Personal Computer - Now & Then

What is a personal computer? Well if you look at Wikipedia (which was not allowed as a citable source during my undergraduate years) you will find the following definition:

a general-purpose computer, whose size, capabilities, and original sale price makes it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator

A personal computer, according to Wikipedia, is basically a computer that a person can use.

I think that this is an interesting definition. I tend to think of a personal computer more as an individual’s “personal” computer. Growing up I was told not to look at other people’s mail or to go through somebody’s wallet. Those were private and personal possessions. Yes, if you wanted to learn a lot about somebody they had lots of useful information but they were private. A personal computer on the other hand was more of a public good. My family had a personal computer growing up but everyone in the family used it.

Now computers are truly personal. Your search history is screened and sorted and ads are customized to your search actions. In the old days you could search the Internet for gift items with no qualms about being caught or figured out. Now, if you search for gifts for a significant other, the next time somebody opens the Internet custom ads for the most recent items searched show up with the best deals.

The evolution of a personal computer from something the simply could be used by a person to a truly “personal” machine has caused concern for some in regards to privacy. But, generally speaking, the personalization of the personal computer has made the Internet a better, more efficient, and more helpful place.