PC

A PC  is an abbreviation for personal computer, typically referring to IBM PC compatibles, running a version of Microsoft's MS-DOS or Windows operating systems. Apple had long promoted the ease of use of its Macintosh computers in comparison to PCs.

History at Apple
After the return of co-founder Steve Jobs to Apple, the company ran the "Get a Mac" ad campaign which ridiculed the PC platform with actors and  representing a PC and a Mac, respectively. Jobs had criticized PC manufacturers, such as Dell, for producing "un-innovative beige boxes".

Hardware options
Early Macintosh models running classic Mac OS could be set up to run PC software through the installation of a supported PC Compatibility Card. Starting in 2006, Macs with Intel processors could be set up to run Windows software through Boot Camp or third-party virtualization software, such as Parallels.

Software options
Third-party emulators, such as Virtual PC from Connectix, could allow PowerPC-era Macs to run Windows. Open source and third-party emulators, such as QEMU and CrossOver, can be run on Intel and Apple M1-based models to run Windows software.

Articles

 * An oral history of 'Get a Mac,' Part 1 by Douglas Quenqua at Campaign US (2016-12-06)