👉 Pale computing refers to the era of computing technology that preceded the widespread adoption of personal computers and the internet in the late 20th century. This period, roughly spanning from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, saw the emergence of mainframe computers, minicomputers, and early personal computers like the Apple II, IBM PC, and Compaq. During this time, computing was primarily accessed through large, expensive machines housed in corporate or institutional settings, requiring specialized knowledge and resources to operate. The hardware was bulky, slow, and often required significant technical expertise for maintenance and programming. Software was also limited, with most applications being proprietary and expensive. The development of user-friendly interfaces, such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) introduced by Xerox PARC and popularized by Apple's Macintosh, marked a significant shift towards more accessible computing for the general public. This era laid the foundational groundwork for modern computing, introducing many concepts and technologies that are now ubiquitous.
