'Today, Computers Should Interest Everybody': The Meanings of Microcomputers

Journal article | Zeitschriftenartikel

By the late 1970s, it was technologically possible to manufacture microcomputers – very small, stand-alone computers for personal use – in very large quantities. Selling them, however, meant creating a mass market where none existed: conventionally, only trained professionals, and a few devoted enthusiasts, interacted directly with the machines. Designers, marketers, retailers and other promoters therefore sought to build meanings into the design and presentation of computers which would connect them with new audiences. Such meanings reflected – and might themselves modify – the prevalent hopes, fears, desires and expectations of the users’ cultures.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch
• Extent: Seite(n): 307-315
• ISSN: 1612-6033
• Notes: Status: Veröffentlichungsversion; begutachtet (peer reviewed)

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Zeithistorische Forschungen / Studies in Contemporary History, 9(2)

Classification and Topics

• Subject: Technik, Technologie ; Soziologie, Anthropologie ; Wissenschaftssoziologie, Wissenschaftsforschung, Technikforschung, Techniksoziologie ; Technikfolgenabschätzung

Contributors, Location and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Sumner, James
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Deutschland
• (when): 2012

Further information

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.14765/zzf.dok-1589
• Last update: 21.06.2024, 4:26 PM CEST