of AutoCAD, solidified our position as pioneers in the CAD market.
Though the original Luggable was eventually lost, the transformation from the Amstrad PC to the advanced CAD systems is a testament to the evolution of personal computing and its profound impact on both the tech industry and businesses.
Legacy of the Past
Today, many original pieces from that era have been preserved. The Sinclair transformer, a cumbersome but invaluable part of the early computing age, remains a piece of history. One day, it is hoped, it will be useful again for its original purpose or perhaps a new one.
While the technical details and specific hardware of the past may seem quaint by modern standards, they hold a significant place in the history of personal computing. They serve as a reminder of the journey that led us to where we are today and the potential for future advancements in technology.