Final answer:
Interactive kiosks are computer terminals with touch screen displays that provide public access to information and services. They embody the evolution of personal computing, from minicomputers to today's user-friendly touch-based systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The computer terminals described in your question are known as interactive kiosks. These kiosks are specially designed with hardware and software that allow public users to interact directly with the system through a touch screen display. They access applications to gather information, perform transactions, or navigate various services provided in public spaces. Over the years, personal computing has transformed drastically. In the 1970s, companies like IBM and Digital Equipment Company made computing technology more widely available through the introduction of minicomputers, which were still too expensive for everyday users but accessible to certain sectors.
By the 1980s, companies like Apple led the personal computer revolution, creating devices that were user-friendly and more accessible to the general public. This era saw the birth of groundbreaking innovations, such as electronic bulletin board systems, which were a precursor to modern internet forums and the world wide web. Apple's introduction of the Macintosh in 1984, with its mouse and graphical user interface, revolutionized personal computing and set the standard for future devices, including today's interactive kiosks.
As we moved into the age of the internet, the expansion of personal computers provided a foundation for the technological, government, and business changes necessary for the global economy's shift toward digital commerce and communication. Computing advancements have continued to evolve, giving rise to powerful systems that serve a variety of functions in society, from facilitating learning to providing entertainment and much more. Interactive kiosks are just one of the many examples of how computing technology has been adapted for specific public uses.