Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Personal Computers
When most people think about computers, they picture a
personal
computer
, or PC. This type of computer is called
personal
because it is
designed for only one person to use at a time. Personal computers fall
into several categories that are differentiated from one another by their
sizes. The most common sizes are:
personal computer
A computer designed to be
used by only one person at a time.
◾
Desktop PC:
A com-
puter designed to be
used at a desk, and
seldom moved. This type
of computer consists of a
large metal box called a
system unit
that con-
tains most of the essen-
tial components, with a
separate monitor, key-
board, and mouse that all
plug into the system unit
(see Figure 1.2).
desktop PC
A computer designed to be set up
at a desk and not often moved, with input and
output devices separate from the system unit.
system unit
The main part of the computer,
containing the essential components.
© iStockphoto.com/Viktorus
Figure.1 2
A desktop PC contains a separate
system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
◾
Notebook PC:
A por-
table computer designed
to fold up like a note-
book for carrying, as
shown in Figure 1.3.
The cover opens up to
reveal a built-in screen,
keyboard, and
pointing
device
, which substitutes
for a mouse. This type of
computer is sometimes
called a laptop. A smaller
version of a notebook
PC is sometimes referred
to as a
netbook
(which
is short for
Internet book,
implying that this type of
computer is primarily for accessing the Internet rather than running
applications).
notebook PC
A portable PC where the screen
and keyboard fold up against one another for stor-
age and transport; also known as a laptop.
pointing device
An input device such as a
mouse or touchpad that enables users to move
an onscreen pointer to select content and issue
commands.
© iStockphoto.com/daboost
Figure.1 3
A notebook PC has a built-in monitor,
keyboard, and pointing device, such as a touchpad.
netbook
A small notebook PC designed primarily
for accessing the Internet.
◾
Tablet PC:
A portable
computer that consists of
a touch-sensitive display
screen mounted on a
tablet-size plastic frame
with a small computer
inside, as in Figure 1.4.
There is no built-in
keyboard or pointing
device; a software-
based keyboard pops up
onscreen when needed,
and your finger sliding
on the screen serves as a
pointing device.
tablet PC
A lightweight slate-style computer with
a touch screen, designed for easy portability.
© iStockphoto.com/UmbertoPantalone
Figure.1 4
A tablet computer is a touch-
sensitive slate.
