Managerial and professional people hadn't really used computers, hadn't sat down at keyboards, until personal computers. Personal computers have a totally different feel.

The quote, "Managerial and professional people hadn't really used computers, hadn't sat down at keyboards, until personal computers. Personal computers have a totally different feel," comes from Mitch Kapor, an American entrepreneur and computer software pioneer, best known for founding Lotus Development Corporation and creating Lotus 1-2-3, one of the first spreadsheet programs. In this statement, Kapor reflects on how the introduction of personal computers revolutionized the way professionals and managers interacted with technology. Before personal computers, these individuals primarily relied on larger, more centralized mainframe systems that required specialized skills to operate.

The origin of this quote lies in Kapor’s deep involvement in the early days of personal computing, a time when the industry was rapidly shifting from corporate, mainframe-driven systems to more accessible, user-friendly personal devices. Prior to the widespread adoption of personal computers, many professionals were not familiar with keyboards or direct interaction with digital devices. Kapor emphasizes the shift in how technology was democratized, allowing a broader range of individuals to engage with computers in their everyday work.

In the quote, Kapor highlights the distinctive nature of personal computers, which were designed to be intuitive and accessible to a much larger audience. Unlike earlier computing systems, which were often complex and required technical expertise, personal computers allowed users from various professional backgrounds to interact with technology in a direct and more familiar way. This shift not only transformed daily workflows but also contributed to the rise of the digital age, making computing an integral part of most professional environments.

In essence, Kapor’s remark underscores the democratization of technology through the advent of personal computers, emphasizing their role in making computing more accessible to a broader audience. This marked a significant change in the relationship between technology and the professional world, where computing became an everyday tool for management and decision-making, rather than a specialized activity reserved for a select few.