PC

PC

Usually refers to an IBM PC or compatible, or when used generically, to a “personal computer”. In a different context, PC also is an abbreviation for “politically correct.”
    • Related Articles

    • Desktop

      On computers like IBM PC or compatibles and Macintoshes, the backdrop where windows and icons for disks and applications reside.
    • Localhost

      The hostname “localhost” always corresponds to the device you’re using. This uses the loopback network interface — a network interface implemented in software — to connect directly to your own PC.
    • Microsoft Windows

      A group of operating systems for PC or compatible computers; Windows provides a graphical user interface so you can point and click to indicate what you want to do.
    • FTP

      File Transfer Protocol; a method of exchanging files between computers via the Internet. A program like WS FTP for IBM PC or compatibles or Fetch for Macintosh is required. Files can contain documents or programs and can be ASCII text or binary data.
    • Antivirus

      The first antivirus software for the PC became available by around the same time as when the first viruses started cropping up. The antivirus scans your computer for viruses and destroys these when found. It can look for any code that belongs to ...