Personal Computers

Personal Computer (PC), computer in the form of a desktop or laptop device designed for use by a single person. PCs function using a display monitor and a keyboard. Since their introduction in the 1980s, PCs have become powerful and extremely versatile tools that have revolutionized how people work, learn, communicate, and find entertainment. Many households in the United States now have PCs, thanks to affordable prices and software that has made PCs easy to use without special computer expertise. Personal computers are also a crucial component of information technology (IT) and play a key role in modern economies worldwide.

The usefulness and capabilities of personal computers can be greatly enhanced by connection to the Internet and World Wide Web, as well as to smaller networks that link to local computers or databases. Personal computers can also be used to access content stored on compact discs (CDs) or digital versatile discs (DVDs), and to transfer files to personal media devices and video players.

Personal computers are sometimes called microcomputers or micros. Powerful PCs designed for professional or technical use are known as work stations. Other names that reflect different roles for PCs include home computers and small-business computers. The PC is generally larger and more powerful than handheld computers, including personal digital assistants (PDAs) and gaming devices.

Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation, the largest company in the world dedicated to creating computer software. Microsoft develops and sells a wide variety of software products to businesses and consumers and has subsidiary offices in more than 60 countries. The company’s operating systems for personal computers are the most widely used in the world. Microsoft has its headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

(Microsoft is the publisher of Encarta Encyclopedia.)

Microsoft’s other well-known products include Word, a word processor; Excel, a spreadsheet program; Access, a database program; and PowerPoint, a program for making business presentations. These programs are sold separately and as part of Office, an integrated software suite. The company also makes software applications for a wide variety of server products for businesses. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) allows users to browse the World Wide Web. Microsoft produces the Xbox game console and software games that run on the console. Among the company’s other products are reference applications; financial software; programming languages for software developers; input devices, such as pointing devices and keyboards; software for personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cellular telephones; handwriting-recognition software; software for creating Web pages; and computer-related books.

Microsoft operates the Microsoft Network (MSN), a collection of news, travel, financial, entertainment, and information Web sites. Microsoft and NBC Universal jointly operate the MSNBC Web site, the most popular all-news site on the Internet.