5.0 INTRODUCTION PERSONAL COMPUTER

A personal computer (PC) is a general-purpose computer, used for day to day activities in different areas including education, business, administration and health. Due to its size and capabilities, PC is useful for the users. A PC can be operated directly and may be used for computational, word processing, and data storage purpose. 

Depending on the size and processing capacity, PCs are of many types such as, a desktop computer, a laptop tablet PC, a handheld PC /palmtop. Personal computers can be connected to the computer network by wired or wireless media. Generally, for using a PC, computer proficiency is not compulsory. PCs are being used from a school going children to a business professional for different purposes. A non-professional user may use a PC to listen songs, watching movies, creating some documentation, email etc. A .

professional user may use a PC for different business process such as documentation, running business program, creating databases, internet, and emailing, teleconferencing etc. Thus, the scope of a personal computer varies a lot depending on the type of its users. The configuration of a PC matters a lot in terms of its processing quality and cost.

5.1 OBJECTIVES 

After reading this unit, you should be able to:
  • describe the meaning and purpose of the personal computer;
  • distinguish different types of personal computers;
  • briefly explain hardware components of personal computer;
  • describe software and its types;
  • explain operating system installation process; 
  • to setup network configuration; and
  • understand different tools and application of personal computer.
In previous units of this block you have learned about basic components of a computer system. This learning will enable you understand the working of a computer system and use computer for different activities in your life. Rest of this unit will teach you about practical aspects.