PC or PC compatible

[pne]

I just looked at the "Minimum Computer Requirements" for a piece of software, and noted that if you want to use it under Microsoft Windows or Linux, you need the following Computer Type: "PC or PC compatible".

Whee, shades of the '80s. At least, if that means what I think it means ("IBM PC or a compatible machine by another manufacturer".)

I wonder how many people have an IBM PC these days...

Comments

[darth-spacey.livejournal.com]

The ThinkCenter and Thinkpad brands are still quasi-IBM products. There are also the IntelliStation and System X brands (workstation and server respectively), which are IBM-produced PC-compatibles. IBM's SurePOS line of cash registers are PC-architecture plus some unique devices.

As to who actually still owns and uses the IBM Model 5150 Personal Computer? Believe it or not, there are a few out there still in use, or at least there was one or more still in use two years ago: I was one of its users, and in the workplace too, not as a display piece in my cabinet of curiosities at home.

[pne.livejournal.com]

The ThinkCenter and Thinkpad brands are still quasi-IBM products.

I figured there would still be some around, though I couldn't think of names. (Now you mention it, though, I've seen several ThinkPads. Is the ThinkCenter a desktop machine? I don't think I've seen an IBM desktop in years.)

Either way, though, I don't think they've made any machines that define a standard that others try to be compatible with for a couple decades -- their machines are just as "PC-compatible" as others, rather than being "the" PC.

As to who actually still owns and uses the IBM Model 5150 Personal Computer?

I don't remember the model number, but I assume that's what the original "IBM PC" was. I'd also accept PC/XT, PC/AT, and PS/2 machines -- none of which I've seen recently.

Though I think PS/2 aren't that "PC-compatible", are they? IIRC, they tried to set a new standard for others to be compatible with, e.g. the local bus or slot thing [whatever it was called -- MCA?], only nobody bothered, instead continuing along the ISA route, which turned into EISA then VESA LB then PCI, IIRC.

[darth-spacey.livejournal.com]

The ThinkCenter is indeed the desktop model, now made by Lenovo (largely by ex-IBM workers on IBM or ex-IBM premises), but the "name" is still owned by IBM, and they retain some level of "editorial control" if I understand the situation correctly.

It's the direct descendant of the PC lineage (and yes, the 5150 was the original base-level 1st-generation IBM PC), via the PC-XT, PC-AT, PS/2 (which didn't die entirely -- look at your keyboard and mouse ports), PC Series and Netvista brands.

I'm sorry for geeking out so much, but I'm something of an IBM geek. Odd thing to be geeky about, I know, but somebody's got to do it.

[pne.livejournal.com]

PS/2 (which didn't die entirely -- look at your keyboard and mouse ports)

More true a couple of years ago than now; keyboards and mouses both seem to be moving towards USB. (I think, but am not sure, that this is part of the whole move towards "legacy-free" PCs, along with getting rid of serial [RS-232] and parallel [Centronics] ports, and probably also floppy disk drives.)

Still, you have a point.

I'm sorry for geeking out so much

Please don't be; I'm enjoying it.

[pne.livejournal.com]

Believe it or not, there are a few out there still in use, or at least there was one or more still in use two years ago: I was one of its users, and in the workplace too, not as a display piece in my cabinet of curiosities at home.

Interesting; thanks!