What Is a PC?

“What exactly is a PC?” Most people immediately answer that PC stands for personal computer, which in fact it does. Many continue by defining a personal computer as any small computer system purchased and used by an individual. Although it is true that all PCs are personal computers, not all personal computers are PCs. For example, all of Apple’s pre-2006 Motorola/IBM processor–based Macintosh systems, and older 8080/Z-80 processor–based CP/M machines are considered personal computers, but most people wouldn’t call them PCs, least of all the Mac users! For the true definition of what a PC is, we must look deeper.

Calling something a PC implies that it is something much more specific than just any personal computer. One thing it implies is a family relation to the original IBM PC from 1981. It could be said that IBM literally invented the type of computer we call a PC today; that is, IBM designed and created the very first one, and IBM’s definition set all the standards that made the PC distinctive from other personal computers. That’s not to say that IBM invented the personal computer; many recognize the historical origins of the personal computer in the MITS Altair, introduced in 1975, even though other small computers were available prior. However, although IBM did not invent the personal computer, it did invent the type of personal computer that today we call the PC. Some people might take this definition a step further and define a PC as any personal computer that is “IBM compatible.” In fact, many years back, PCs were called either IBM compatibles or IBM clones, in essence paying homage to the origins of the PC at IBM.