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A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or technician. Unlike large costly minicomputers and mainframes, time-sharing by many people at the same time is not used with personal computers.
Institutional or corporate computer owners in the 1960s had to write their own programs to do any useful work with the machines. 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. Software for personal computers is typically developed and distributed independently from the hardware or operating system manufacturers. 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. This contrasts with mobile systems, where software is often only available through a manufacturer-supported channel, and end-user program development may be discouraged by lack of support by the manufacturer.Since the early 1990s, Microsoft operating systems and Intel hardware dominated much of the personal computer market, first with MS-DOS and then with Microsoft Windows. Alternatives to Microsoft's Windows operating systems occupy a minority share of the industry. These include Apple's macOS and free and open-source Unix-like operating systems.
The advent of personal computers and the concurrent Digital Revolution have significantly affected the lives of people in all countries.

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    NSW Personal items of mine held by extended family

    I have a quick question. I have a long running family law matter that settled by consent. The other parties lawyers played dirty on some personal items, however I was aware of what they were doing and the ones being held by the other party would be un recoverable once consent orders were made...
  2. D

    sharing personal images

    hey there everyone. 5 yrs ago My girlfriend sent me a semi nude photo (to fb messenger). like a complete dirtbag i bragged about it and shared it to a friend also via fb messenger. my girlfriend then without me knowing installed a screen mirrowing app to my phone and saw what i had done. Now she...
  3. J

    SA Can employer seize personal devices?

    So work sent an interesting email out today about corporate theft essentially and not copying things to personal computers in any way… and then said “I’m order to protect our data and confidentiality, the company reserves the right to access, scan, monitor, inspect and, where necessary, seize...
  4. E

    NSW can lot owners personal info be shared with the purchasers solicitor without consent?

    I serve on the commitee of a strata and one of the lot owners is selling. the purchasers solicitor has contacted the strata manager and asked for the contact details of all other lot owners which they promptly provided and the solicitor is now seeking to chat with each of them prior to...
  5. D

    SA Name-calling and Derogatory insinuations in personal email communication

    Hello -- Could there be any civil recourse for a person who insults, puts down, name-calls (eg "liar, deceptive cretin" etc) or insinuates things about a person, if these thing are done through to a personal email? I doubt that defamation or libel could be an issue as there is no-one else...
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    SA privacy of personal information in fccoa

    Hi, Just got something that feels off and need some clarification if possible. I had an issue I tried discussing with an ex awhile ago. I started a new job and time arrangements interfere with that and seeked a change in care. They demanded proof of employment and personal information proving...
  7. D

    QLD Personal Injury Law.

    After nearly 13 years of putting up with a abusive neighbour and slander, Id like to look at perusing damage. My son has Autism with cognitive delays/regulating emotions so his exposure to this nonsense for so long has taken its toll, my other son is depressed, socially anxious and I myself...
  8. M

    VIC Personal Bankruptcy & Trustee

    Summary - I have a mortgage with Westpac since 2014 which is up to date & no issue, however when i got into mortgage westpac offered / promote me a personal loan for furniture & etc.. I agreed with the condition that they will add this into my mortgage in 12 months time. they confirmed & said I...
  9. P

    NSW Legal avenues to settle a personal property dispute between beneficiaries

    I am trying to find out what legal avenues may be available to a beneficiary to claim items of personal property that are in dispute. Our parents gave away many of their personal possessions that would hold some sentimental value before they died and they did not keep a record of the gifts. They...
  10. M

    VIC What form to file in Magistrates' Court for Personal Safety Intervention Order?

    Hi, I am wanting to speak on behalf of my friend who is the Applicant in a Personal Safety Intervention Order matter listed at Melb Magistrates' Court. I am admitted as a lawyer but don't practice - My question is, what form do I have to file to give appearance? Registry said Form 25 but that...