BBC model B microcomputer, designed by Acorn Computers Limited and manufactured by ASTEC Components Limited, British, 1982-1984. Serial number 1,000,000

The BBC B microcomputer was introduced as part of the BBC's Computer Literacy Project, which was designed to help familiarise children with computers and particularly basic programming, using a simple programming language known as BBC BASIC (beginners all-purpose symbolic instruction code). It was supported by TV and radio programmes, software and publications. It was heavily used in schools. At first, the BBC ordered only 12,000 of the computers to be made, but in 1982 alone, 24,000 were produced. This computer has the serial number 1,000,000, and was bought as a birthday present for £399 in 1984.