[cctalk] Re: Experience using an Altair 8800 ("Personal computer" from 70s)

On Thu, 6 Jun 2024 at 06:10, Sellam Abraham via cctalk <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote: I disagree. You are trying to make a binary yes/no split when it just ain't so. Take, say, a Compaq Deskpro 386, a late-'80s desktop. It's indubitably a PC. Now boot CDOS-386 on it. Plug a couple of terminals into its serial ports. Now it's a multiuser host. No hardware change. Stick a DOS floppy in, reboot. It's a single user PC again. There is no hardware change. Ben Idontneedasurname says if it doesn't have a multitasking OS it's not a PC. Who is right? Neither of you. You are trying to make out this is an absolute split. It's not. I used DESQview to multitask DOS apps. Resolutely single user. I know people who used DESQview to run BBSes. Definitely multiuser. But the _same software_. But could one ordinary person afford it? At least in some countries, e.g. where it's made or at least designed? That is a clearer, easier split, I think. -- Liam Proven ~ Profile: https://about.me/liamproven Email: lproven(a)cix.co.uk ~ gMail/gTalk/FB: lproven(a)gmail.com Twitter/LinkedIn: lproven ~ Skype: liamproven IoM: (+44) 7624 277612: UK: (+44) 7939-087884 Czech [+ WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal]: (+420) 702-829-053