How the Microcomputer Changed History: The Legacy of the BBC Micro

The BBC Micro emerged at a tipping point; it was not unique in bringing computing into our homes and schools, but crucially aimed to make computer programming accessible to all. For a whole generation, the BBC Micro was their very first interaction with the silicon chip.

By The National Museum of Computing

Domesday Project Disc (1986) by The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)The National Museum of Computing

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Here for a short visit? Our 'Micro Milestones' highlight key parts of this story. If you want to know more, check out our virtual exhibition panels video at the end of the story

BBC Micro Logo (1981) by British Broadcasting CorporationThe National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 1979: British industry left behind?

Publicity surrounding the microcomputer and an apparent lack of government awareness/support, sparked fear British industry would be left behind. The BBC's Education Department proposed a largescale 'Computer Literacy Project' to teach the British public how to use computers.

BBC BASIC Programming Language (1981) by Sophie Wilson (and others)The National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 1981: Introducing BBC BASIC

To be successful, the project needed a high level standardised programming language. The Department of Trade and Industry partnered with British computer manufacturers to produce 'Adopted BASIC (Beginners’ All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) for Computers' - ABC for short.

BBC Micros in the Classroom at The National Museum of Computing (1981) by Acorn Computers Ltd.The National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 1981: The BBC Micro emerges

In February 1981, Acorn Computers Ltd won the contract to manufacture the computer which laid the foundations for the BBC Micro. Versatility was key; the Micro needed to run a variety of applications, include sound, colour graphics and the ability to control external devices.

Inside the BBC Micro (1981) by Acorn Computers LimitedThe National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 1981: A cutting edge computer

BBC BASIC allowed proper structured programs to be written and the hardware was fast. It was expandable, including a second processor giving a speed boost or running software for other computers. An innovative teletext decoder could download software sent by television signal.

BBC Micro Model B (1981) by Acorn Computer CompanyThe National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 1982: A TV star

The BBC Micro made its first TV appearance in 1982 on the BBC's 'The Computer Programme' series. In 1983, 'Making the Most of the Micro' demonstrated how the machine could perform various tasks. It was enormously successful, seen by almost 1 in 5 of the adult population.

A Child's Guide to the BBC Micro (1983) by John DewhirstThe National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 1984: A tool for learning

The BBC continued to produce computing/technology themed programmes. In 1984, 'Micro Live' was awarded Technology Programme of the Year. Computers had now become critical in children’s education and the government funded the BBC Micro for use in schools.

The Domesday Project (1984/1986) by The British Boradcasting Corporation (BBC)The National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 1984 - 86: The conqueror and computers?

1986 marked the 900th anniversary of William the Conqueror's Domesday Book. BBC TV Producer Peter Armstrong proposed an extraordinary multimedia modern day Domesday survey, taking advantage of the mass interest in microcomputing and showcasing the latest technology.

Community Disc (1986) by The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)The National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 1984 -86: Life on a laserdisc

New laserdisc technology allowed thousands of frames (comprised of maps, photographs, text and data) to be held on a single disc. Schools and volunteers from communities across the country were invited to submit a glimpse into their everyday lives, creating the 'Community Disc.'

BBC Micro Keyboard (1981) by Acorn Computing LimitedThe National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone 1984 - 86: A survey in their own words

The BBC Micro was an essential component of this project. In each community data was typed onto a BBC Micro running the Domesday Project software, saved to a floppy disc/cassette and posted back to the BBC. When combined, this created an electronic exhibition of Iife in the UK.

National Disc (1986) by The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)The National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 1984 - 86: Technology, but at a cost

A 'National Disc' combined formal data from institutions and images submitted by the public in a national photographic competition. However, the extortionate cost of the equipment to view the discs (up to £5000) meant that most survey participants never saw the finished product.

BBC Domesday Reloaded TNMOC Exhibition (2011) by The National Museum of ComputingThe National Museum of Computing

Micro Milestone, 2011: A second chance

In 2011, the BBC launched 'Domesday Reloaded'. For the first time, the contents of the Community Disc were made available online. The public were able to contribute new images and text which would be published alongside the originals.

BBC Micros in the Classroom at The National Museum of Computing (1) (2020) by The National Museum of ComputingThe National Museum of Computing

The BBC Micro at TNMOC

TNMOC has a suite of operational BBC Micros which are used in the Education Programme. Today, programming languages are largely hidden from users; thus, the BBC Micro remains crucial for providing the next generation with an understanding of how a computer programme works.

The BBC Computer Literacy Project Virtual Exhibition (2021) by The National Museum of ComputingThe National Museum of Computing

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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