Computer Types
10 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What defines a supercomputer?

  • A computer designed specifically for general use by one person.
  • A high-performance computer used for complex calculations. (correct)
  • A cost-effective and portable computer for personal use.
  • A type of mainframe used for data processing at hospitals.

    • What is the primary purpose of a server in a network?

  • To process large amounts of data.
  • To support thousands of users simultaneously.
  • To serve as a cost-effective alternative to mainframes.
  • To provide web applications and data storage. (correct)

    • What distinguishes a workstation from a desktop computer?

  • Workstations can only operate on mobile technology.
  • Workstations are less powerful and designed for general use.
  • Workstations are not designed for graphic-intensive tasks.
  • Workstations have specialized capabilities for specific tasks. (correct)

    • Which computer type emerged due to microchip technology in the 1970s?

    <p>Microcomputers (Personal Computers). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are convertible or hybrid computers known for?

    <p>Offering limited performance but user-friendly touchscreen capabilities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of wearable computers?

    <p>Constancy of interaction and ability to multitask (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes phablets from smartphones and tablets?

    <p>Phablets have screen sizes between 5.5 and 7 inches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which device category declined due to difficulties in syncing data, software incompatibility, and competition from smartphones?

    <p>Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a feature of QR Code readers compared to traditional barcode readers?

    <p>QR Code readers can store more information than barcodes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do embedded computers play in modern technology?

    <p>Integrate into machinery for specific tasks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Personal Computers

    These computers are designed for general use by a single person. They were initially known as microcomputers and include desktop and laptop PCs.

    Mainframe Computers

    These powerful computers process vast amounts of data simultaneously, supporting thousands of users. They are used by large organizations like banks and airlines.

    Servers

    These computers are the largest and most powerful in a network. They manage resources, store data, process queries, and provide services to other computers on the network.

    Workstations

    These devices are used for specific tasks requiring high processing power, such as 3D graphics or game development. They are essentially powerful desktops.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    FLOPS

    Measured in FLOPS (Floating Point Operations Per Second), this unit quantifies the speed of microprocessors. It's a common benchmark for measuring the performance of supercomputers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Smartphones

    Mobile phones with advanced features like internet access, email, music players, cameras, GPS navigation, and touchscreens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Wearable Computers

    Devices worn by users that integrate computing power and interact with users constantly, like smartwatches.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Embedded Computers

    Computers integrated into everyday machinery to perform specific tasks, found in devices like DVD players, thermostats, and car navigators.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Card Readers

    Devices that read data encoded on plastic cards using barcodes, magnetic strips, or computer chips, often used at ATMs for banking.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    QR Code Readers

    Devices that read QR codes to transfer information between devices. They can store more information than barcodes and are commonly available as mobile apps.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Computer Types

    • Computers are any devices with microprocessors. Various terms describe them based on size, performance, and capabilities.

    Large Computers

    • Supercomputers: Extremely high-performance, expensive computers used for complex calculations like weather forecasting and nuclear research. Speed is measured in FLOPS (Floating Point Operations Per Second).
    • Mainframe Computers: High-speed, expensive systems supporting many users simultaneously. Used by large organizations (banks, airlines, hospitals) for massive data processing. Feature multi-programming and multi-OS functionality, and processing speed is measured in nano/picoseconds. Replaced by minicomputers and later microcomputers.
    • Minicomputers: Introduced in the 1960s as a more affordable alternative to mainframes.
    • Microcomputers (Personal Computers): Emerged in the 1970s, affordable, reliable, and compact.
    • Servers: The most powerful computers in a network. They provide services, manage resources, and process queries. Often used for web applications and data storage in contrast to mainframes that process massive amounts of data.

    Smaller Computers

    • Personal Computers (PCs): Designed for personal use. Originally known as microcomputers. Include desktops and laptops.
    • Desktop Computers: Non-portable PCs with more power, storage, and versatility. Can have separate screens and keyboards.
    • Workstations: Desktop computers with powerful processors for specialized tasks like 3D graphics or game development.
    • Laptops and Notebooks: Portable computers with integrated components. Lighter than desktops, usable during power cuts. Generally have less upgradability.
    • Netbooks: Ultra-portable, smaller, and less expensive than traditional laptops. Less powerful internal components.
    • Convertible or Hybrid Computers: Ultralight notebooks with rotating/detachable touchscreens. Limited performance as notebooks, user-friendly as tablets.

    Mobile Technology

    • Mobile Phones: Small computers that evolved from basic phones. Initial phones lacked operating systems and internet access.
    • Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): Handheld mobile computers with computing, phone, internet, and recognition features. Decreased in popularity as smartphone features improved and easier integration to cloud storage.
    • Smartbooks: Devices combining smartphone and netbook features. Replaced largely by tablets.
    • Smartphones: Mobile phones with email, web services, music players, cameras, GPS, and touchscreens.
    • Tablets: Wireless, portable personal computers with touch screen interfaces. Larger than smartphones, smaller than notebooks.
    • Phablets: Hybrid devices combining smartphone and tablet features for portability and performance. Rough size guidelines: Smartphones<5.5", Phablets 5.5"-7", and tablets >7".

    Wearable, Handheld, and Embedded Computers

    • Wearable Computers: Computer-powered devices worn by users (e.g., smartwatches). Key features are constant interaction and multitasking.
    • Card Readers: Devices that read plastic cards with barcodes, magnetic strips, or chips. Used in ATMs.
    • Barcode Readers: Devices scanning barcodes. Used for data capture in supermarkets.
    • QR Code Readers: Devices reading QR codes for data transfer. Can hold more information than barcodes.
    • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems: Use radio frequencies for tracking and identifying tags with various sizes and applications such as anti-theft tags and credit card chips.
    • Embedded Computers: Computers integrated into machinery for specific tasks. Examples are DVD players, thermostats, washing machines, and car navigators.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz covers various types of computers, focusing on their characteristics, capabilities, and uses. From supercomputers used in advanced calculations to personal microcomputers, understand the distinctions and evolution of computing devices. Test your knowledge on the role and performance of these systems in different sectors.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser