Explore Our Byte Magazine Archive

February 14, 2026 by Midwest Computer Museum

We’re thrilled to announce a new addition to our website: the Byte Magazine Archive! This collection features covers and links to full issues from the magazine’s formative years, spanning 1975 through 1979.

What Was Byte Magazine?

Byte Magazine holds a special place in computing history. First published in September 1975, it became one of the most influential computer magazines of the microcomputer era. While other publications of the time focused on hobbyists or business users exclusively, Byte covered the entire spectrum of personal computing—from hardware projects and programming tutorials to reviews and industry analysis.

The magazine was founded by Wayne Green and was initially edited by Carl Helmers. Published monthly, Byte quickly became essential reading for anyone interested in the emerging personal computer revolution. Its technical depth and breadth of coverage made it a trusted resource for both enthusiasts and professionals.

The Early Years (1975-1979)

The issues in our archive represent a pivotal moment in computing history:

1975: The debut year, with just four issues (September through December). These chronicled the Altair 8800 era and the very beginning of the microcomputer movement.
1976: A full year of coverage as the personal computer industry began to take shape. Companies like Apple, Commodore, and Radio Shack were just getting started.
1977: The year of the “Trinity”—the Apple II, Commodore PET, and TRS-80 Model I all launched. Byte documented this explosive growth.
1978-1979: Personal computers moved from hobby projects to serious tools. These issues capture the evolution of software, peripherals, and the growing ecosystem.

Explore the Archive

Our Byte Magazine Archive provides thumbnail images of each issue’s cover, organized by year. Each thumbnail links to the full issue on Archive.org, where you can read complete scans of these historic magazines.

Whether you’re researching computing history, looking for vintage technical information, or simply enjoying a trip down memory lane, these issues offer a fascinating window into the birth of the personal computer industry.

Visit the Byte Magazine Archive and start exploring today!