1977
The home-computer idea takes shape
Affordable microprocessors begin moving computing toward the individual.
1981
The BBC Micro reaches the classroom
Acorn's machine gives thousands of students their first direct encounter with programming.
1982
A defining year
The ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and NewBrain arrive with different ideas of computing at home.
1983
Acorn makes the idea smaller
The Electron translates much of the BBC Micro experience into a more affordable machine.
1984
Amstrad offers the complete package
The CPC 464 arrives with a monitor and cassette deck designed to work together.
1990
The end of one era
Sixteen-bit machines and consoles take centre stage, while the 8-bit generation becomes a lasting culture.