Ibm Personal Computer At
IBM Personal Computer AT
The IBM Personal Computer AT (model 5170), commonly abbreviated as the IBM AT or PC/AT, marked a significant advancement in the IBM Personal Computer line. Introduced in 1984, this model represented the fourth iteration in the series, succeeding the IBM Personal Computer XT.
Design and Architecture
The IBM PC/AT was designed with a focus on enhancing processing power and improving system architecture. It featured an Intel 80286 microprocessor, which was a leap forward from its predecessors. This processor operated at a speed of 6 MHz, with some later models reaching up to 8 MHz. The improved processing speed allowed for faster computations and more complex software applications.
The architecture of the PC/AT also included a 16-bit data bus, which increased the data transfer rate compared to the 8-bit data bus used in earlier models like the IBM PC and the PC/XT. The system supported up to 16 MB of RAM, a substantial increase that contributed to its enhanced performance capabilities.
Storage and Expansion
The IBM PC/AT was equipped with a 20 MB hard drive, a significant storage capacity at the time, allowing users to store more data and complex software applications. Additionally, it came with floppy disk drives for reading and writing data to floppy disks, which were still widely used for software distribution and data transfer.
The PC/AT's motherboard featured multiple expansion slots, allowing users to customize and enhance their systems with additional hardware components, such as graphic cards and additional storage devices. This flexibility was one of the factors that made the PC/AT popular among businesses and tech enthusiasts.
Operating System and Compatibility
The IBM PC/AT initially ran the IBM PC DOS 3.0 operating system. This version was specifically designed to take advantage of the PC/AT's hardware capabilities, including its larger memory and improved processing speed. The system was also compatible with a wide range of software applications developed for the IBM PC line, making it a versatile option for users who required backward compatibility.
Impact and Legacy
The release of the IBM PC/AT had a profound impact on the personal computer market. It set new standards in terms of processing power, expandability, and storage capacity. The architecture and design of the PC/AT influenced many subsequent models within the IBM Personal Computer series and the broader category of IBM PC compatibles.
The IBM PC/AT also played a pivotal role in establishing industry standards for personal computing that would persist for years. Its influence can be seen in the development of later models, such as the IBM PS/2 and other systems within the IBM PC Series.