BBC Micro

The BBC Microcomputer System, or BBC Micro, is a family of microcomputers developed and manufactured by Acorn Computers in the early 1980s as part of the BBC's Computer Literacy Project. Launched in December 1981, it was showcased across several educational BBC television programmes, such as The Computer Programme (1982), Making the Most of the Micro and Computers in Control (both 1983), and Micro Live (1985). Created in response to the BBC's call for bids for a microcomputer to complement its broadcasts and printed material, Acorn secured the contract with its rapidly prototyped "Proton" system, which was subsequently renamed the BBC Micro. Although it was announced towards the end of 1981, production issues initially delayed the fulfilment of many orders, causing deliveries to spill over into 1982. Nicknamed the "Beeb", it soon became a fixture in British schools, advancing the BBC's goal of improving computer literacy. Renowned for its strong build quality and extensive connectivity, including ports for peripherals, support for Econet networking, and the option of second processors via the Tube interface, the BBC Micro was offered in two main variants: the 16 KB Model A (initially priced at £299) and the more popular 32 KB Model B (priced at £399). Although it was costlier than many other home computers of the era, it sold over 1.5 million units, boosted by the BBC's brand recognition and the machine's adaptability. The BBC Micro's impact on education in the United Kingdom was notable, with most schools in Britain acquiring at least one unit, exposing a generation of pupils to computing fundamentals. Central to this was its built-in BBC BASIC programming language, known for its robust feature set and accessible syntax. As a home system, the BBC also fostered a community of enthusiasts who benefited from its flexible architecture, which supported everything from...