micros

Micros is a historical term used to refer to microcomputers—small, affordable computing systems built around a single microprocessor. The word distinguished these machines from larger mainframes and minicomputers and reflected the use of integrated circuits to perform processing tasks in a compact, consumer- or small-business–oriented form.

During the microcomputer era of the 1970s and 1980s, micros encompassed a range of devices from hobbyist kits to ready-to-use systems. Notable examples include the Altair 8800, which helped popularize personal computing; the Apple II, which expanded software and education potential; and the Commodore PET, among others. These machines typically featured relatively modest processing power, mass-produced components, and user-accessible expansion options, enabling individuals and small teams to program, play, and create software at home or in small offices.

In modern usage, the term microcomputer has largely been supplanted by more specific descriptors such as personal computer, laptop, or embedded system. The word micros, while historically common in hobbyist and trade contexts, is now mainly encountered in brand names or historical references. A notable example is Micros Systems, Inc., a hospitality technology company known for point-of-sale and property management software. Micros was acquired by Oracle Corporation in 2014, and the brand continues under Oracle Hospitality’s portfolio.

See also: microprocessor, microcontroller, microcomputer, personal computer.