Power

Power may refer to any of the following:

1. Electricity used by a computer or other electronic devices is often called power. In the United States, the power from a standard wall socket is AC (alternating current), which the computer's power supply converts to DC (direct current). The picture is a power warning sign indicating the danger of electrocution (voltage).

How does a computer get power?

A desktop computer gets power with a power cord. The cord connects the computer's power supply to a wall outlet, surge protector, or UPS (uninterruptible power supply).

A Chromebook or laptop gets power from an AC adapter plugged into the laptop and an outlet or other power source and charges an internal battery. When the computer is mobile, it gets its power from the battery. Some newer laptops can also be charged using USB (universal serial bus).

Most smartphones are charged using a USB cable. This USB cable can connect to a computer or an adapter that connects to a wall outlet.

2. When describing a computer in general, power or powerful describes its capabilities, such as how fast it is. A computer's overall performance is often determined using benchmark software.

3. Command used with some versions of Windows on portable computers that let you conserve energy. See the power command page for additional information.

4. Power is another name for an exponent.

Power button, Power cord, Power cycle, Power strip, Power terms