Final answer:
The subject addresses the historical evolution of personal computing from the 1970s to the 1980s, highlighting the transition from minicomputers to user-friendly personal computers and the advent of global assembly lines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transition from minicomputers to the modern personal computers (PCs) we know today has been revolutionary. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw significant changes with computer manufacturers like Apple, Commodore, and Tandy offering fully assembled PCs, making personal computing more accessible. Pioneers like Steve Jobs capitalized on the invention of the microchip and microprocessors, which allowed for the dramatic reduction in both size and cost of computers—changing them from room-sized machines to desktop devices. This led to Apple and IBM becoming leading companies in the growing market for consumer and business computers.
Personal computing has drastically evolved to the point where individuals have a truly "personal" relationship with their various devices. The global assembly line for PCs illustrates a complex international production process. Designs crafted in one country, component manufacturing in various other countries, assembly in another, and tech support outsourced to yet another country are all part of the global production cycle pioneered by companies like Apple.
The arrival and popularity of microprocessors in the 1970s, such as the Zilog Z80 and the rising popularity of personal computers like Apple II and the IBM personal computer, have paved the way for a future where computers and technology play an integral role in society. The inventiveness and ambition of companies during this era enabled the leap from hobbyist kits to the user-friendly PCs that now sit in homes and offices worldwide.