Computer Basics

PCs and Macs

Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac. Both styles are fully functional, but they do have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.

A PC

A Mac

• PC: This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other companies began to create similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.
• Mac: The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold personal computer with a Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs are made by one company, Apple Inc., and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system.

Although PC can refer to an IBM PC Compatible, the term can also be used to refer to any personal computer, including Macs.

About this tutorial

In this tutorial, we'll mostly be focusing on PCs and the Windows operating system. If you're using a Mac, you may notice some differences with the way your computer works. However, much of the information in this tutorial will still apply, no matter which type of computer you're using.