The BBC B Computer: A Revolutionary Device in Home Computing

The BBC B Computer, often abbreviated as the BBC Micro, was a revolutionary microcomputer introduced in 1981 by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). It played a pivotal role in popularizing home computing and education in the United Kingdom and beyond.

History and Development

The BBC Micro was initially conceived as part of the BBC Computer Literacy Project, which aimed to introduce the general public to computer technology. The project commissioned the development of a low-cost, user-friendly computer that could be used for both educational and home computing purposes.

The design and development of the BBC Micro was led by Acorn Computers, a British computer company. The team, headed by Chris Curry, drew inspiration from existing microcomputers such as the Sinclair ZX80 and the TRS-80 Model III.

Technical Specifications

The BBC Micro featured advanced technical specifications for its time:

Educational Impact

The BBC Micro had a profound impact on education in the UK. The BBC Computer Literacy Project distributed approximately 12,000 BBC Micros to schools, providing students with access to computers and computer programming.

The BBC Micro's educational capabilities were enhanced by a range of software, including:

• BBC BASIC: A powerful and beginner-friendly programming language
• Logo: A language designed for teaching computational concepts
• Turtle Graphics: A software application for drawing shapes and patterns
• Adventure: A text-based adventure game that encouraged problem-solving

Home Computing and Gaming

Beyond its educational use, the BBC Micro also became popular for home computing and gaming. Its user-friendly interface, built-in software, and expandability made it a versatile and accessible machine for hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Popular home computing software for the BBC Micro included:

• WordStar: A word processing application
• VisiCalc: A spreadsheet application
• The Quill: A database application
• Elite: A groundbreaking 3D space trading and combat game

Software Compatibility

The BBC Micro played a significant role in the development of software compatibility standards. It adopted the ROM Operating System (ROMS) concept, which allowed for the creation of self-contained software cartridges that could be plugged into the computer's expansion port.

This ROMS standard fostered a thriving software industry, with numerous developers creating a wide range of applications and games for the BBC Micro.

Technical Evolution and End of Production

The BBC Micro underwent several technical revisions over its production run. The BBC Micro Model B+ (1984) added a built-in floppy disk drive, while the BBC Master (1986) featured a faster processor and a higher-resolution graphics mode.

Production of the BBC Micro ended in 1994, with an estimated 1.5 million units produced. It was succeeded by a series of Acorn computers, including the Acorn Archimedes and the RISC PC.

Legacy and Influence

The BBC Micro left an enduring legacy in the world of computing. Its innovative design, user-friendliness, and educational impact made it a significant force in popularizing home computing and promoting computer literacy.

The BBC Micro also influenced the development of subsequent microcomputers, including the Apple Macintosh and the Commodore Amiga. Its ROMS software compatibility standard paved the way for modern software distribution and standardization practices.

To this day, the BBC Micro remains a beloved machine among retrocomputing enthusiasts and collectors. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its historical significance and the impact it had on generations of computer users.

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1: The Acorn Electron and the Birth of ARM

In 1983, Acorn Computers released the Acorn Electron, a scaled-down version of the BBC Micro aimed at the home computing market. While the Electron was not as successful as its predecessor, it had a significant impact on the history of computing.

The Electron contained an early version of the Acorn RISC Machine (ARM) processor, which was developed by a team led by Sophie Wilson. ARM processors went on to become widely used in mobile devices, embedded systems, and other applications.

What we learn: The Electron may not have been a commercial success, but it played a pivotal role in the development of a major technological innovation.

Story 2: The Micro User and the Demise of the BBC Micro

The Micro User was a popular computer magazine that covered the BBC Micro extensively. In the late 1980s, the magazine began to feature more coverage of other microcomputers, such as the Amiga and the Atari ST.

This shift in editorial focus reflected the changing market dynamics of the home computing industry. The BBC Micro was facing increasing competition from more advanced and affordable machines.

What we learn: The Micro User's editorial shift was a sign of the times, as the BBC Micro's dominance in the home computing market came to an end.

Story 3: The BBC Micro and the Raspberry Pi

In 2012, the Raspberry Pi Foundation released the Raspberry Pi, a low-cost single-board computer. The Raspberry Pi was inspired by the BBC Micro and its educational potential.

Both the BBC Micro and the Raspberry Pi were designed to make computing accessible and affordable for education and hobbyists. The Raspberry Pi has continued this legacy, becoming one of the most popular educational computing platforms in the world.

What we learn: The BBC Micro's legacy continues to inspire new generations of computer users and innovators.

How to: Step-by-Step Approach

How to Set Up a BBC Micro

Step 1: Connect the BBC Micro to a television or monitor using the RF cable.

Step 2: Insert a tape cassette containing software or operating system into the cassette drive.

Step 3: Turn on the power switch.

Step 4: Type LOAD"" (followed by the name of the program or operating system) and press ENTER

Step 5: Press **PLAY on the cassette drive.

Step 6: The software or operating system will load into the BBC Micro's memory.

How to Write a Program in BBC BASIC

Step 1: Start the BBC BASIC interpreter by typing **BASIC on the command line.

Step 2: Type the following line of code:**

10 PRINT "Hello World"

Step 3: Press **ENTER to execute the program.

Step 4: The BBC Micro will display the message "Hello World" on the screen.

How to Install a Software Cartridge

Step 1: Turn off the BBC Micro and remove the expansion port cover.

Step 2: Align the cartridge with the expansion port and push gently until it clicks into place.

Step 3: Turn on the BBC Micro and press **SHIFT BREAK to boot from the cartridge.

Step 4: The cartridge software will load into the BBC Micro's memory.

Why Matters and How Benefits

Why the BBC Micro Matters

The BBC Micro matters for several reasons:

• It played a key role in popularizing home computing and computer literacy in the UK.
• It was one of the first microcomputers to feature a user-friendly interface and built-in software.
• Its educational capabilities had a significant impact on the way computing was taught in schools.
• It influenced the development of software compatibility standards and the ARM processor.

How the BBC Micro Benefits

The BBC Micro offers a number of benefits to users:

• User-Friendly: Easy to learn and use, making it accessible to all levels of users.
• Educational: Excellent for teaching basic computer concepts, programming, and problem-solving.
• Versatile: Can be used for home computing, gaming, software development, and more.
• Historical Significance: A valuable piece of computing history that offers insights into the early days of microcomputing.

FAQs

Which operating systems can the BBC Micro use?*

The BBC Micro can use the BBC Disc Operating System (DOS) and ROM Operating Systems (ROMS) from various software cartridges.

What programming languages are supported by the BBC Micro?*

The BBC Micro supports BBC BASIC, BASIC, assembler, Logo, and various other languages available on software cartridges.

How can I connect the BBC Micro to the internet?*

There is no built-in network interface on the original BBC Micro. However, modern emulators and third-party hardware allow for internet connectivity.

Is the BBC Micro still being produced?*

No, the BBC Micro is no longer in production. However, there are still many used and refurbished units available on the market.

What is the future of the BBC Micro?*

The BBC Micro remains a popular machine among retrocomputing enthusiasts and collectors. There is also a growing community of hobbyists creating new