Final answer:
The first widely used personal computer CPU by Intel was the 8080 microprocessor, which powered the revolutionary Altair 8800. This microprocessor fueled the growth of the personal computer industry, with companies like Apple and IBM becoming major players. Personal computers drastically changed communication, work, and leisure activities in businesses and homes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first widely used personal computer CPU manufactured by Intel was the Intel 8080 microprocessor. This CPU, released in April 1974, played a pivotal role in the personal computer revolution. It powered the Altair 8800, generally considered the first personal computer available to consumers.
Intel's journey in providing the brains for personal computers began with their establishment in Silicon Valley in 1968. The development of the microprocessor by Intel in the early 1970s was a game-changer, eventually allowing the creation of affordable personal computers. Companies like Apple and IBM, leveraging these advancements, became leading figures in the personal computing industry.
By the 1980s, personal computers were becoming commonplace in businesses and homes, transforming how people communicate, work, and play. The Apple II and IBM PC further highlighted the growth of personal computers, with Intel's CPUs at the core of this technological evolution.