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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.
An artist's depiction of a 2000s-era desktop-style personal computer, which includes a metal case with the computing components, a display and a keyboard (mouse not shown) A personal computer, often referred to as a PC, is a computer designed for individual use. [ 1 ] It is typically used for tasks such as word processing, internet browsing ...
Software consists of computer programs that instruct the execution of a computer. [1] Software can be defined broadly to include design documents, specifications, and testing suites. [2] The history of software is closely tied to the development of digital computers in the mid-20th century.
Desktop computer. A desktop computer system. It has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and a computer tower. The computer tower contains the motherboard and processor. A computer lab with desktop PCs with flat-panel monitors. A desktop computer (often abbreviated desktop[1]) is a personal computer designed for regular use at a stationary ...
Classes of computers. Different types of computers – clockwise from top left: Desktop computer (IBM ThinkCentre S50 with monitor) Smartphone (LYF Water 2) Supercomputer (IBM Blue Gene/P) Video game console (Nintendo GameCube) Computers can be classified, or typed, in many ways. Some common classifications of computers are given below.
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to automatically carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation). Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These programs enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks. The term computer system may refer to a nominally ...
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also include accounting software for cost allocation of processor time, mass storage, peripherals, and other ...
Computer hardware. Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), motherboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, and computer case. It includes external devices such as a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers. [1][2]