What is a Personal Computer?

A personal computer is basically a generic term for a computer system that is used by a person and is usually a standalone system. Personal computers are used by individuals for personal use. Desktops, as well as laptops can be classified as personal computers. Even portable smart phones and tablets are classified as personal computers. The personal computer is used by an individual or couple for e-mail, pictures, accounting, music, web surfing and almost any other thing you can think of. Even offices that have computers for each worker that are not network are personal computers. Networked office computers can work as a standalone unit and still access the network functions such as e-mail and Internet are still classified as personal computers.

So what is the definition of a computer that is not a personal computer? Computer systems that are dependent upon a central software or network for function are not personal computers. Let me give you an example, most grocery stores have computer checkout systems, but the terminals are all hooked to a central computer and cannot function without connection to the central server. Most factories have central computer systems for the daily operations as well as inventory data to a central database and may or may not be personal computer. Any computer system that is solely dependent upon the central server is not a personal computer system.

Now some Network Systems in offices and some businesses are a hybrid of both. Let's get example of these types of systems. These computers are personal computers that are loaded with the network software that is needed to access a central server for specific functions. They work based upon the Windows operating system, they access e-mail and word processing independently of the network. But when accessing the database or program that is central to their operations they must connect to a central server for that information. For example, a farm equipment dealership I used to give service for had 12 personal computers that ran independent of each other, but when the workers needed to access information about various equipment from the manufactures they had to logon to a central server to receive that information. Without central server system would not be able to keep the information updated quickly and efficiently. Many businesses use computer networks just like this. Another example of a computer network that is not a personal computer is your local video rental store. These terminals are usually look to a central server in the back of the store and cannot independently function without that server.

I hope you can better understand the difference between a personal computer and a computer is not a personal computer. While this information is not critical for most people understanding terminology gives you power and freedom in the crazy world we call computer systems.