A personal computer (PC) is a digital computing device designed for use by a single user at a time. Modern personal computers are versatile, multi-purpose tools capable of running thousands of different software applications for word processing, mathematical computation, entertainment, communication, and many other tasks.

The personal computer as a category emerged in the early 1970s with the introduction of microprocessors—integrated circuits containing a complete central processing unit on a single chip. Prior to this, computing required expensive mainframes or minicomputers shared among many users.

History

Origins (1971–1975)

The Intel 4004, released in 1971, was the first commercial microprocessor. The Altair 8800 (1975) was the first personal computer available as a commercial product, sold as a kit to hobbyists. Its success demonstrated demand for computing outside of corporate settings.

The home revolution (1977–1985)

Three machines established the personal computer as a consumer product:

• Apple II (1977) — color graphics, expandable via internal slots
• TRS-80 (1977) — affordable home computer by Tandy/Radio Shack
• Commodore PET (1977) — all-in-one design with built-in monitor

The IBM PC (1981) standardized the architecture that would come to dominate business computing. Clones of the IBM PC (often called "PC compatibles") flooded the market, eventually making IBM's own product a minority player.

The Macintosh era (1984–1995)

Apple's Macintosh (1984) introduced the graphical user interface (GUI) to the mass market. While technically pioneered at Xerox PARC, the Macintosh made the GUI practical and affordable for home and business users.

The internet age (1995–2007)

The widespread adoption of the World Wide Web transformed personal computers from productivity tools into communication devices. Email, instant messaging, and eventually social media became primary use cases.

Post-PC era (2007–present)

The introduction of the iPhone in 2007 and subsequent smartphones shifted significant computing activity to mobile devices. Personal computers remain dominant for content creation, software development, gaming, and professional work.

Components

A modern personal computer consists of the following major components:

Operating systems

Three operating systems account for over 95% of personal computer use:

1. Microsoft Windows — ~75% market share (as of 2026)
2. Apple macOS — ~16% market share
3. Linux — ~4% market share (including ChromeOS)

References

1. Ceruzzi, P. (2003). A History of Modern Computing. MIT Press.
2. Freiberger, P. & Swaine, M. (2000). Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer. McGraw-Hill.
3. Wikipedia contributors. (2026). "Personal computer." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
4. IDC Research. (2026). Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker.