Last updated on July 2nd, 2024 at 12:35 pm
There are many different types of computers; the supercomputer is the fastest, largest, and undoubtedly the most expensive. Second to the supercomputer in size, processing power, and price is the mainframe computer. However, neither of these computers is meant to be used at home. The longest-standing personal computer is the desktop computer. It is much smaller than the mainframe and supercomputers and quite affordable.
Keep reading to learn:
- What is a desktop computer;
- What is the name of the first personal computer (the first home computer);
- Who invented the first personal computer;
- When was the first personal computer invented;
- The name of the company that first invented the Personal computer; and
- The processing speed, storage, and portability of the desktop computer.
In your study of information technology, you will encounter many different types of networks. To learn about what a network is and the types of networks available today, visit our article on types of networks.
So, what is a desktop computer?
Definition of the desktop computer
As the name suggests, a desktop computer is a personal computer designed to be used by a single person at a desk. It is not considered a portable computer because it cannot be carried by a single person at once.
A brief history of the desktop computer
The first desktop computer, the first personal computer, was developed in 1974. The Altair 8800 was much more difficult to use than the PC as we know it today and was sold as a kit that needed to be assembled. Additionally, the users were required to write their own programs in machine language. These characteristics placed a definite limitation on who could use the Altair 8800 since an end user would need extensive computer knowledge to assemble the computer and write the codes.
Despite these issues, the Altair 8800 was in high demand, generating thousands of sales in the first month. As a result, it is credited with being the computer that revolutionized the personal computer industry.
1974 is the year that saw the introduction of what is considered by many the first true personal computer, the Altair 8800.
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So, who invented the first personal computer?
The Altair 8800 was invented by Ed Roberts (the father of the personal computer), the co-founder of Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS). He is also believed to have coined the term personal computer.
Which company was the first to invent the personal computer?
The company that invented the first personal computer was Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS). They created the first personal computer (the first home computer) in 1974. This computer, however, was a far cry from the core functionalities of today’s PC. What that computer did was show us what was possible and the demand that was likely to follow if such machines could be upgraded to cater to the needs of the ordinary members of the public.
What is the processing speed of the desktop computer?
The first home computer or personal computer, the Altair 8800, used the Intel 8080 central processing unit (CPU). This CPU had a clock speed of 2 megahertz (2 MHz). It was capable of executing hundreds of thousands of instructions per second.
The fastest CPU that was available for personal computers in 2022 is the Intel 12th-generation processor, Core i9-12900KS. This processor can run up to 5.5 gigahertz (5.5 GHz).
According to PassMark Software the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX is the fastest CPU available for desktop computers in 2024.
Are you interested in learning more about the different types of computers available today? Be sure to read our article on embedded devices, where you will learn about one of the least talked about types of computers.
What is the storage capacity of a desktop computer?
According to William Stanton of Alphr, the largest hard drive available in 2022 for the desktop computer has 20 terabytes (TB) of storage.
If you are interested in learning more about storage devices, visit our article on the definition, types, and examples.
FAQ
A desktop computer is known as a personal computer or a PC.
A desktop is a type of computer.
In ICT, a desktop is one of the many different types of computer. Unlike mobile computers, the mainframe or the supercomputer, however, the desktop is meant to fit on or under a desk, hence the name desktop computer.
Before you go
We do our best to provide as clear and detailed information as possible. However, if you have additional questions or comments, be sure to leave them in the comment section below.
Hey Candy, thanks for this post!
It contained a lot of interesting information that I wasn’t aware of, it is interesting to see where today’s computers and technology came from.
I personally like desktop computers. They are generally easier to use. However, they aren’t very travel-friendly, and in the event that you live in a part of the world where electricity is not reliable, it may not be the best choice. Desktop computers have a lot more features than mobile devices, and the setup looks cool. They are expensive, though!
Thanks for this information, and have a great day!
Hi Sariya,
Like you, I love my desktop computer. As a person who uses a computer extensively for work, I can definitely support the fact that computers such as tablets or even netbooks would not be my first choice. However, so far as mobile devices go I am partial to my notebook computer for its portability and the fact that I am able to use it even where there are no electrical outlets.