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Personal computer
3Gigahertz personal computer and peripherals,, photographed in October 2003. From left to right: printer (just seen to the left of the TV), monitor (this one is a CRT type although TFT monitors are now common), broadband cable modem for the internet and a scanner. The tower (CPU, hard drive, etc) can be glimpsed, under the table,at bottom right. The keyboard and mouse are wire-less.
Larger version
The term personal computer or PC has three meanings:
- IBM's range of PCs that lead to the use of the term - see IBM PC.
- A generic term used to describe microcomputers that are compatible with IBM's specification
- A generic term sometimes used to describe all microcomputers
The first generation of microcomputers were sometimes known as home computers, and are discussed in that section.
A personal computer is an inexpensive microcomputer, originally designed to be used by only one person at a time, and which is IBM PC compatible - (though in common usage it may sometimes refer to non-compatible machines).
The earliest known use of the term was in New Scientist magazine in 1964, in a series of articles called "The World in 1984". In "The Banishment of Paper Work," Arthur L. Samuel of IBM's Watson Research Center writes, "While it will be entirely feasible to obtain an education at home, via one's own personal computer, human nature will not have changed."
The first generation of microcomputers that started to appear in the 1970s (see Home Computers) were markedly less versatile and powerful than business computers of the day, and were generally used by computer enthusiasts or for playing games.
It was the launch of the VisiCalc spreadsheet, initially for the Apple II and later for the IBM PC that became the "killer app" that turned the microcomputer into a business tool. The low cost of personal computers led to great popularity in the home and business markets during the 1980s. In 1982, Time magazine named the personal computer its Man of the Year.
During the 1990s, the power of personal computers increased radically, blurring the formerly sharp distinction between personal computers and multi-user computers such as mainframes. Today higher-end computers often distinguish themselves from personal computers by greater reliability or greater ability to multitask, rather than by straight CPU power.
Most modern personal computers use the IBM PC compatible hardware architecture, using x86-compatible processors made by Intel, AMD, or Cyrix. The hardware capabilities of personal computers can usually be extended by the addition of Expansion cards.
With regard to portability we can distinguish:
Despite the overwhelming popularity of the personal computer, a number of non IBM PC compatible microcomputers (sometimes also generically called Personal Computers) are still popular in niche uses. The leading alternative is Apple Computer's proprietary Power Macintosh platform, based on the PowerPC computer architecture, which is widely used for grapic design and related uses.
This content from Wikipedia is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
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USB Travel Notebook Web Camera w/Flexible NeckUSB Travel Notebook Web Camera w/Flexible Neck ** USB Travel Notebook Web Camera w/Flexible Neck **Capture and send video from your computer, or send photos and video along with your email with this USB Travel Notebook Web Camera w/Flexible Neck. It features the CMOS CIF sensor, 1/5-inch lens, and a USB 1.1 interface. It offers up to 30 fps frame rates and supports resolutions up to 352 x 288. This PC camera has a flexible neck and is perfect for use with your notebook PC!General Features:- CMOS CIF sensor- 1/5-inch lens- 3.6 mm focal length- Fixed Iris- 54-degrees field of view- 20 cm to infinity focus range- Automatic Exposure- RGB24, 1420 video data format- Up to 30 fps frame rate- USB 1.1 interface- 19-inch length (approximate)- Flexible neck- Perfect for use with your notebook PCSupported Resolutions:- 88 x 72- 160 x 120- 176 x 144- 320 x 240- 352 x 288Retail Package Includes:- USB Travel Notebook Web Camera - Quick Start- Driver CD Compatibility/Requirements/Disclosures:** Requirements *** Pentium 200 MHz or higher* Windows 98/ME/2000/XP* 80 MB available hard disk space* CD-ROM drive* High color or true color display* Available USB port* Internet connection More ...
NEW CT-723D 17-Inch LCD Flat Panel DisplayNEW CT-723D 17-Inch LCD Flat Panel Display ** NEW CT-723D 17-Inch LCD Flat Panel Display **Running at 1280 x 1024 native resolution with an ultra high 450:1 contrast ratio. The 17 723D flat-panel display is a reliable, high quality LCD display fit for performing all daily computer applications.General Features:- Size: 17 inch (Diagonal 432mm) - Max. Resolution: 1,280 x 1,024 / SXGA - Display Color 16.7 M Colors supported - Pixel pitch: Horizontal 0.264mm x vertical 0.264mm - Brightness: 400cd/m2 - Contrast Ratio: 450:1 - Response Time: 16ms - Viewing Angle: 160 horizontal, 140 vertical - Display Area: Horizontal 340mm x Vertical 272mm - Signal Input: Video Signal: 0.7Vpp - Sync. Frequency: Horizontal: 22kHz~82kHz / Vertical: 50Hz~76Hz - Bandwidth: 135MHz - Input Connector: D-Sub / DVI-D - Audio: Phone Jack, d=3.5mm - DC Adapter: AC100~240Volts, 60/50+/-3Hz - Monitor Dimension (WxHxD): 15.3 in x 15.1 in x 8.5 in - Power Consumption: 45W - Power Saving State: 3WNotes:- Dead Pixels Policy: Replacement and Refund for 8 or more Dead Pixels only- 3-Year Limited Warranty: 3 years for parts, 3 years for labor, and 1 year for LCD panelPackageContents:- 17”TFT liquid crystal monitor- D-sub 15 pin signal cable- AC Adapter- User’s manual More ...
Intel Pentium Pro 200MHz CPU w 1MB CacheIntel Pentium Pro 200MHz CPU w 1MB Cache ** Intel Pentium Pro 200MHz CPU w 1MB Cache **General Features:- 200MHz- 1MB L2 Cache- Socket 8- CPU OnlyCompatibility/Requirements/Disclosures:** Requirements *** Socket 8 Heatsink & Fan* Motherboard that supports 200MHz 1MB L2 cache Pentium Pro CPU More ...
Fellowes Laptop Key Cable LockFellowes Laptop Key Cable Lock ** Fellowes Laptop Key Cable Lock **Single piece lock with patented stainless steel expansion arm fits snugly in the security slot of your laptop. Prevents prying off with screwdriver and provides extra holding power!General Features:- Tamper-proof stainless steel locking arm- 6 foot vinyl coated multi-strand galvinized steel cable- Compatible with most notebook computersBrand new retail packed More ...
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