Final answer:
IBM introduced the IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC) in 1981. This came after the development of microprocessors and the early success of companies like Apple.
Step-by-step explanation:
The IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC) was introduced by IBM in 1981, marking a significant milestone in the history of computing. The invention of the microprocessor in 1971 by Texas Instruments and Intel facilitated the development of a new generation of personal computers that hobbyists and engineers like Steve Jobs and his partners at Apple Computer company could afford to build and market to a larger consumer base. The success of companies like Apple in the 1970s set the stage for IBM's entry into the market, and with the release of the IBM PC, IBM quickly established itself as a dominant force in personal computing, particularly in the business and government sectors. This event also played a crucial role in the ascent of a small, new company named Microsoft, which would later become a key player in the software industry.
The more user-friendly design popularized by Apple, which included graphics and icons, became the norm, and IBM PCs and other competitors soon followed suit. The widespread adoption of personal computers throughout businesses and homes in the 1980s represented a quantum leap in the accessibility and utility of computing technology to the general public. The availability of low-cost personal computers was significantly enabled by advances in microchip technology, which greatly reduced the size and expense of computers, allowing them to fit on a desk and be sold at consumer-friendly prices.