LESSON 4 - TYPES OF COMPUTERS.pdf

TYPES OF COMPUTERS Classification of Computers by Size Supercomputers Mainframe computers Minicomputers Personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers Supercomputers Supercomputer – a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of comput...

TYPES OF COMPUTERS Classification of Computers by Size Supercomputers Mainframe computers Minicomputers Personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers Supercomputers Supercomputer – a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of computation very quickly. Supercomputers are used for areas related to: Science Engineering Education Defence Aerospace Supercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require a great amount of computation. Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as: Weather forecasting Climate research Scientific simulation Oil and gas exploration Quantum mechanics Cryptanalysis Mainframe computers Mainframe computer – a high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs. Mainframe computers are primarily used in : Institutions Research Academics Health care Libraries Large businesses Financial institutions Stock brokerage firms Insurance agencies Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to: Census taking Industry and consumer statistics Enterprise resource planning Transaction processing e-business and e-commerce Minicomputers Minicomputer – a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer. Minicomputers are used by small organizations. “Minicomputer” is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are often referred to as small or midsize servers (a server is a central computer that provides information to other computers). Personal computers Personal computer (PC) – a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time. A PC or microcomputer uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its central processing unit (CPU). “Microcomputer” is now primarily used to mean a PC, but it can refer to any kind of small computer, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable. Types of personal computers Desktop computer – a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit). Laptop computer (or notebook) – A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user’s lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a touchpad. Tablet – A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop. Smartphone – A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer.