Types of Computers
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Transcript of 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