-Types of Computers

Types of ComputersThere are many types of computers in the

world today. Broad categories exist which classify computers on the basis of system performance. Computers have categorised based on physical size, use, location and cost.

Personal ComputerOther names for the Personal Computer

include:PCMicrocomputerDesktop computer

Personal ComputerPersonal computers first appeared in the late

1970s. A small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. In price, personal computers range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. All are based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip.

Personal Computer

Personal Computer - UsesBusinesses use personal computers for word

processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management applications.

At home, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games

Laptopslaptop computer, usually called a notebook

computer by manufacturers, is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices, and at meetings.

LaptopsA laptop typically weighs less than 5 pounds

and is 3 inches or less in thickness. Among the best-known makers of laptop computers are IBM, Apple, Compaq, Dell, HP, Sony, Acer and Toshiba.

LaptopsLaptop computers generally cost more than

desktop computers with the same capabilities because they are more difficult to design and manufacture.

MinicomputersMinicomputers are computers that are

somewhere in between a microcomputer and a mainframe computer. In times past, the minicomputer was typically a stand alone device that was ideal for use by small and mid-sized businesses who needed more power and memory than could be obtained with microcomputers, but did not have a need for the resources provided by mainframes. More recently, a minicomputer is thought of in terms of being a server that is part of a larger network.

MainframesMainframes are powerful computers used

mainly by large organizations for critical applications, typically bulk data processing such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and financial transaction processing.

MainframesA mainframe is a high-performance computer

used for large-scale computing purposes that require greater availability and security than a smaller-scale machine can offer

They are very expensive

Mainframes

SupercomputersA supercomputer is a computer that is among

the largest, fastest or most powerful of the computers available

As of this writing (late 2007) the fastest supercomputers operate on the order of more than 200 teraflops (that's computer lingo for trillions of operations per second)

SupercomputerThey are used for:

Number crunchingScientific simulationsResearchIndustries such as space exploration, medicine

and energy industry

Supercomputer

Tablet PCA tablet personal computer (tablet PC) is

a portable personal computer equipped with a touchscreen as a primary input device designed to be operated and owned by an individual

Tablet PCUnlike laptops, tablet personal computers

may not be equipped with a keyboard, in which case they use a virtual onscreen substitute.

All tablet personal computers have a wireless adapter for Internet and local network connection.

Tablet PCSoftware applications for tablet PCs include

office suites, web browsers, games and a variety of applications.

Since portable computer hardware components are low powered, demanding PC applications may not provide an ideal experience to the user

Tablet PC

Embedded computersYou will find them in all kind of applications

that surround us. Washing machines, ticket machines at the

Movietowne, camera's, cars, motors, sewing machines, clocks. Everywhere needing something to regulate, control of check something.

Embedded computersIt is a special-purpose computer used inside a

device that is usually dedicated to specific functions

Home WorkRead pages 9 to 10 (old text)Read pages 7 to 8 (new text)Generations of ComputersAnswer the following questions(a) List the components that formed the basis

of the first four generations of computers(b) What are some of the expected features of

fifth generation computers?