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

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

SupercomputersClick below to watch a video about supercomputers. Please keep in mind that the list of top 10

supercomputers in the world constantly changes as new supercomputers are created and older

supercomputers are updated.

So how fast is a Petaflop?This short 2 minute video explains!

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

Nike Fuel Band &

Nike Plus Shoes

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

Project Glass:

Google Glasses

If Time Permits…

Computers of the Future

Corning—Highly Engineered Glass…