RE: FN-FORUM: pedanticisms [OT]

date posted 18th March 2008 20:47

Lee Rickler wrote:
> In this case it would as it would be the beginning of a sentence/=20
> listing. Is that right Ben?

Well, to be accurate, .. Okay, game's up, end of thread! ;)
___________

For the (exciting) record, I'd call a PC an IBM-compatible PC and a Mac =
a
Mac, purely by popular convention rather than accuracy.=20

The phrase "Personal Computer" could be taken to literally cover any
computer designed to be used by an individual, i.e., not =
mainframes/servers,
but including PDAs, laptops, etc. Clearly this is not the meaning that =
it is
typically used for; I would say it implies an IBM-compatible PC by =
popular
convention.

Think about "PC Games" or "PC software", which require an IBM-compatible
machine (without resorting to emulation). Answers.com agree:

"Business Dictionary: Personal Computer (PC)=20
A computer designed for use by a single user. Although other
Microcomputers preceded it, the IBM PC was the first to use the name
specifically. As a result, the term PC now applies to an IBM-compatible
computer as contrasted to the Apple Macintosh, these being the two =
standards
that emerged from an abundance of competitors in the early 1980s."
http://www.answers.com/topic/personal-computer?cat=3Dtechnology


Cheers, Ben

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