C-stands
The name "C-stand" comes from Century Lighting, a New York company that made lighting gear for theatre and film. The stands they made gave the "Century / C-stand" name.
Early C-stands had welded non-folding bases, but with the useful property that their legs "nested", so multiple stands could fit close together.
There are also "rocky mountain" stads, where one leg can slide vertically, making it possible to place the stand on stairs or uneven surfaces without tilting.
Usage
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C-Stands | How to use them properly, another video, same information.
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When placing objects in the grip head, it is critical to attach them so that gravity tightens the knob. If done incorrectly, the load can loosen the clamp over time and cause the gear to drop.
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Use counterweights or sandbags to stabilize the base. Common practice is to sling a bag over the tallest leg so the weight is borne by the stand, not just the ground.