When did GUI become prevalent in business computers?

The prevalence of graphical user interfaces (GUI) in business computers primarily emerged in the 1980s. During this decade, significant advancements in personal computing technology, such as the introduction of the Apple Macintosh in 1984, popularized the use of GUI. The Macintosh was one of the first mass-produced computers to offer a GUI, enabling users to interact with their machines through visual icons and windows rather than text-based command prompts.

As businesses began to adopt personal computers for various applications, the ease of use offered by GUIs significantly contributed to their widespread acceptance. The development of software applications that utilized these interfaces, such as early versions of Microsoft Windows, further solidified the GUI's role in the business environment.

While the 1970s saw the development of early graphical interfaces and concepts—like the pioneering work at Xerox PARC—they did not achieve the same level of adoption and influence in business computing that occurred in the 1980s.