IBMPCKompatibilitätsstandard

IBM PC Compatible refers to computers that could run software designed for the original IBM Personal Computer (PC). When IBM launched its PC in 1981, it used an open architecture, meaning its hardware and software specifications were largely public. This allowed other companies to reverse-engineer the IBM PC and create their own hardware and software that could function identically or very similarly.

These other companies, often called "clone makers," produced machines that were functionally equivalent to the IBM PC. This meant they used compatible processors, memory, expansion slots, and BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The key to compatibility was the BIOS, a firmware chip that managed the computer's basic functions and interacted with the operating system. Clone makers had to create their own BIOS that performed the same functions as IBM's without infringing on copyright.

The rise of IBM PC compatibles, such as those made by Compaq, Dell, and Gateway, led to a significant increase in the availability and affordability of personal computers. This competition also spurred innovation and rapid technological advancement in the PC industry. The dominance of the IBM PC compatible standard meant that a vast ecosystem of hardware and software developed, making it the de facto standard for personal computing for many years. While the term is less common today, the legacy of IBM PC compatibility laid the foundation for the modern personal computer market.