Celebrating Mark Dean: The Pioneer of Personal Computing

As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to recognize the remarkable contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our world. One such individual is Dr. Mark Dean, a trailblazing computer scientist and engineer whose work has had a profound impact on personal computing and, by extension, our daily lives.

The Genius Behind the Personal Computer

Dr. Mark Dean, born on March 2, 1957, in Jefferson City, Tennessee, is a name synonymous with innovation in the field of computing. Dean's journey began with a passion for technology and invention, which he pursued through his education and career. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, a master's degree from Florida Atlantic University, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University.

Dean's most notable achievement came during his tenure at IBM, where he played a pivotal role in the development of the IBM personal computer (PC) released in 1981. He co-created the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, which allowed additional components to be connected to the PC, making it more versatile and user-friendly. Dean holds three of IBM's original nine PC patents, a testament to his invaluable contributions to the field as a Black American.

The Impact of Personal Computing

The advent of personal computing revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. Computers have become an integral part of our daily lives, influencing everything from communication and education to healthcare and entertainment. The accessibility and affordability of personal computers have democratized technology, allowing individuals from all walks of life to harness its power.

One of the most significant impacts of personal computing is in the realm of gaming. The PC gaming market has grown exponentially over the years, with a global market size valued at USD 50.23 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is fueled by the rising number of professional gamers, the popularity of esports, and the increasing interest in virtual entertainment.

PC Gaming: A Thriving Industry

PC gaming continues to grow beyond a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of players worldwide. From big-budget titles to indie releases, the diversity and creativity in PC gaming are unparalleled. Games developed on PCs have pushed the boundaries of storytelling, graphics, and gameplay, providing immersive experiences that captivate players.

The impact of PC gaming extends beyond entertainment. It has fostered communities, created careers, and even influenced technological advancements. The development of high-end gaming hardware, such as powerful graphics cards and monitors, has driven innovation in the tech industry.

Food for thought: Imagine if anti-Black racism got in the way of Mark Dean, where would we be today?

Fun fact: In 2005, Lenovo acquired IBM's Personal Computing Division, which included the ThinkPad line of laptops. This acquisition allowed Lenovo to expand its presence in the global market and leverage IBM's established reputation in the PC industry. Today, Lenovo operates as an independent multinational technology company headquartered in Beijing, China, and Morrisville, North Carolina. They continue to produce and innovate in the personal computing space, among other technology sectors.

A Tribute to Mark Dean

As we reflect on the contributions of Black people during Black History Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark Dean. His pioneering work in personal computing has touched the lives of nearly everyone, making technology more accessible and transforming the way we interact with the digital world. So, thank you, Dr. Mark Dean. Happy Black History Month, and game on!

More on Mark Dean | Wikipedia | Famous Black Inventors

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Why Microsoft's Push for New PCs Frustrates Windows 10 Users: Exploring Solutions

In an a recent notification that has left a number of users frustrated, Microsoft has advised Windows 10 users to consider purchasing new PCs to upgrade to Windows 11. This recommendation comes at a time when many people are struggling financially, making the prospect of buying a new computer an unwelcome suggestion. Even if they have the money, if there's nothing wrong with their system, why buy new? I can understand the security aspect as warned in the end of support notification, but you're not stuck!

For many users, the idea of having to buy a new PC just to upgrade to the latest operating system feels unnecessary and burdensome. The reality is that not everyone can afford to replace their current devices, especially when they are still functioning perfectly well. This situation has sparked a wave of frustration among Windows 10 users who feel that Microsoft should take a different approach.

Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop

Instead of pushing users to buy new hardware, Microsoft could take a page from their Xbox strategy. The Xbox ecosystem allows gamers to enjoy their favorite titles across different generations of consoles, ensuring a seamless experience without the need for constant hardware upgrades. A similar approach could be applied in a slightly different way, where a lite version of Windows 11 could be developed to run on older hardware. Heads get scratched when their specs are better than a number of systems fresh off the lot.

A number of these users we've spoken with believe that the push for new hardware has more to do with selling desktops and laptops than with providing a better user experience. While upgrading to the latest technology can offer benefits, it shouldn't come at the expense of those who are barely getting by.

Alternatives Routes to Consider

For those who are not ready to make the leap to a new PC, there are alternatives that can provide a Windows 10, Windows 11 or a Windows 11-like experience:

1. Windows 11 OS Deals: Looking for deals on the Windows 11 OS that might make the upgrade more affordable without needing new hardware? We have crazy good deals you can nab for $9.75... because why not?! (Windows 11 + Office Lifetime Bundles also available.)
   
   

2. Linux Distributions: Consider using Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Mint, which offer a user-friendly experience and can run on older hardware. If the programs you use can work on Ubuntu, and you could careless about staying on Windows... are you losing anything? By the way, you can have both operating systems on the same system... just decide on which one you'd like to use at start up:
   

   
   

   
   

   For gamers, no worries... Ubuntu has you covered. Ubuntu is a versatile operating system that supports a variety of gaming platforms. Here are some of the most popular ones:

   
   

   - Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms and has extensive support for Linux, including Ubuntu. With Steam Play and Proton, you can play many Windows games on Ubuntu.

   
   

   - Lutris is an open-source gaming platform that allows you to manage and play games from different sources, including Steam, GOG, and Epic Games. It also supports Wine, which enables you to run Windows games on Linux. We use the Epic Games platform even more so than we use Steam nowadays (which includes titles beyond just... Fortnite), and if you do too, you're good!
   
   - Wine is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications, including games, on Linux. It's a powerful tool for playing games that don't have native Linux support.
   
   - PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for Wine, making it easier to install and manage Windows games and applications on Linux.
   
   - Heroic Games Launcher is an open-source game launcher for GOG and Epic Games Store. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage and play your games on Linux.
   
   ***You can use your Xbox Game Pass, but... take the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate route just like you would with Amazon Luna to stream to your hearts content without the headaches of a workaround.
   

While the push for new hardware may be frustrating, there are ways to navigate this challenge without breaking the bank... so hopefully you're able to adapt with the information we've provided by October 14, 2025. If it's the perfect opportunity for you to buy new, enjoy and... Game on!

Speak of gaming, Soulstone Survivors is coming soon to GOG!

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