IBM PS/2

IBM PS/2 is a line of personal computers produced by IBM in the late 1980s, known for their Micro Channel architecture and OS/2 operating system, developed in collaboration with Microsoft. The IBM PS/2 was designed to be a more powerful and flexible alternative to the IBM PC and IBM PC/AT, with features such as 3.5-inch floppy disk drives and VGA graphics, similar to those found in Apple Macintosh computers. The IBM PS/2 was also compatible with IBM PC DOS and Microsoft Windows, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals, including those at NASA and MIT. The development of the IBM PS/2 involved a team of engineers and researchers from IBM Research, Microsoft Research, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Introduction

The IBM PS/2 was introduced in 1987, with the first models featuring Intel 80286 and Intel 80386 processors, similar to those used in Compaq DeskPro and Dell System 200. The IBM PS/2 was designed to be a high-performance computer, with features such as 16-bit and 32-bit processing, expanded memory, and high-density floppy disk drives, comparable to those found in Sun Microsystems workstations. The IBM PS/2 was also designed to be highly configurable, with a range of options for RAM, hard disk drives, and graphics cards, including those from Western Digital and Adaptec. The IBM PS/2 was marketed as a business computer, with features such as networking and security capabilities, similar to those found in Novell NetWare and Lotus Notes.

History

The development of the IBM PS/2 began in the early 1980s, with a team of engineers and researchers from IBM and Microsoft working together to create a new generation of personal computers, including Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer from Microsoft, and John Akers and Louis Gerstner from IBM. The IBM PS/2 was designed to be a more powerful and flexible alternative to the IBM PC and IBM PC/AT, with features such as Micro Channel architecture and OS/2 operating system, developed in collaboration with Digital Research and Metaphor Computer Systems. The IBM PS/2 was released in 1987, with the first models featuring Intel 80286 and Intel 80386 processors, similar to those used in HP 9000 and Silicon Graphics workstations. The IBM PS/2 was widely adopted by businesses and individuals, including those at IBM Research, Microsoft Research, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Models

The IBM PS/2 line included a range of models, from the entry-level IBM PS/2 Model 30 to the high-end IBM PS/2 Model 95, featuring Intel 80486 and Intel Pentium processors, similar to those used in Dell XPS and HP Pavilion computers. The IBM PS/2 Model 30 was a low-cost computer designed for home and small business use, with features such as 8-bit processing and CGA graphics, comparable to those found in Commodore 64 and Apple II computers. The IBM PS/2 Model 95, on the other hand, was a high-performance computer designed for business and scientific use, with features such as 32-bit processing and XGA graphics, similar to those found in Sun Ultra and SGI Indy workstations. Other models in the IBM PS/2 line included the IBM PS/2 Model 50 and IBM PS/2 Model 70, featuring Intel 80386 and Intel 80486 processors, and Western Digital and Seagate Technology hard disk drives.

Hardware

The IBM PS/2 featured a range of hardware components, including Intel processors, Western Digital and Seagate Technology hard disk drives, and Adaptec and 3Com networking cards, similar to those found in HP ProLiant and Dell PowerEdge servers. The IBM PS/2 also featured a range of graphics cards, including VGA and XGA cards from IBM, Western Digital, and Tseng Labs, comparable to those found in Silicon Graphics and 3dfx Interactive workstations. The IBM PS/2 also included a range of peripherals, such as keyboards, mouses, and monitors, from IBM, Microsoft, and Logitech, similar to those used in Apple Macintosh and Compaq Presario computers.

Software

The IBM PS/2 came with a range of software applications, including OS/2 and Microsoft Windows, as well as IBM PC DOS and Microsoft Office, similar to those found in Microsoft Windows NT and Lotus SmartSuite. The IBM PS/2 also supported a range of third-party software applications, including Lotus 1-2-3 and WordPerfect, comparable to those used in Novell GroupWise and Corel WordPerfect suites. The IBM PS/2 also included a range of utilities and tools, such as disk formatting and backup software, from IBM, Microsoft, and Symantec, similar to those found in Norton Utilities and McAfee Antivirus.

Impact

The IBM PS/2 had a significant impact on the development of the personal computer industry, with its Micro Channel architecture and OS/2 operating system influencing the design of later computers, including those from Compaq, Dell, and HP. The IBM PS/2 also played a key role in the development of the business computer market, with its features such as networking and security capabilities, similar to those found in Novell NetWare and Lotus Notes. The IBM PS/2 also had an impact on the development of the gaming computer market, with its high-performance graphics and sound capabilities, comparable to those found in Silicon Graphics and 3dfx Interactive workstations. Today, the IBM PS/2 is still remembered as a pioneering computer that helped shape the industry, with its legacy continuing to influence the design of modern computers, including those from Apple, Microsoft, and Google.

Category:IBM computers