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Personal computer. 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 ...
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.
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]
A single-board computer (SBC) is a complete computer built on a single circuit board, with microprocessor (s), memory, input/output (I/O) and other features required of a functional computer. Single-board computers are commonly made as demonstration or development systems, for educational systems, or for use as embedded computer controllers.
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 ...
Typing on a laptop keyboard. A computer keyboard is a peripheral input device modeled after the typewriter keyboard [1][2] which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. Replacing early punched cards and paper tape technology, interaction via teleprinter -style keyboards have been the main input ...
A power supply unit (PSU) converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a desktop computer. Modern personal computers universally use switched-mode power supplies. Some power supplies have a manual switch for selecting input voltage, while others automatically adapt to the main voltage.
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.