No, Windows isn't technically what makes a PC a PC, and the switch from PowerPC to Intel didn't necessarily change much of the distinction either (it's not like when Macs ran on 68k or PPC processors they weren't PCs).
But of course, we're not talking about the technical definition of what PC or personal computer means. In common usage, it is normally pretty understood that when people talk about the PC, they are not talking about any personal computers, but specifically personal computers running Windows. In that sense, even a "PC" with Linux isn't specifically what a lot of people think of when they hear and use the term.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zadillo @ Dec 3rd 2006 11:50PM
No, Windows isn't technically what makes a PC a PC, and the switch from PowerPC to Intel didn't necessarily change much of the distinction either (it's not like when Macs ran on 68k or PPC processors they weren't PCs).
But of course, we're not talking about the technical definition of what PC or personal computer means. In common usage, it is normally pretty understood that when people talk about the PC, they are not talking about any personal computers, but specifically personal computers running Windows. In that sense, even a "PC" with Linux isn't specifically what a lot of people think of when they hear and use the term.