Back in 1992, the technology landscape looked remarkably different from what we now take for granted. ABC Computer Solutions was founded a month before the Premier League kicked off its very first match between Leeds United and Manchester United on 15 August. Sky satellite TV was still relatively new in the UK, only three years old, and the internet as we know it today was still a curiosity for academics.

In our early days, we used three IBM-compatible PCs powered by Intel’s first mass-produced processor, the humble 8088. Running MS-DOS, a pre-Windows operating system, these machines were eventually upgraded to Windows for Workgroups 3.11 when it arrived in late 1993. The 8088 processor ran at just 4.77 MHz – compare that with today’s Intel Core i9, which is over 1.5 million times faster.

Those first PCs were lovingly built by Lou Bishop of Loutronics in Hillingdon, Middlesex. In those days, businesses rarely used PCs. The first PC World had opened more than a year earlier in Croydon, but anyone serious about computing wouldn’t dream of shopping there until manufacturers got their act together in the mid-2000s.

ABC quickly carved out a niche providing custom-built, high-performance workstations for professionals. Our primary clients were civil engineers and architects using AutoCAD and more advanced structural design software like StruCAD. We took pride in designing and building bespoke PCs capable of meeting the demands of companies like H Youngs in Wymondham and Thircon in Thirsk. These weren’t off-the-shelf machines – they were tested, tweaked, and fine-tuned for serious work.

Interestingly, the most sceptical group to embrace IT were accountants, who seemed deeply distrustful of anything that involved a power button. But over time, even they came around.

In the late 1990s, we began supplying Fired Earth in Bicester, equipping all 25 of their shops with computers as and when they opened. It was a proud moment that marked a gradual shift in our business.

By 2002, the tide was turning. Manufacturers were slowly improving, and laptops were becoming more mainstream. Our focus shifted from building high-end desktops to providing technical support, helping our clients make the most of their systems.

Fast forward to 2023, and we’ve embraced another technological wave: artificial intelligence. We began experimenting with AI apps and recently launched abcais.com – our new AI support website, offering tools and services for the next generation of tech users. It’s a far cry from the 8088, but our passion for helping people make the most of computers remains unchanged.

From 4.77 MHz to 1.5 Million Times Faster

From hand-built desktops to artificial intelligence, our journey mirrors the evolution of computing itself. Whether it’s 1992 or 2025, our goal remains the same: to deliver smart, honest, and forward-thinking tech support to people who need it. Thank you for being part of our story.