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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.
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 ...
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]
e. The history of computing hardware covers the developments from early simple devices to aid calculation to modern day computers. The first aids to computation were purely mechanical devices which required the operator to set up the initial values of an elementary arithmetic operation, then manipulate the device to obtain the result.
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.
The power supply is on the bottom rear. A computer case, also known as a computer chassis, is the enclosure that contains most of the hardware of a personal computer. The components housed inside the case (such as the CPU, motherboard, memory, mass storage devices, power supply unit and various expansion cards) are referred as the internal ...
A military-type mobile computer housed in a reinforced case. A portable computer with three LCD screens. A portable computer with one 20.1-inch LCD screen, EATX motherboard. The MIT Suitcase Computer, MIT Digital Systems Laboratory, 1975. A portable computer is a computer designed to be easily moved [1] from one place to another, as opposed to ...
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 ...