Types of Computers

• Types of computers include desktop and mobile computers, servers and terminals, smartphones and digital cameras, ebook readers, portable media players, game devices, and embedded computers.

Desktops and Mobile Computers

• A personal computer (PC) can perform input, processing, output, and storage activities and is meant for one person at a time.
• A mobile computer is a portable personal computer that can be easily carried.
• A desktop computer is designed to be in a stationary location.
• A laptop, also called a notebook computer, is a thin, lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base.
• A tablet is a thin, mobile computer with a touch screen.
• A handheld computer is small enough to fit in one hand.

Servers

• A server is dedicated to providing services to other computers or devices on a network.
• Rack servers are stored on a rack.
• Blade servers are installed on a blade chassis.
• Tower servers sit as standalone devices.
• A mainframe is a large, powerful server that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users.
• A supercomputer is the fastest and most powerful computer.
• A terminal has limited processing power and enables users to send data to and/or receive information from a server, or host computer.
• Point-of-sale (POS) terminals are used in most retail stores to record purchases, process credit cards, and update inventory.
• An ATM (automated teller machine) is a self-service banking terminal that connects to a host computer through a network.Self-service kiosks usually have a touch screen for user interaction.

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing is an environment of servers that house and provide access to computing resources.

Mobile devices

• A smartphone is an internet-capable phone that usually includes a calendar, an appointment book, an address book, a calculator, a notepad, games, browser, and many other apps
• Smartphones can use touch screens or a built-in mini keyboard.
• A digital camera is a mobile device that allows users to take photos and store the images digitally.
• Image is focused on a chip called a charge-coupled device (CCD)
• The CCD generates an analog signal that represents the image
• The analog signal is converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
• A processor in the camera adjusts the quality of the image and usually stores the digital photo on media inserted in the camera
• A portable media player, sometimes called a personal media player, is a mobile device to store, organize, and play digital media
• An e-book reader (short for electronic book reader) is a mobile device used for reading e-books and other digital publications.

Game devices

• A game console is a mobile computing device for single-player or multiplayer video games.
• A handheld game device is a small mobile device that contains a screen, speakers, controls, and game console all in one unit. Game controllers can include gamepads, joysticks/wheels, dance pads, and motion-sensing controllers.

Embedded computers

• An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product.
• Embedded computers can be found in consumer electronics, home automation devices, automobiles, process controllers/robotics, and computer devices/office machines.

Ports and Connections

• A port is the point at which a peripheral device attaches to or communicates with a computer or mobile device
• A connector joins a cable to a port
• A USB port, short for universal serial bus port, can connect up to 127 different peripheral devices together with a single connector.
• Port replicators and docking stations give more versatility
• Instead of connecting computers and mobile devices to peripheral devices with a cable use wireless communications technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC (near field communication).

Protecting Hardware

• Some schools and businesses use cables to lock computers
• Hardware can fail due to: aging hardware, random electrical power events, errors in programs or apps, undervoltage and overvoltage or power surge
• A surge protector uses electrical components to provide a stable current flow and minimize the chances of an overvoltage reaching the computer
• An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) contains surge protection circuits and batteries that can provide power during a loss of power.

Health Concerns of Using Technology

• A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
• Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a technology-related health condition that affects eyesight.
• Ergonomics is an applied science devoted to incorporating comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design.
• Technology addiction occurs when technology consumes someone’s entire social life.