Final answer:
In 1965, the PDP-8 was introduced by DEC as the world's first minicomputer, marking a significant milestone in making computing technology more accessible beyond large organizations because of its smaller size and lower cost.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1965, Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) rolled out the PDP-8, the world’s first "minicomputer". This significant advancement in computing technology was made possible by the integration of integrated circuits in computer design during the mid-1960s. The PDP-8, and other similar minicomputers, were considerably smaller and more affordable than the large and costly mainframe computers of the time, making them accessible to smaller companies and university research labs. Minicomputers functioned as multi-user systems that, despite being less powerful than mainframes, dramatically increased the availability and use of computational technology in various sectors including government and private industries. The development of minicomputers paved the way for the microprocessors that would later enable the creation of personal computers, transforming the landscape of computing for businesses, individuals, and hobbyists.