The Architecture of The First Computer: IBM PC 5150

--- **_Course Title:_** The Architecture of The First Computer: IBM PC 5150 🚀 _**Headline:_** Uncover the Foundations of Modern Computing by Recreating the Iconic IBM PC 5150 from 1981! 💻 --- **Course Description:** The IBM Personal Computer model 5150, released in 1981, is often hailed as the first truly personal computer. It laid the groundwork for nearly every PC that has followed. Despite its historic significance, there has been a striking absence of comprehensive analysis and understanding of this pioneering device—until now. In my previous course, "Creating a CPU Using Transistors and Logic Gates," we embarked on an adventurous journey to construct a computer from the ground up. It was a fascinating experience that demonstrated the complexity and intricacies involved in building a machine from scratch. However, the IBM PC 5150 (and other real-world computers) presents a level of sophistication far beyond what a lone inventor or a small team could replicate. This course dives into the heart of the IBM PC 5150's architecture. We meticulously recreate the motherboard, wire by wire, and bit by bit, ensuring that every connection and logic function is understood and explained. This is not just about tracing wires; it's about deciphering the reasons behind each 0 and 1, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of knowledge. **Why Enroll in This Course? 🤔** Understanding the architecture of IBM PC 5150 is more than a historical exercise; it's a gateway to unlocking the secrets behind the BIOS code etched into its ROM chips. This BIOS serves as the first operating system, a foundational program that runs before any higher-level OS takes over. By dissecting the IBM PC 5150, we'll gain insights into: - **BIOS Code:** The early morning coffee of the computer world, essential for booting up and running diagnostics. - **DOS Operating System:** A step above BIOS, providing a more interactive environment to run programs. - **Assembler:** The bridge between human-readable code and machine-executable instructions. - **Compiler:** The wizard that translates high-level languages into machine code. - **80286 and 80386 Processors:** The brains behind the first PCs, capable of handling more complex tasks than their predecessors. - **Early Linux Kernels:** By reading its source code, we'll understand how Unix-like operating systems evolved. **Learning Path:** 1. **Understanding Hardware:** We start from the very basics of computer hardware, ensuring you have a solid foundation to build upon. 2. **BIOS Code:** We dissect and understand the BIOS code, learning how it initializes the system and performs basic input/output operations. 3. **DOS Operatinging System:** We delve into DOS, exploring its command-line interface and file management capabilities. 4. **Programming with Assembler:** We learn to program in assembler, gaining an appreciation for the power of low-level programming. 5. **Exploring Compilers:** We study compilers, understanding how they convert high-level languages into machine code that the processor can execute. 6. **Mastering 80286 and 80386 Processors:** We explore the architecture of these early processors, learning how they operated and how they differ from modern CPUs. 7. **Linux Source Code Exploration:** Finally, we dive into reading and understanding early Linux source code, tracing its evolution from a simple kernel to a full-fledged operating system. This course is not just about history; it's about empowering you with the knowledge to understand how computers work at their most fundamental level. By studying the IBM PC 5150, you'll develop a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and foresight of its creators and gain invaluable skills that will serve you throughout your journey in computer science and engineering. Join us on this thrilling journey back to the dawn of the personal computer revolution. Enroll now and take your first step towards mastering the architecture behind the IBM PC 5150—a machine that has shaped our digital world! 📚💡✨ ---