Compaq facts for kids
Compaq was a well-known computer company. It was founded in 1982 in Houston, Texas. Compaq became famous for creating some of the very first computers that were fully compatible with IBM's popular personal computers. This meant their computers could run the same software and use the same parts as IBM PCs. Later, in 2002, Compaq was bought by another large technology company, Hewlett-Packard.
What was Compaq?
Compaq was a company that made personal computers. It was started by three people: Rod Canion, Jim Harris, and Bill Murto. They wanted to build computers that were just as good as IBM's, but perhaps with new features or at a different price. Their goal was to make computers that could run all the same programs as an IBM PC.
Early Days and Innovation
Compaq quickly became a leader in the computer world. One of their first big successes was the Compaq Portable computer. This was one of the first "portable" computers, even though it was quite heavy compared to today's laptops! It was a full IBM PC compatible computer that you could carry around. This innovation helped many businesses and people use computers more easily.
Compaq continued to make many different types of computers. They built desktop computers, laptops, and even servers for businesses. They were known for making reliable and powerful machines.
Becoming Part of HP
After many years of making computers, Compaq faced new challenges in the fast-changing technology world. In 2002, Hewlett-Packard (HP) bought Compaq. This was a very big deal in the computer industry. After the merger, many Compaq products were rebranded as HP Compaq. Today, the Compaq name is still sometimes used for certain HP products, showing its lasting legacy.
Images for kids
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Compaq Portable
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Compaq Portable 386 BIOS
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Aerial map of the Compaq headquarters, now the HP USA campus in unincorporated Harris County, Texas
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Former Compaq headquarters, now the Hewlett-Packard United States campus
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An example of a HP Compaq.
