The word computer refers to an object that can accept some input and produce some output. In point of fact, the human brain itself is a sophisticated computer, and with each passing year, researchers gain a deeper understanding of how it functions. However, the term “computer” is most frequently used to refer to an electronic device with a microprocessor.
A microprocessor is a tiny piece of electronic equipment that can process data in a matter of seconds. Many of the everyday items you use, like cars, refrigerators, and televisions, contain microprocessors. The personal computer, or PC, is the device with a microprocessor that is most well-known. In point of fact, the term “PC” and the idea of a computer have almost become synonymous. When you hear the term “PC,” you probably picture a box with a video screen, keyboard, and some kind of pointing device like a mouse or touchpad attached. You might also envision different forms of personal computers, such as desktop computers, towers, laptops and handhelds. Certain brands, such as Microsoft operating systems or Intel processors, have been referred to as “PC.” However, the PC is defined in this article as a more general computing device with the following characteristics: intended for use by one individual at a time runs an operating system to interface between the user and the microprocessor
has certain common internal components described in this article, like a CPU and RAM
runs software applications designed for specific work or play activities
allows for adding and removing hardware or software as needed
At first, computers were huge, taking up big rooms and having terminals attached that let multiple people use them. A man by the name of Ed Roberts started selling computer kits based on an Intel-designed microprocessor chip in the 1970s. Roberts called his computer the Altair 8800 and sold the unassembled kits for $395. In the January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics, a story about the kit was published, and to almost everyone’s surprise, the kits became a huge hit right away. Thus, the era of the personal computer began [source: Lasar].
While the Altair 8800 was the first personal computer, it was the release of the Apple II a couple of years later that signaled the start of the PC as a sought-after home appliance. The Apple II, from inventors Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, proved that there was a demand for computers in homes and schools. Soon after, new brands like Commodore and Atari joined the PC market, as did established computer companies like IBM and Texas Instruments. We’ll take a look inside the PC to learn about its components and their functions in this article. We’ll also check out the basic software used to boot and run a PC. Then, we’ll cover mobile PCs and examine the future for PC technology.