What is this thing everyone is keen on ?Is it a computer or is it a PC? What is a PC? What is a clone? What is a compatible. These and other seemingly silly terms are all possible replacement words for computer. So What is a computer? A computer is that thing on your desk that looks like a TV set illegally parked by a typewriter.

Call it whatever you like,it's basically a computer.But,because you may also have a

computer on your wrist,in your car ,or in the washing machine, we need to be more exact.What you have on your desk is really a PC.

PC is a term IBM used to describe its first desk-sized computer.

PC stands for personal computer.The IBM PC is the model for some 100 million similar

units sold since its introduction.The IBM PC is like the Model-T Ford;it's the first

one of its kind.

The first IBM PC was like the first car ever made,and all computers produced since its introduction look and behave similarly(but without the crank to start them up)

The word computer is a general term applied to the entire "family" of computing devices.Basically,a computer is like a super calculator with a really big

display.In addition to adding and subtracting numbers,the calculator also displays and manipulates text.This is what makes the computer useful to us non-math types.

Computers range in variety and size,from the simple game-playing computers to

advanced hand-held computers,larger portable computers,desk-sized models,and free-standing units that pull down more power than the Hoover Dam puts out during any given hour.Any of these things can be called a computer.

Since about 1981,the time that the first IBM PC was introduced,the term PC has

been used to refer to anyone's personal computer ---whether it's the original IBM

equipment,a Macintosh, or some inexpensive toy you bought at Kmart.Because you're a

person and you use the computer,it's your personal computer---your PC.

Because the term PC is strongly associated with IBM types of equipment,Macintosh owners like to disassociated themselves from it.They call their computers Macs even though Macintosh computers are just another type of Pc.