Personal computer

A personal computer or PC is usually a microcomputer whose price, size, and capabilities make it suitable for personal usage. Personal computers are normally operated by one user at a time to perform such general purpose tasks as word processing , internet browsing, e-mail and other digital messaging, multimedia playback, video game play, computer programming , etc. Unlike many special purpose and high performance computers, it is assumed that a typical personal computer will run software not written by its primary users. Therefore, most software written primarily for personal computers tends to be designed with simplicity of use, or " user-friendliness " in mind.

Since the terms "personal computer" and "PC" have been introduced to vernacular language, their meanings and scope have changed somewhat. The first generations of personal microcomputers were usually sold as kits or merely instructions, and required a somewhat skilled person to assemble and operate them. These were usually called microcomputers, but personal computer was also used. Later generations were sometimes interchangably called by the names " home computer " and "personal computer." By the mid-1980s, "home computer" was becoming a less common label in favor of "personal computer." These computers were pre-assembled and required little to no technical knowledge to operate. In today's common usage, personal computer and PC usually indicate an IBM PC compatible . Because of this, some manufacturers of personal computers that are not IBM PCs avoid explicitly using the terms to describe their products.