A microcomputer; usually used in reference to an IBM computer or an IBM-compatible computer.
In its more general usage, a PC (personal computer) is a computer designed for use by one person at a time. The term "PC" is also commonly used to describe an "IBM-compatible" personal computer in contradistinction to an Apple Macintosh computer. However both are personal computers nevertheless.
(PC) A general term for a class of computers that, typically, are average performance, single-user systems. Over the last dozen years, these computers have been IBM-PC compatible systems running the Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS).
1. n. A microcomputer primarily intended for stand-alone use by an individual. 2. n. A desktop, floor-standing, or portable microcomputer that usually consists of a system unit, a display monitor, a keyboard, one or more diskette drives, internal fixed-disk storage, and an optional printer. PCs are designed primarily for stand-alone operation but may be connected to mainframes or networks.
(abbreviation: PC) The original personal computer model introduced by IBM in 1981. Because IBM was late to enter the desktop computer field, it created the PC with an "open architecture" so that it could compete with the then popular Apple II computers. This open architecture meant that any computer manufacturer could legally manufacture PC-compatible machines that could run the same software as IBM's PC. Since IBM purchased its CPU chips from Intel and its operating system (DOS) from Microsoft, makers of PC-compatibles (called clones at the time) were able to utilize the same chips and OS as IBM. As a result, PCs became the most popular home computer, IBM's fortunes dropped, and Microsoft and Intel became the multi-million dollar companies that they are today. Current popular usage of the term PC refers to both IBM produced personal computers and PC-compatible computers produced by other manufacturers.
computer for personal use which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tiny PDAs (personal digital assistant) to hefty towers
hardware component modeling a small computer, typically intended for personal use by an individual user.
In its more general usage, a PC (personal computer) is a computer designed for use by one person at a time. Prior to the PC, computers were designed for (and only affordable by) companies who attached terminals for multiple users to a single large computer whose resources were shared among all users. Beginning in the late 1980s, technology advances made it feasible to build a small computer that an individual could own and use.
A small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual User, although PCs are commonly linked together to form a network. In terms of power, there is great variety. At the high end, there is little distinction between PCs and Workstations.
Synonymous with microcomputer, a computer that is functionally similar to large computers, but serves only one user.
The term given to all x86 home computers.
1. A microcomputer primarily intended for standalone use by an individual. 2. A desktop, floor-standing, or portable microcomputer that usually consists of a system unit, a display monitor, a keyboard, one or more diskette drives, internal fixed- disk storage, and an optional printer. PCs are designed primarily to give independent computing power to a single user and are inexpensively priced. 3. (IRM) A computer that can work independently or work as part of a network. See also Intelligent Workstation.
A microcomputer with its own processor and hard drive. Although technically this refers to all such computers, including Macs, the term PC is nearly synonymous with only the IBM-compatible microcomputers.
What this Glossary is all about. Quite Simply a computer designed to be used by one person at a time.
a small digital computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time
a dumbterminal when it becomes hooked up to a bigger computer and is not doing the operations but rather displays the interaction between the user and the big computer
a small, single-user computer, based on a microprocessor
a stand-alone computer that is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), one or more disk drives, random access memory (RAM), a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse
A single-user computer containing a central processing unit (CPU) and one or more memory circuits.
Originally a term to describe IBM-compatible computers, the template for what is now the common ground for nearly all computers (aside from Apple Macs).
A micro-computer intended for professional and personal applications.
Any combination of processor, input device and output device designed for use by a single individual. Personal computers may also be called workstations. Personal computers may have a character orientation, a graphical orientation, may be connected to other personal computers, or may operate in a stand alone mode, and may or may not have connectivity to a mainframe. Personal computer software is normally characterized by an operating system which provides basic file access, management and display services and well as application scheduling and management.
usually a single-user computer system, in contrast with larger multi-user systems
usually refers to a system compatible with IBM PC hardware and software
A personal computer normally a small desktop type AIS which contains an operating system, software applications, firmware, and storage devices (fixed and removable features) with the capabilities of operating, processing, and storing information in a stand-alone mode. PCs can be connected to networks for access to other systems.note The category of personal computers can include lap-tops, notebooks and workstations.
A small computer system, providing facilities generally for only one user at a time. Advances in technology mean that a personal computer delivers better performance than the largest mainframes of a generation ago, and have enough power left over to operate a 'user-friendly' interface.
The computer components required for an individual user to input data and to have it processed, stored, and readied for output in some usable form. In a typical office setting, these basic components usually consist of a central processing unit (CPU) (the computer itself), monitor (display or screen), keyboard (input device), and printer (output device).
A single-user computer that sits on a desktop or can be carried around by the user.
A single user computer made for personal use.
Refers usually to an IBM-compatible computer, Apple or Macintosh computer.
Computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself. Two major categories of personal computers are desktop computers and notebook computers. 1.19, 4.3 categories, 1.20-22 processors, 4.10 installing, 8.57-59 maintenance, 8.60-61 processors, 4.9-11 purchasing, 8.48-53
a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for a single user.
(Or microcomputer.) A relatively small single-user computer.
Basically when someone refers to a Personal Computer, they usually mean your standard, every day computer as opposed to a server. This can even refer to a MacIntosh computer.
The term "personal computer" was originally used to differentiate computers from terminals. See also "PC".
Another name for a microcomputer designed for use by a single user.
Also known as a desktop. A modern multi-purpose electronic computing device that can run multiple software applications concurrently for a single business or home user. Modern computers employ the extensive use of graphics to make the use of the computer easier. See also Computer, Desktop, GUI, Software and Windows.
The least expensive and most common computer system in use today, built around a microprocessor and used mainly by one person at a time.
A self-contained computer system including all necessary equipment (keyboard, monitor, disk drive, CPU).
Generic term for any manufacturers' desktop computer.
a smaller, less powerful computer used to perform many of the same tasks as minicomputers but on a smaller scale
Any low-cost computer system designed to handle individual data processing needs. Since this term was originally used to refer to computer systems that mainly do processing in isolation, it should not be used when discussing the TRON Architecture. See communication machine.
Typically taken as being an IBM compatible computer, which may include desktop or laptop computers. Does not normally include the Apple Macintosh computer.
computer designed for individual users rather than several users at any one time. Usually taken to mean an IBM-compatible machine.
A personal computer (PC) is a microcomputer whose price, size, and capabilities make it useful for individuals. The term was popularized by Apple Computer with the Apple II in the late-1970s and early-1980s, and afterwards by IBM with the IBM Personal Computer. Personal computers are also known as home computers.
