IBM 5150 Sets Standard for Modern PCs on August 12, 1981

The IBM 5150, released on August 12, 1981, was a pivotal moment in computer history. It may seem primitive by today's standards, but it was the foundation of the modern PC standard.

The 5150 wasn't the most powerful personal computer at launch, but its significance lay not just in its hardware, but also in its open architecture. This allowed other companies to develop peripherals and software, paving the way for the creation of IBM PC-compatible computers.

IBM's decision to publish technical information about the 5150 had far-reaching consequences. Manufacturers began producing their own versions of the computer, leading to the widespread adoption of the term 'IBM compatible.'