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How did personal computers expand the use of information systems after the 1970s?
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information system
A woman taking a driver's license test on a computer, an example of a government using an information system to provide services to citizens.
Beginning in the late 1970s, the emergence of personal computers fundamentally transformed the landscape of information systems. Prior to this period, computing was dominated by large, expensive mainframes and minicomputers operated by specialized technicians, which limited direct access for most individuals and small businesses.1
Personal computers expanded the use of information systems by:
- Democratizing Access: By bringing computing power to desktops, these machines extended the advantages of information processing to individuals and small businesses, moving away from the "computer priesthood" model of the past.21
- Legitimizing the Market: The entry of IBM into the personal computer field in the early 1980s provided industry legitimacy, which encouraged software developers to create essential business applications like word processors and spreadsheets.3
- Driving Innovation: The adoption of open architectures allowed for the easy development of add-on products and software, fostering a rapidly growing ecosystem of microcomputers, peripherals, and workstations.34
- Shifting Industry Standards: The success of personal computers eventually led them to surpass mainframes and minicomputers in sales and influence, effectively reshaping how organizations manage data and operations.4
Ultimately, this shift enabled information systems to become integral to daily life, supporting activities ranging from banking and shopping to professional work.2