Lessons from Discarded Computer Architectures

Abstract

Abstract. The BBC microcomputer was one of several nationally produced which were superseded by the International Business Machines (IBM) Personal Computer (PC). This reflected the results of both an international market competition and rivalry between different US processor manufacturers. Along with the hardware, valuable software and supporting educational ideologies were discarded. As we make choices about technological innovation, to what degree are we selecting potential efficacy or responding to marketing hype?