How does a PC differ from an embedded system?

A personal computer (PC) is designed to handle a variety of tasks and applications, making it a general-purpose computing device. It can run numerous software applications, such as word processors, web browsers, and games, allowing users to perform multiple functions and tasks simultaneously. This flexibility is a hallmark of PCs and allows them to cater to the diverse needs of users.

In contrast, an embedded system is typically designed for a specific function or task within a larger system. It often operates with a constrained set of resources and is usually embedded within a device meant for a particular application, such as washing machines, microwave ovens, or automotive control systems. While embedded systems can be highly efficient at their designated tasks, they do not have the same level of versatility or capability to perform multiple varied functions like a PC.

Understanding this difference highlights the specialized nature of embedded systems compared to the general-purpose capabilities of PCs, making option C the most accurate reflection of their distinctions.