personal computer (PC)
[/ˈpɜːrsənəl kəmˈpjuːtər/ or /ˌpiː ˈsiː/]
nounmasculinepl: personal computers (PCs) / computadores pessoais (PCs)
computador pessoal (PC)
1. A general-purpose computer designed for individual use, typically for one person at a time, with moderate computing power suitable for everyday tasks
She bought a personal computer to work from home and handle her business emails.
Ela comprou um computador pessoal para trabalhar de casa e gerenciar seus emails comerciais.
2. A desktop or laptop computer as opposed to mainframe, server, or mobile devices
Modern personal computers are powerful enough to handle professional video editing.
Os computadores pessoais modernos são poderosos o suficiente para editar vídeos profissionais.
3. A computer that runs on Windows, Linux, or similar operating systems (as opposed to Apple/Mac systems)
Most offices use PCs rather than Macs for their daily operations.
A maioria dos escritórios usa PCs em vez de Macs para suas operações diárias.
The term 'personal computer' gained prominence in the 1980s-1990s when computers became affordable for home use. In Brazil, both 'computador pessoal' and the English abbreviation 'PC' are commonly used, with 'PC' often preferred in tech-savvy circles and marketing. The term historically distinguished these machines from expensive mainframes. Today, with the rise of smartphones and tablets, the term is sometimes used to differentiate traditional computers (Windows/Mac/Linux) from mobile devices, though the lines are increasingly blurred.
NYC Slang
PC or comp (informal)
Related Idioms & Phrases
get on the PC / estar no PC (spend time using a personal computer)
PC gaming / jogos de PC (video games played on personal computers rather than consoles)
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