From Altair to AI: The Story of Personal Computing

Computer historian Stephen Jones has spent decades preserving the machines, software, and stories that helped shape modern computing. As founder of the Interim Computer Museum and a former engineer with the Living Computers Museum, he offers a unique perspective on how technology has evolved from teletypes and PDP-10s to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. This conversation explores: 🔹 The Altair 8800 and the birth of personal computing 🔹 How Paul Allen and Bill Gates developed Altair BASIC 🔹 The systems that powered the early internet 🔹 Why many technology leaders initially missed the PC revolution 🔹 The parallels between the personal computer boom and today's AI explosion 🔹 Why preserving computing history matters more than ever One of the most interesting themes: many of today's breakthroughs have roots in ideas that emerged decades ago. Understanding where technology came from can provide valuable insight into where it's headed next. To learn more about the Interim Computer Museum, visit: https://icm.museum/ 0:00 Introduction: Meet Stephen Jones, Computer Historian 2:00 About the Interim Computer Museum & Why Preservation Matters 7:00 How Stephen Got Into Computing 12:00 The Altair 8800: The Computer That Started It All 19:34 Ed Roberts, Bill Yates & the MITS Engineering Team 20:00 Bill Gates, Paul Allen & the Birth of Altair BASIC 25:00 How Gates & Allen Wrote BASIC on the PDP-10 30:00 The Altair's Unexpected Success (MITS Only Expected to Sell 300–400) 35:00 Why Tech Leaders Missed the PC Revolution 40:00 The Systems That Powered the Early Internet 46:00 How the Interim Computer Museum Was Founded 51:00 ICM's Biggest Preservation Wins 57:00 Early Networking, Routing & the Road to the Internet 1:02:00 The PC Revolution vs. Today's AI Explosion 1:07:00 Where to Find the ICM / Closing Thoughts #AI #ComputerHistory #Technology #Microsoft #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Computing #InternetHistory #FutureOfTechnology #TechHistory Stay informed with weekly employment law updates and articles: https://www.californiaemploymentlawre... (Subscribe here: https://www.californiaemploymentlawre...) Visit us online: https://zallerlaw.com/ Follow Anthony on LinkedIn:   / anthonyzaller   Follow us on Facebook:   / zallerlaw   Follow us on Instagram:   / anthonyzaller   Disclaimer: All information has been prepared for general information purposes only. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current, cover all applicable issues, and is subject to change without notice. The information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. No Attorney-Client Relationship or Legal Advice Communication of information by, in, to or through this website and your receipt or use of it (1) is not provided in the course of and does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship, (2) is not intended as a solicitation, (3) is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice, and (4) is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney. You should not act upon any such information without first seeking qualified professional counsel on your specific matter. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon website communications or advertisements.