TY - JOUR A1 - Sumner, James T1 - ‘Today, Computers Should Interest Everybody’. The Meanings of Microcomputers T2 - Zeithistorische Forschungen – Studies in Contemporary History N2 - By the late 1970s, it was technologically possible to manufacture microcomputers – very small, stand-alone computers for personal use – in very large quantities. Selling them, however, meant creating a mass market where none existed: conventionally, only trained professionals, and a few devoted enthusiasts, interacted directly with the machines. Designers, marketers, retailers and other promoters therefore sought to build meanings into the design and presentation of computers which would connect them with new audiences. Such meanings reflected – and might themselves modify – the prevalent hopes, fears, desires and expectations of the users’ cultures. Y1 - 2012 UR - https://zeitgeschichte-digital.de/doks/frontdoor/index/index/docId/1589 UR - https://www.zeithistorische-forschungen.de/2-2012/4725 VL - 9 IS - 2 SP - 307 EP - 315 PB - ZZF – Centre for Contemporary History: Zeithistorische Forschungen CY - Potsdam ER -