What Is Personal System/2 (PS/2)?

Definitions
What is Personal System/2 (PS/2)?

What is Personal System/2 (PS/2)?

Welcome to the DEFINITIONS category of our blog! Here, we aim to provide you with comprehensive explanations of various terms related to technology and innovation. Today, we’ll dive into the world of computing and explore the concept of Personal System/2 (PS/2). Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

PS/2, short for Personal System/2, was a line of computers introduced by IBM back in the 1980s. It succeeded the original IBM Personal Computer and brought about several significant improvements in terms of performance and functionality.

Key Takeaways

  • PS/2 was a line of computers introduced by IBM in the 1980s, succeeding the original IBM Personal Computer.
  • It brought about improvements in performance and functionality compared to its predecessor.

The introduction of the PS/2 line marked a notable shift in the PC industry. So, what made these computers so unique and influential? Let’s find out!

The PS/2 series introduced a number of innovative features that set it apart from the previous IBM PC models:

  1. Micro Channel Architecture (MCA): One of the standout features of PS/2 was the Micro Channel Architecture, which allowed for faster and more efficient data transfer within the computer. This new architecture offered greater expansion capabilities and enhanced overall system performance.
  2. Keyboard and Mouse Ports: PS/2 computers were the first to introduce the now-familiar PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice. These ports replaced the older serial and parallel ports, providing improved input device connectivity.
  3. VGA Graphics: PS/2 computers also featured Video Graphics Array (VGA) graphics, which offered higher resolutions and better color quality compared to the older EGA and CGA standards.
  4. Improved Operating System: With the PS/2 line, IBM launched the OS/2 operating system, designed specifically for these computers. This new OS brought about enhanced functionality and improved multitasking capabilities.

With these innovations and improvements, the PS/2 line became widely adopted in both business and personal computing environments. However, as technology evolved, the PS/2 computers eventually gave way to newer and more advanced systems.

That wraps up our exploration of Personal System/2 (PS/2). We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of this revolutionary line of computers introduced by IBM. Stay tuned for more exciting definitions in our DEFINITIONS category!