Position paper on: personal computers for science in the 1980's

Abstract

This paper examines the problems involved in the development of an inexpensive personal computer for use by scientific researchers in a variety of disciplines. Since the term "personal computer" (PC) is ill-defined, we begin by describing what it is intended to mean here and the special requirements imposed by the context of use in scientific research. Subsequently there will be much more detailed examination of the reasons behind the assertions that follow.