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Definition: personal computer


The personal computer term arose in the late 1970s when the public first began owning a computer. Today, phones, tablets, laptops and desktops are all "client devices" that interact with "servers" over the Internet. They are all very personal devices, with the smartphone being the most personal because you take it with you. However, many believe the personal computer term applies only to desktop and laptop computers and not smartphones or tablets. For a brief history of personal computers, see personal computer timeline. See Windows, Mac computer, iPhone, iPad, Android, Linux and tablet.