Personal computers

Computer, Personal,  is a desktop or handheld computer designed for general purpose use. Personal computer design are used by individuals, families, schools and companies for such purposes as keeping records, Writting reports, learning a new subject, playing games, programming or even running household appliances.
      All computers store and handle information. Many large businesses use large, expensive computers that must be shared by a number of people to be economical. Personal computers, because they are equipped with one or more microprocessors. Microprocessors, which were introduced in 1971, are miniature electronic devices that can handle many of the same tasks as a large computer, though more slowly and with smaller amounts of information. The development of microprocessors led to a reduction in the cost of computers and thus made it possible for computers to be purchased by individuals, school and small companies.

USES OF PERSONAL COMPUTER
Like other computers, personal computers can be instructed to perform a variety of individual functions. A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do is called a program. Today, more than 10,000 application programs are available for use on personal computers. they include such popular programs as word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, database programs and communication programs.
 Word processing programs are use to type, correct, rearrange, or delete text in letters, memos, reports and school assignments. Spread sheet programs enable individuals to prepare tables easily. The users of such programs will calculate and fill in the rest of the table. When the user change according to the rules established by that user. Spread sheets may be used for preparing budgets and financial plans, balancing a cheque book or keeping track of. Personal investments.
     Database programs allow a computer to store large amounts of data (information) in a systematic way. Such data might include the name, address, telephone number, salary and starting date of every employee in a company. The computer could then be asked to produce a list of  all employees who receive a certain salary.
   Communication programs connect a personal computer to other computer. People can thereby exchange information with one another via their personal computers. In addition, communication programs enable people to link their personal computers with databanks. Databanks are huge collection of information stored in large centralized computers. News, financial and travel information and other data of interest to many users can be obtained from a databank.
 Other programs include recreational and educational programs for playing games, composing and hearing music and learning a variety of subjects. Programs have also been written that turn household appliances on and off. Some people develop their own programs to meet need not covered by commercially prepared programs. Others buy personal computers mainly to learn about computers and how to program them.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/personal_computer.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/452928/personal-computer-PC
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/personal_computer.htm
http://www.technewsworld.com/perl/section/personal-computers/
http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/invention-of-the-pc