A computer family may refer to any of the following:

  1. A computer family is a category of computers with similar designs and microprocessors that are compatible. While not all computer families have successive generations, they do share the same architecture. Examples of different computer families are the IBM or PC family versus the Apple or Mac family of computers.

The concept of a compatible “family” of computers was introduced by IBM with the introduction of its System/360 in 1964.

  1. In general, a family is a group of products that have similarities, are compatible, or made by the same manufacturer. For example, the Intel Pentium II computer processors are in the same family of processors, as they have similar instructions and are compatible. Similarly, the Apple iPad family of products has many variations of a similar product, including the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini.
  • Mac vs. PC.
  • What type of computer should I buy?

Computer, Hardware terms, Model