Computer Technology (S1 Obj 1-1) Types of Computers Computer 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 More expensive than a comparable PC Easily damaged if dropped Difficult to repair/ upgrade Portable Lightweight Runs on a rechargeable battery Runs the same software as a Desktop PC

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 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 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…

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 Military Military demands are similar to consumer demand: low power, lightweight, high performance, and long battery life. Small handheld wearable computers enable a soldier to free one or both hands, which means a more alert soldier than one sitting at a laptop. A large push is under way to improve video capability on wearable displays to better take advantage of sensor fusion and provide situational awareness not only to battlefield commanders, but also down to individual soldiers. An example of this is sending images taken from unmanned-aerial-vehicle surveillance directly to the wearable devices in special-operations units and reconnaissance forces. This approach would let them see what the UAV sees. http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/print/volume-16/issue-11/features/technology-focus/wearable-computers-and-the-military-the-smaller-the-better.html Wearable Computer capabilities “Imagine video games that happen in real space. Or glasses that remind you of your colleague’s name that you really should know. Or paying for a coffee at Starbucks with your watch instead of your phone. Wearables will transform our lives in numerous ways, trivial and substantial, that we are just starting to imagine.” The above is quoted from the NY Times technology blog located at http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/17/wearable-computers-are-the-next-platform-wars-report-says/ It is an outstanding article about wearables and the future. Health and Fitness Link to a super article about the Nike FuelBand, a wearable fitness computer http://www.zdnet.com/blog/apple/nike-fuelband-the-wearable-fitness-computer/12813

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