When did personal computers start to become widely available?

The 1970s marked the beginning of personal computers becoming widely available to the general public. This decade witnessed significant innovations in computing technology, including the emergence of microprocessors, which made it feasible to produce smaller and more affordable computers. Notable models like the Altair 8800, introduced in 1975, played a crucial role in popularizing personal computing.

The late 1970s also saw the introduction of other pioneering machines, such as the Apple I and the Commodore PET, which helped lay the groundwork for the personal computing revolution that would accelerate in the following decades. While the 1960s had introduced the concept of computers, they were mostly large, expensive, and intended for institutional use. The significant advancements and market introductions of the 1970s fundamentally shifted the landscape of technology, paving the way for the widespread adoption of personal computers.