IBM PC compatible
computers similar to the IBM PC and its derivatives
An IBM PC compatible is any personal computer that is hardware- and software-compatible with the IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC) and its successors. Like the original IBM PC, an IBM PC–compatible computer uses an x86-based central processing unit, sourced either from Intel or a second source like AMD, Cyrix or other vendors such as Texas Instruments, Fujitsu, OKI, Mitsubishi or NEC, and is capable of using interchangeable commodity hardware such as expansion cards. Initially such computers were referred to as PC clones, IBM clones or IBM PC clones, but the term "IBM PC compatible" is now a historical description only. IBM itself no longer sells personal computers, having sold its division to Lenovo in 2005. However, Lenovo only got a portion of IBM’s BIOS and UEFI intellectual property after the IBM PC acquisition, until it acquired UEFI/BIOS business of Phoenix Technologies in 2026. "Wintel" is a similar description that is more commonly used for modern computers.
The designation "PC", as used in much of personal computer history, has not meant "personal computer" generally, but rather an x86 computer capable of running the same software that a contemporary IBM PC could. The term was initially in contrast to the variety of home computer systems available in the early 1980s, such as the Apple II, TRS-80, and Commodore 64. Later, the term was primarily used in contrast to Commodore's Amiga and Apple's Macintosh computers.
Overview
These "clones" duplicated almost all the significant features of the original IBM PC architectures.
“IBM PC compatible” enters the record as computers similar to the IBM PC and its derivatives. Crown Archives preserves that source wording while asking what compatible, computers and similar can confirm, complicate or overturn.
Why this record matters
“IBM PC compatible” is worth following because a concise public description often conceals a longer documentary argument. Here, compatible, computers and similar provides the most credible route into that argument.
Vocabulary and entity names are the principal evidence signals here, because they determine the precision of every later search. The source revision retrieved here is dated Aug 24, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q751046. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference. The first chronological checks are 2005 and 2026.
A concise general-reference account can conceal disagreements about scope, terminology or the weight assigned to individual sources. The source lead contains qualifying language; that uncertainty should survive quotation, summary and reuse. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “IBM PC compatible”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow IBM PC compatible primary sources, IBM PC compatible archive and compatible research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “IBM PC compatible”?
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Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “IBM PC compatible” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.