Personal computer

Crystal Project computer

Commodore PET Exhibit at American Museum of Science and Energy Oak Ridge Tennessee

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Pn-pravez-class-4

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Altair 8800 Computer

Home or Personal Computers from 1977 - Commodore PET 2001, Apple II, TRS-80 Model I, together called 'Trinity77' (edited image)

IBM PC 5150

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

A personal computer, in its most basic form, consists of a central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage (hard disk drive or solid-state drive), a power supply, a motherboard (which integrates components), and a case to house them. Additional components can include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and recently, a touchscreen interface. Personal computers can be connected to a network, such as the Internet, via a network interface controller (NIC), Wi-Fi card, or both.

Types

There are several types of personal computers, including:

• Desktop computer: Designed for regular use at a single location on or near a desk due to its size and power requirements.
• Laptop: Portable computers that integrate the monitor, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, and speakers into one unit.
• Tablet computer: A portable computer that uses a touchscreen as its primary input device.
• Smartphones: While not traditionally classified as personal computers, smartphones have evolved to possess computing capabilities akin to those of desktops and laptops.

Operating Systems

The operating system (OS) is essential software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. The most widely used operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS for Macintosh computers, and Linux, a family of free and open-source software operating systems.

Software

Software applications for personal computers include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web browsers, email, and games. Many additional software applications are available for specific uses.

Impact

Personal computers have had a profound impact on society. They have changed the way people work, communicate, learn, and entertain themselves. The accessibility of personal computing has led to the democratization of digital technology, making it accessible to a broader segment of the population.

Future Trends

The future of personal computing is likely to involve further integration with the Internet of Things (IoT), increased mobility, and more sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The line between personal computers and other forms of computing devices, such as smartphones and tablets, is becoming increasingly blurred as all these devices gain in computing power and functionality.