While the term computer can apply to virtually any device that has a microprocessor in it, most people think of a computer as a device that receives input from the user through a mouse or keyboard , processes it in some fashion and displays the result on a screen . While a Mac is a PC, most people relate the term with systems that run the Windows operating system . PCs were first known as microcomputers because they were a complete computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in use by most businesses. Desktop - A PC that is not designed for portability. The expectation with desktop systems are that you will set the computer up in a permanent location.
Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost than their portable brethren.
These computers usually do not have keyboards but rely on touchscreen technology for user input. Palmtops are typically smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a reasonable battery life. A slightly larger and heavier version of the palmtop is the handheld computer . Workstation - A desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development . Server - A computer that has been optimized to provide services to other computers over a network .