FCC

Abbreviation of Federal Communications Commission. Among its duties in regulating public airwaves in the United States, the FCC is responsible for rating personal computers and other equipment as either Class A or Class B.

The ratings indicate how much radiation a personal computer emits. Almost all personal computers satisfy Class A requirements, which means they are suitable for office use.

Class B machines, which are suitable for use anywhere (including the home), must pass more stringent tests. Class B indicates that the machine's radio frequency (RF) emissions are so low that they do not interfere with other devices such as radios and TVs.