Personal computer

A personal computer (PC), or simply computer, is a computer designed for personal use. It is typically used for tasks such as word processing, internet browsing, email, multimedia playback, and gaming. Personal computers are meant to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert, administrator, company or technician. Unlike large, costly minicomputers and mainframes, time-sharing by many people at the same time is not used with personal computers.

Institutional or corporate computer owners in the 1960s had to write their own programs to do any useful work with computers. While personal computer users may develop their applications, usually these systems run commercial software, free-of-charge software ("freeware"), which is most often proprietary, or free and open-source software, which is provided in ready-to-run, or binary form. Software for personal computers is typically developed and distributed independently from the hardware or operating system manufacturers.

Since the early 1990s, Microsoft operating systems (first with MS-DOS and then with Windows) and CPUs based on Intel's x86 architecture – collectively called Wintel – have dominated the personal computer market, and today the term PC normally refers to the ubiquitous Wintel platform, or to Windows PCs in general (including those running ARM chips), to the point where software for Windows is marketed as "for PC". Alternatives to Windows occupy a minority share of the market; these include the Mac platform from Apple (running the macOS operating system), and free and open-source, Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux (including the Linux-derived ChromeOS). Other notable platforms until the 1990s were the Amiga from Commodore, the Atari ST, and the PC-98 from NEC.

Terminology

The term 'PC' is short for 'personal computer'. It was first used by IBM Personal Computer but can describe any brand of personal computer. Sometimes, PC is used to talk about computers that are not Mac computers.

In the past, some people felt confused when they first started using PCs.

History

Main article: History of personal computers

The idea of a computer that anyone could use began as a dream. A British newspaper in 1949 wrote that maybe one day computers would help ordinary people with their taxes and bookkeeping. But at that time, it was just an idea, and no such computers existed yet.

Origins

In the early days of computing, some machines could be used by just one person. For example, the ENIAC computer, which started working in 1946, could be operated by a single trained person. These early machines were used for special tasks like science experiments or engineering. By the 1970s, some computers were powerful enough for one person to use for longer periods, but they were still very expensive for most people to own.

1960s

Personal computers became possible because of big advances in technology. Important developments happened in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the invention of the integrated circuit chip and new types of transistors. These advances made it possible to build smaller, cheaper computers. By the early 1970s, microprocessors—small chips that could do the work of a computer’s brain—were developed, making personal computers more affordable.

1970s

Early personal computers, often called microcomputers, were usually sold as kits and were mostly used by hobbyists. They needed extra parts like keyboards and displays to be useful. The first commercial microcomputer, the Micral N, was introduced in 1972. Other important early computers included the Datapoint 2200 and the Altair 8800. In 1977, three important computers—the Commodore PET, the Apple II, and the TRS-80—were introduced, making computers available to a wider audience.

1980s

The 1980s saw home computers become more common. Companies like Sinclair and Commodore made computers that could be used at home for games and simple tasks. IBM introduced the IBM PC in 1981, which set a standard for personal computers. Apple launched the Macintosh in 1984, which was one of the first computers to use a graphical user interface and a mouse, making computers easier to use.

1990s

In 1991, the World Wide Web became publicly available. This, combined with the power of personal computers and the growth of the Internet, changed how people used computers. Personal computers became essential for many parts of daily life, from checking bus times to watching videos and contributing to online encyclopedias.

Types

Stationary

Workstation

Main article: Workstation

A workstation is a special kind of personal computer made for technical, math, or science work. It's usually used by one person and connects to a network. Workstations help with tasks like designing things, solving tough math problems, and creating pictures and movies.

Desktop computer

Main article: Desktop computer

Before personal computers became common, a computer small enough to sit on a desk was a big deal, which is where the name "desktop" comes from. Today, desktop computers come in different shapes, from tall towers to smaller models that fit under a screen. They all have parts like a motherboard and a processor inside, plus a separate monitor and keyboard. Desktop computers are great for home and office use because they leave space for extra screens. Some desktop computers are made just for playing games, with extra powerful parts. Others are all-in-one computers that combine the screen and computer parts in one unit. There are also smaller models called nettops for basic web browsing, and home theater PCs that turn your computer into a movie system.

Portable

Luggable

Main article: Portable computer

People have always wanted computers they could carry around. Early portable computers were very heavy and called "luggables" because you had to lug them around. These computers could fit in a suitcase and had a screen, keyboard, and could be taken to school or work. Some could even connect to a bigger screen.

Laptop

Main article: Laptop

A laptop is a portable computer that folds closed to protect the screen and keyboard. Laptops usually have a battery so you can use them anywhere. Because space is limited, laptops sometimes have simpler graphics than desktop computers, which is why desktops are often better for gaming. Laptops can still be updated a little, like adding more memory. They cost a bit more than desktops because the parts are smaller.

Tablet

Main article: Tablet computer

A tablet is a computer with a touchscreen that you control with your fingers or a special pen. Some tablets can attach a keyboard, and many can connect to things like a mouse or keyboard through USB.

Smartphone

Main article: Smartphone

Smartphones are like small tablets that can connect to cell networks. They are smaller than tablets and always have phone abilities.

Ultra-mobile PC

Main article: Ultra-mobile PC

An ultra-mobile PC is a tiny tablet computer made by companies like Microsoft and Intel. They usually run Windows or Linux and have small processors.

Pocket PC

Main article: Pocket PC

A pocket PC is a small handheld computer that can run many of the same programs as a desktop. These devices can do lots of things, like connecting to GPS or reading barcodes.

Palmtop and handheld PCs

Main articles: Palmtop PC and Handheld PC

Palmtop PCs were very small computers from the 1980s that you could hold in your hand. Later, Microsoft made a standard for handheld PCs that run a special version of Windows.

Hardware

Computer hardware includes all the physical parts of a computer. These parts work together to help you do things like write, browse the internet, and play games.

A typical desktop computer has a case that holds important pieces like the power supply, motherboard, and storage devices. You usually just need to plug in the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to get started. The motherboard connects everything inside the computer, and you can add extra parts like graphics cards or more storage through special slots.

Many devices like flash drives, memory cards, webcams, game controllers, headphones, and microphones connect to the computer through USB ports or other inputs. These help you store files, take videos, play games, listen to audio, and record sound.

Software

Main article: Computer software

Computer software is any kind of program or set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. It includes programs that help you write and edit documents, like word processors, and programs that help run the computer itself, like operating systems. Software also includes special programs that help connect computers together or control other devices.

People use software for many things, such as writing, browsing the internet, sending e-mail, watching videos, playing games, and creating new programs. Most software for personal computers is made to be easy to use, so even if you’re not a computer expert, you can still use it. There are always new programs being made for computers, for both experts and everyday users.

Operating system

Main article: Operating system

See also: Usage share of operating systems

An operating system is a special kind of program that helps manage everything a computer does. It takes care of important jobs, like remembering what information the computer needs, handling what you type or click, connecting the computer to other devices, and keeping track of files.

Some common operating systems for personal computers today are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. These systems help make sure everything on the computer works together.

Applications

Main article: Application software

Application software is the kind of program you use to do specific tasks, like writing a letter or making a list of numbers. The operating system helps these programs run, but you usually don’t see it working directly. Think of it like electricity in a light bulb—the electricity makes the light work, but you mostly care about the light.

Examples of application software include word processors, programs for organizing numbers called spreadsheets, and programs for watching videos called media players. Sometimes, several of these programs are sold together in a package, like Microsoft Office or LibreOffice, which include a word processor, a spreadsheet, and other tools.

Gaming

Main articles: Gaming PC and PC game

Playing games on a personal computer is very popular. Many serious competitions, called esports, happen on PC games. Some famous PC games include League of Legends and Dota 2. The market for PC games keeps growing and is worth a lot of money.

People can buy PC games from stores or download them from the internet. Big companies like Epic Games, Valve Corporation, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft sell games online. Some games can be played on more than one type of device, letting players compete with friends who use different kinds of computers or game machines. There are many kinds of PC games, including action games, adventure games, and games where many players work together online. Some games let you buy extra features or items to make playtime more fun. Games like The Sims also let you buy extra packs to add new things to the game.

Sales

Market share

Further information: Market share of personal computer vendors

In 2001, 125 million personal computers were sold, compared to just 48,000 in 1977. By 2002, more than 500 million personal computers were being used worldwide, with one billion sold since the mid-1970s. Most of these were used for work, while others were for home use. Most computers sold were desktop models, with fewer being laptops or servers. The United States bought the most, followed by Europe and the fast-growing Asia-Pacific area.

By 2010, about 350 million personal computers were sold each year. Sales went up and down over the years, but in 2020, sales jumped by 26% because many people were working and learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, sales were higher than ever, with over 340 million computers sold. However, by 2022, sales started to drop as people bought fewer new computers. By 2024, sales were growing again, partly because of new rules about tariffs and the addition of artificial intelligence features in computers.

Average selling price

The price of personal computers has gone down over time, even as they became more powerful. In 1975, a basic computer kit cost around $400, but you had to put it together yourself. By 1981, popular early computers like the Osborne 1 cost about $1,795. By 1998, the average price of a personal computer in the United States dropped below $1,000. By 2008, the average price for a desktop computer was about $569 and for a laptop about $689. These prices kept dropping in the following years.

Environmental impact

Main article: Computer recycling

Personal computers can have a big effect on the environment. When these computers are old or broken, they become waste that can harm nature. Every year, about 50 million tons of old electronic items are thrown away.

To help solve this problem, some rules have been made in different places. These rules help make sure old computers are thrown away safely and don't hurt people or the planet. Some groups work with companies to create better ways to dispose of old electronics.