Because computers are so prevalent in today’s society, it’s important to have at least a working knowledge of where they come from and what types there are. While we may think we know it all simply because we have one sitting at a desk at home, you may find that there is a little more you could learn. And learning is what a computer should be for, isn’t it?

Once upon a time, a computer was a person who did calculations, and of course calculations. As early as 1613 these people were called ‘computers’. In the 19th century, the first computing machines emerged. These included things that modern people would consider very simple, such as the abacus, the slide rule, and an astronomical clock that tracked the stars and signs of the zodiac.

Computers are the result of two technologies. One is that of automated calculation and the other that of programmability. In a general sense, a computer is a multipurpose tool built around a microprocessor. It includes a hard drive, memory, a modem, and other components. A computer user can write documents, send emails, and browse the Internet. Of course, they are also useful for gaming. Any computer will offer a method of inputting information and receiving output.

One type of computer is called a personal or desktop computer, abbreviated as PC. A PC is used by an individual person rather than a large group of people. Its direct predecessors are mainframe computers, which were used to perform batch processing and required operator intervention between the user and the system. PCs are more for word processing, spreadsheets, Internet use, and databases. PCs also allow users to play games such as single player titles or multi-massive and more interactive online games.

Laptops are similar to PCs in terms of components, but slightly different in use and purpose. They’re meant to be lightweight and mobile, but they’re also good for creating documents, accessing the Internet, and playing games. Laptops are gaining more and more popularity and in 2008 more laptops were sold than PCs. An important difference between a PC and a laptop is the pointing device. Where PCs use a mouse, a laptop will use a trackpad or pointing stick. Many laptops can outperform the average PC when it comes to gaming and Internet use.

Gaming is one of the main reasons people buy new computers. While the computer and especially the Internet play an important educational role in today’s society, most people are familiar with playing games on their PC or laptop. It wasn’t that long ago that games could only be found in arcades or on game consoles. Now, however, the individual computer user can play games on their own, some of which take up to forty hours of real time to complete, or play in worlds filled with thousands of other registered users. Many games require a computer that has a special graphics processing unit or GPU, also known as a video card, to run the high-demand graphics most game designers use.

Computers are everywhere these days and it’s important that everyone who uses one has a little background on what they do. While gaming is a big draw for getting a computer, it’s also important to remember that computers can provide a lot of education and knowledge. With the right information and resources, a single user with a personal computer can be a very powerful influence on the world, in many good ways.