REVIEW COMPUTER SYSTEMS SKILL AREA 300: REVIEW COMPUTER SYSTEMS 300 - 1: DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER

WHAT IS A COMPUTER? an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data.“ has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data; use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the internet. use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER SYSTEM THEN? It is a system of interconnected computers that share a central storage system and various peripheral devices such as a printers, scanners, or routers. Each computer connected to the system can operate independently, but has the ability to communicate with other external devices and computers.

Classification of computers By principles of operation By size

By PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION: 1. Analog 2. Digital 3. Hybrid

ANALOG Analog computers work on the principle of measuring; - measurements obtained are translated into data. Modern analog computers usually employ electrical parameters, such as voltages, resistances or currents, to represent the quantities being manipulated. Such computers do not deal directly with the numbers. They measure continuous physical magnitudes.

DIGITAL - Digital computers operate with information, numerical or otherwise, represented in a digital form. Such computers process data into a digital value (in 0s and 1s). - performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system - They give the results with more accuracy and at a faster rate.

HYBRID - For computational purposes, hybrid computers use analog components and for storage, digital memories are used. - Hybrid computers incorporate the measuring feature of an analog computer and counting feature of a digital computer.

By SIZE: 1. Supercomputers 2. Mainframes 3. Mini computers 4. Micro computers

SUPERCOMPUTERS Weighting more than 100 tons, supercomputers can store more than 20,000 times the data & information of an average desktop computer. Fastest and most powerful computers – generally operate 4 to 10 times faster than mainframe computers. Also most expensive. Used for applications requiring complex calculations such as weather forecasting, aerospace, nuclear energy research, petroleum exploration etc. Capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a second.

Generally used in centralized databases. MAINFRAME COMPUTERS The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe. Very large and powerful computers – enormous input, process, output and storage capacities Generally used in centralized databases. Mainframe computers are able to host multiple operating systems and can handle hundreds of users simultaneously

real-time applications in industries, research centers, etc. MINI COMPUTERS In general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously. Midsized computers whose size, speed and capabilities lie somewhere between mainframe and microcomputer. They are used for real-time applications in industries, research centers, etc. The users can access the minicomputer through their PCs or terminal.

a computer designed for an individual MICRO COMPUTERS A microcomputer contains a central processing unit (CPU) on a microchip (the microprocessor), a memory system , a bus system and I/O ports, typically housed in a motherboard. a complete computer on a smaller scale also known as personal computer or PC a computer designed for an individual

MICRO COMPUTERS Notebook Desktop Mobile devices Tablet Workstation Wearable computers Server

DESKTOP A PC that is designed so that the system unit, peripheral devices and other devices fit entirely on a desk or table. Some desktops function as a server on a network. Others, such as a gaming desktop and home theater PC, target a specific audience.

Another expensive and powerful desktop is the workstation which is geared for work that requires intense calculations and graphics capabilities. Workstation has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.

NOTEBOOK Notebook, also known as laptop computer, is a small-sized portable computer designed to fit your lap. Thin and lightweight, a notebook can be as powerful as the average desktop computer. The display, hard drive, keyboard, memory, processor, and a trackball or point device are integrated in a battery-operated package.

TABLET A tablet computer is a special type of notebook computer that allows people to write or draw using a digital pen. Devices typically have a touchscreen, with finger or stylus gestures replacing the conventional computer mouse. Often supplemented by physical buttons or input from sensors An on-screen, hide able virtual keyboard is usually used for typing. Useful for taking notes in lectures, meetings, conferences, etc.

MOBILE DEVICES Computing devices which are small enough to hold in your hand and carry in your pocket. Mobile devices do not have disk drives. Programs and data are stored permanently on special memory inside the system unit or small storage media such as memory cards. Can be connected to a PC to exchange information between the computer and the mobile device. Some mobile devices can connect to the internet wirelessly. Examples of mobile devices are smart phones, PDAs, handheld computers, portable media players and digital cameras.

SMART PHONES A smart phone is an Internet-enabled phone that provides personal information management functions such as calendar, an address book, a calculator, a notepad, etc. Aside from basic phone abilities, smart phones allow users to send and receive e-mail and access the web. Smart phones also functions as a portable media player and include built-in digital cameras.

PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISSTANTS Similar to smart phones, PDA provides PIM functions. Most PDAs offer a variety of other application software such as word, spreadsheet and games. The primary input device of PDA is stylus. Most PDAs have built-in miniature keyboard and support voice input, have built-in cameras and can function as a portable media player. Similar to smart phones, many PDAs are internet-enabled. Both PDAs and smart phones are also known as handhelds.

PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYERS A mobile device on which users can store, organize and play digital media. Portable media players usually include a set of ear buds which are small speaker. Some portable media players have a touch screen while others have a touch-sensitive pad that users operate with a finger to navigate through digital media, adjust volume and customize settings.

SERVER A server controls access to the hardware, software and other resources on a network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data and information. Servers can support up to several thousands connected computers at the same time. People use personal computers or terminals to access data, information and programs on a server. A terminal is a device with a monitor, keyboard and memory.

WEARABLE COMPUTERS Computers that are worn on the body. This type of wearable technology has been used in behavioral modeling, health monitoring systems, information technologies and media development. Especially useful for applications that require computational support while the user's hands, voice, eyes, arms or attention are actively engaged with the physical environment.

EMBEDDED COMPUTERS An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a large product. Embedded computers are everywhere – at home, in the car, at work. Since embedded computers are components in larger products, they are usually small and have limited hardware. These computers perform various functions depending on the requirements of the product in which they reside. Embedded computers in printers monitor the amount of paper in the tray, check the ink or toner level and so on.

EMBEDDED COMPUTERS