Personal Computer

The earliest electronic computers were not personal. They were large, expensive, and required numerous specialists to keep them operational. One of the first of these "impersonal" computers, ENIAC, was built to perform ballistics calculations for the US military. It cost $500,000, weighed 30 tons, and occupied nearly 2000 square feet of floor space. The development of more efficient computers required advancements in technology. The most significant invention that made personal computers possible was the microprocessor. Before its invention, computers needed a separate integrated-circuit chip for each of their functions. Microprocessors, small enough to fit on a thumbnail, could manage the computer's programs, store information, and handle data independently. Today, the term personal computer (PC) refers to a compact computer that uses a microprocessor. It is designed for individual use in various settings, such as offices, homes, or schools, for tasks like word processing, data management, financial analysis, or gaming. Personal computers are categorized into stationary (e.g., desktop computers) and portable types (e.g., laptops, tablets). The PC industry continues to grow, with over two billion personal computers in use worldwide.