Personal Computer

A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end-user, rather than by a computer expert or technician. Unlike large, costly minicomputers and mainframes, time-sharing by many people at the same time is not used with personal computers.

History

The history of the personal computer as a mass-market consumer electronic device began with the microcomputer revolution of the 1970s. A personal computer is one intended for interactive individual use, as opposed to a mainframe computer where the end user's requests are filtered through operating staff, or a time-sharing system in which one large processor is shared by many individuals. After the development of the microprocessor, individual personal computers were low enough in cost that they eventually became affordable consumer goods. Early personal computers – generally called microcomputers – were sold often in electronic kit form and in limited volumes, and were of interest mostly to hobbyists and technicians.

Components

The basic components of a personal computer are more or less the same today as they were in the 1990s. Essential components of today's personal computers include:

• Central processing unit (CPU) - The "brain" of the computer, responsible for processing instructions.
• Random-access memory (RAM) - Temporary storage that provides the working space for the CPU.
• Hard disk drive (HDD) or Solid-state drive (SSD) - Permanent storage for operating system, programs, and data.
• Motherboard - The main circuit board that connects all of the components together.
• Power supply unit (PSU) - Converts electrical power from a wall outlet into a form the computer can use.
• Video display controller - Generates the output for the monitor.
• Keyboard and mouse - Standard input devices used to interact with the computer.

Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. The dominant desktop operating system is Microsoft Windows, with a market share of around 76.45%. Other popular operating systems include Apple's macOS and various Linux distributions.

Software

Software applications for personal computers include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web browsers, email, and games. Many applications are available in versions for several different platforms; others have narrower requirements and are thus called, for example, a Geography software for Windows, an Android app for education, or a Linux game.

Networking

Personal computers can be connected to a local area network (LAN) or the Internet using an Ethernet card or a Wireless network interface controller (WNIC). This connectivity allows for services such as email and World Wide Web access.

PC Gaming

PC gaming is a form of video game playing on a personal computer, rather than a dedicated video game console. The PC gaming market is large and active, with games available in a variety of genres including MMORPGs, first-person shooters, and strategy games.

Future Trends

The future of personal computing is likely to involve more virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications, increased use of cloud computing, and further advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.