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A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU). It includes a microprocessor, memory, and minimal input/output (I/O) circuitry mounted on a single printed circuit board. Microcomputers became popular in the 1970s and 1980s with the advent of increasingly powerful microprocessors. The predecessors to these computers, mainframes and minicomputers, were comparatively much larger and more expensive (though indeed present-day mainframes such as the IBM System z machines use one or more custom microprocessors as their CPUs). Many microcomputers (when equipped with a keyboardand screen for input and output) are also personal computers (in the generic sense).

The abbreviation micro was common during the 1970s and 1980s, but has now fallen out of common usage.

Monitors, keyboards and other devices for input and output may be integrated or separate. Computer memory in the form of RAM, and at least one other less volatile, memory storage device are usually combined with the CPU on a system bus in one unit. Other devices that make up a complete microcomputer system include batteries, a power supply unit, a keyboard and various input/output devices used to convey information to and from a human operator (printers, monitors, human interface devices). Microcomputers are designed to serve only one user at a time, although they can often be modified with software or hardware to concurrently serve more than one user. Microcomputers fit well on or under desks or tables, so that they are within easy access of users. Bigger computers like minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers take up large cabinets or even dedicated rooms.

A microcomputer comes equipped with at least one type of data storage, usually RAM. Although some microcomputers (particularly early 8-bit home micros) perform tasks using RAM alone, some form of secondary storage is normally desirable. In the early days of home micros, this was often a data cassette deck (in many cases as an external unit). Later, secondary storage (particularly in the form of floppy disk and hard disk drives) were built into the microcomputer case.

The word microcomputer means “small computer”. Since microcomputers originally designed for personal use they are also refereed to as personal computer or PCs. Due to advances in hardware technology,powerful PCs have been developed since the 1980s. The essential characteristics of these microcomputers are:

Small size and low cost One user Easy to use Low computing power Commonly used for personal application

There are different types of microcomputers. The popular versions are the IBM PC and Apple Macintosh. Programs written for IBM PCs cannot run on Apple Macintosh, and vice versa, because they use different operating systems.

Microcomputer Sub-Types

Stationary

Carputer (In-car computers) - a PC built into a car's dashboard Desktop - physically small computer that can fit on a desk Gaming Computer - high-quality desktop (or game console) with better graphics and hardware Home Theater PC (HTPC) - Digital Video Recorder (DVR) + PC Industrial PC - an x86 PC for industrial automation and a substitute for a PLC Nettop (Mini-PC) - inexpensive low-power desktop with a small form-factor Single-Unit PC - a desktop with all components (monitor, keyboard, etc.) in one case Workstation - high-quality networking desktop

Portable/Mobile

Desktop Replacement Computer (DTR) - smaller than a desktop, but more powerful than a laptop Laptop (Notebook) - small and lightweight (including the battery) enough to fit on a person's lap Netbook (Subnotebook) - smaller, less expensive, and less powerful than a laptop Palmtop - IBM-compatible palm-sized PC Pocket PC - non-IBM-compatible palm-sized PC Smartbook - contains features of both netbooks and smartphones Smartphone (Phablet or Superphone) - a mobile telephone with PC features Tablet (Slates or Booklets) - a touchscreen computer with dimensions resembling a thin book Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) - smaller than a tablet PC, but as powerful as a laptop; non-IBM-compatible Wearable Computer (Smart-watch) - wrist-watch sized PC

Advantages -

Publicly accessible to individuals/citizens Relatively inexpensive Small and typically easily portable

Uses -

Education Gaming General networking General residential and commercial computing

Hence, for all of the features availability in the microcomputers, microcomputers are preffered than other computers for personal use.......

Answer

Since its small enough to fit into desktop, cheaper to be bought by salary-based user, and simple enough to start using it 

Answer

Answer

Since its small enough to fit into desktop, cheaper to be bought by salary-based user, and simple enough to start using it