Machine class

To reflect the wide array of computers encountered in the field, iolo Labs divides PCs into a series of machine classes. These classes group and differentiate the most common uses for PCs and provide a snapshot of the hardware currently associated with each use. Machine classes establish a vernacular used by iolo Labs—when research is performed, testing can readily capture both the computer configuration and the typical use of the computer. Currently, iolo Labs defines five machine classes: Gamer, Power User, Home Office, Light User, and Dinosaur; each is described in the below table.

While the user descriptions will remain constant, iolo Labs will regularly update the associated system configurations; in this way, machine class descriptions can reflect the continuum of new components that move existing components toward obsolescence and remain current through changing technologies.