"IBM-compatible" refers to computers and software that can operate with the same standards as those developed by IBM (International Business Machines Corporation). This compatibility allows users to run programs and use hardware designed for IBM systems without issues, promoting a wider range of choices for consumers. The term originated in the 1980s when IBM introduced its personal computer. Many manufacturers began creating their own PCs that could run the same software and use the same peripherals, such as printers and modems, as IBM machines. This led to a diverse market of compatible products, enhancing user accessibility and innovation.