Types of Computers

Types of Computer

sComputer Technology

(S1 Obj 1-1)

Introduction There are many different types of

computers available today.

They are categorized into different types depending on their size and processing power,

What are the categories?

Desktop / PC A computer that is

designed to meet the needs of one individual

Has a central processing unit housed in a metal case (often called a tower) along with a keyboard, mouse and monitor

Intended for use at one single location

Desktops are used for: Desktops are used for running

applications (full scale, complex software) including: Office Software—Word processing,

spreadsheets, presentations, and databases Engineering designing

software—CAD/CAM and other designing software for homes, kitchens, airplanes and more…

Photo and Video editing Music—creating, playing and storing Internet—Entertainment and information

Advantages and Disadvantages

Easy to upgrade Vast range of

software available Easy to mix and

match; customize to meet your needs.

Can be used continually for long periods of time

Not easily portable Requires large

amount of desk space

Needs a fan to prevent overheating

Must be plugged in to power outlet

Laptop Computer Also known as a notebook A portable computer that

integrates a monitor, keyboard, touchpad, pointing stick, and speakers into one single unit

Runs on a rechargeable battery

People choose to use a laptop because of it’s portability and the ability to run most of the same applications that are run on a desktop computer.

Netbook Smaller portable

computer that is more lightweight and has less processing power than a laptop

Can still run word processing and spreadsheet applications.

More netbooks are sold today than notebooks, however, sales of netbooks have declined since the introduction of tablets

Advantages and Disadvantages of Notebooks and Netbooks

Portable Lightweight Runs on a

rechargeable battery

Runs the same software as a Desktop PC

More expensive than a comparable PC

Easily damaged if dropped

Difficult to repair/ upgrade

Tablets Mini, flat mobile computer

that uses a touch-sensitive screen for input and navigation.

Uses application software called an App: a small, specialized program downloaded onto mobile devices.

Uses: To access apps, e-mail, Internet, minor editing of documents, play games and more… without lugging around a larger computer.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tablets

Small and lightweight Long battery life Powers up immediately

(no boot process) Tablets can run ‘lite’

versions of office software

With Internet access, it can access your data from anywhere

Small screen Keyboard is small and

difficult to use Easily damaged, not

easily upgraded Expensive Internet

Access plans

Mobile Device A small, pocket-sized computing

device with a touch screen and memory card for data storage.

Also known as a handheld. There are many kinds of mobile

devices. They run apps Uses:

Personal organization Internet access Phone GPS Camera Media player for audio and videos.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Devices

You can carry it with you (in your pocket)

Fingertip access to the Internet, e-mail and data

Use of phone to contact others

Helps with organization GPS, phone, texting,

face-time and more…

Expensive monthly access plans

Reception is poor in some areas

Safety (use while driving or walking)

Social (limits association interactions)

Distraction at work/school

Easy to lose or damage

Server A computer that provides

users with access to files and printers on a network

Has a large processors and many hard drives

Where network documents and web pages are stored

Used in schools, doctors offices, small companies

Makes it possible to access documents on any network computer in the building

Mainframe

A Large, powerful computer that carries out different tasks for thousands of people at the same time

Mainframes can process large volumes of data quickly and securely.

They must be operated by trained specialists and kept in air-conditioned rooms away from the office or factory floor.

Mainframes are used for: Utility Companies (Gas and Electricity

suppliers)--for billing Banks –for managing your accounts Insurance Companies—managing

policies Airlines—reservations and ticket

processing Police—crime detection

Supercomputer The fastest and most expensive

computers in the world at the time it is created

They perform quadrillions of complex calculations in a very short time

Supercomputers are used for:

Weather forecasting

Space exploration Scientific research Military weapons

research Pharmaceuticals

and Drug testing

Supercomputers continued…

Generate lots of heat; air-conditioning required

Miles of cables connect the computer to peripherals

Requires its own electricity generator

Need special filters installed to keep the atmosphere free of dust particles

Can tackle huge real world calculations that would be too time consuming to be completed by an individual or any other type of computer

Speed and accuracy of calculations

Wearable Computers Electronic devices

that are integrated into watches, wristbands, belts, glasses, or even clothing!

Advantages: Constant interaction

between the device and the user

Hands are free—Not necessary to stop what your are doing to use the device.

Wearable Computers Uses: Military Health and Fitness Commerce Navigation Gaming

Embedded Computers A single chip that

contains all of the elements essential for any computer RAM / ROM CPU Input / Output Clock

Embedded Computers Continued… Computer chips are now cheap enough

to install in everyday items. Telephones Televisions Microwaves Washing machines Cars