personal computing
Your own machine
Personal computing refers to the use of computers by individuals rather than institutions—machines designed for one person's desk, lap, or pocket.
The term emerged in the 1970s when microcomputers made it possible for ordinary people to own and operate computers at home.
Today it encompasses desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones: Personal computing has transformed how we work and communicate.
Main computing chip
- motherboardComputer's primary circuit platform
- RAMTemporary data storage hardware
- hard driveComputer's internal storage device
- SSDChip-based storage device
graphics card · monitor · keyboard · mouse · laptop · desktop · tablet · printer
Software managing computer resources
- WindowsMicrosoft operating system
- macOSApple computer operating system
- LinuxOpen-source operating system kernel
- applicationFormal request document
program · driver · browser · spreadsheet · word processing · antivirus · firewall · update
Visual computer interface
- touchscreenInput-sensitive display panel
- cursorOn-screen position indicator
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- menuList of available dishes
window · widget · click · drag · scroll · swipe · pinch · gesture
Interconnected computer systems
- WiFiRadio-based network access
- ethernetWired networking standard
- routerPacket-forwarding network device
- modemDigital-to-analog signal converter
Bluetooth · hotspot · broadband · network · cloud storage · email · download · upload
Compact computing circuit
- Silicon ValleyBay Area tech corridor
- artificial intelligenceMachines mimicking human thought
- machine learningAlgorithms that improve from data
- virtual realityComputer-created interactive environment
augmented reality · open-source · algorithm · neural networks · biometrics · wearables · smart home
Known without reasoning
- accessibleAble to be reached
- ergonomicDesigned for bodily efficiency
- user-friendlyEasy to operate
- customizableAble to be modified
navigable · plug-and-play · straightforward · approachable · adaptable · convenient · responsive · foolproof
CPU
Main computing chip
- motherboardComputer's primary circuit platform
- RAMTemporary data storage hardware
- hard driveComputer's internal storage device
SSD · graphics card · monitor · keyboard · mouse · laptop · desktop · tablet · printer · scanner
operating system
Software managing computer resources
- WindowsMicrosoft operating system
- macOSApple computer operating system
- LinuxOpen-source operating system kernel
application · program · driver · browser · spreadsheet · word processing · antivirus · firewall · update · patch
GUI
Visual computer interface
- touchscreenInput-sensitive display panel
- cursorOn-screen position indicator
- iconPictorial screen symbol
menu · window · widget · click · drag · scroll · swipe · pinch · gesture · multitouch
internet
Interconnected computer systems
- WiFiRadio-based network access
- ethernetWired networking standard
- routerPacket-forwarding network device
modem · Bluetooth · hotspot · broadband · network · cloud storage · email · download · upload · streaming
microprocessor
Compact computing circuit
- Silicon ValleyBay Area tech corridor
- artificial intelligenceMachines mimicking human thought
- machine learningAlgorithms that improve from data
virtual reality · augmented reality · open-source · algorithm · neural networks · biometrics · wearables · smart home
intuitive
Known without reasoning
- accessibleAble to be reached
- ergonomicDesigned for bodily efficiency
- user-friendlyEasy to operate
customizable · navigable · plug-and-play · straightforward · approachable · adaptable · convenient · responsive · foolproof · accessibility features
- Bill GatesMicrosoft, Windows, philanthropy, Melinda Gates, foundation
- Steve JobsSteve Jobs, Apple, iPhone, iPad, iPod
personal, computing, tablet computer, microcomputer, minicomputer, personal computer, microcomputers, home computer, desktop computer