Where did the computer term motherboard originate from?

Answer 1

Originally, different components of a computer were placed in separate locations and wired together. When the change was made to place all these components on one single board, the term mother board originated. Now when additional adapter boards/cards are needed, these are considered child or "daughterboards". Check below for a full explanation (3rd paragraph):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motherboard

Answer 2

Back in the day before x86 entered the market, a computer was built as a mainframe. Original mainframes were put together of with connectors boards called a backplane which is where the CPU and Memory boards were all plugged. It was not far modular than it is today. When the microprocessor was invented, it became more common and cost effective to have the CPU and Memory on a single board and then use expansion cards for video, memory and I/O devices. Hense the names 'Motherboard' and Daughterboard.

Answer 3

With the arrival of the microprocessor, it became more cost-effective to place the backplane connectors, processor and glue logic onto a single 'mother' board, and have the video, memory and I/O on 'child' cards - hence the terms 'Motherboard' and Daughterboard.

Answer 4

First called Logic boards

Mother seemed more Logical

then there was Daughter

Where was the Father Board?

Answer 5

Don't have an exact answer, but thinking logically, mother - like a parent is something that looks over all other components
board - well...the circuit board