Early microcomputers emerged in the 1970s, marking a significant shift in computing technology. These small, affordable machines, like the Altair 8800 and Apple I, allowed individuals and small businesses to access computing power previously reserved for large organizations. They typically featured a microprocessor, basic input/output systems, and limited memory. These computers often used simple programming languages, such as BASIC, enabling users to create their own software. The rise of early microcomputers spurred the development of personal computing, leading to innovations in hardware and software that shaped the future of technology and laid the groundwork for modern computers.