This contrasts with mobile systems, where software is often available only through a manufacturer-supported channel, and end-user program development may be discouraged by lack of support by the manufacturer. Many personal computer users no longer need to write their own programs to make any use of a personal computer, although end-user programming is still feasible. Software for personal computers is typically developed and distributed independently from the hardware or operating system manufacturers. While personal computer users may develop their own applications, usually these systems run commercial software, free-of-charge software (' freeware'), which is most often proprietary, or free and open-source software, which is provided in 'ready-to-run', or binary, form.

Institutional or corporate computer owners in the 1960s had to write their own programs to do any useful work with the machines. Primarily in the late 1970s and 1980s, the term home computer was also used. Unlike large, costly minicomputers and mainframes, time-sharing by many people at the same time is not used with personal computers. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or technician.

An artist's depiction of a 2000s-era desktop-style personal computer, which includes a metal case with the computing components, a display monitor and a keyboard (mouse not shown)Ī personal computer ( PC) is a multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use.

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