Types of Computers PDF

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?  An electronic device that can accept data and instructions, process data into information which may be output or stored for later use. Data  -- is a collection of unprocessed items which can include text, numbers, images, audio and video. Data is also referred to as unprocess...

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?  An electronic device that can accept data and instructions, process data into information which may be output or stored for later use. Data  -- is a collection of unprocessed items which can include text, numbers, images, audio and video. Data is also referred to as unprocessed facts and figures. Information  -- is data that has been processed and is useful to people; data that has been organized in some way to make it more useful/meaningful to the user. TYPES OF COMPUTERS 1.upercomputers2.Mainframe3.Minicomputer 4.Microcomputers eg. laptop, desktop, tablet, palmtop SUPER COMPUTERS These are the fastest, most powerful computers ever designed. Additionally, they have the capacity to perform scientific simulations; analysis of geological data, nuclear energy research and meteorology and structural analysis, just to name a few. They can handle thousands of connected users. They also store an exceptionally large amount of data, instructions and information. They are used by large universities, multinational cooperations and governments. MAINFRAME COMPUTERS These are large and expensive machines which have at least one gigabyte of memory. The mainframe has the ability to run both batch and online programmes. They are used by quasi government agencies, local government agencies, banks, hospitals and commercial and industrial users. These machines also have the capacity to handle hundreds of connected users. MINICOMPUTERS Minicomputers are computers that fall with the group of mid-range servers. This computer can run the same type of applications as a mainframe, but just does not have the speed or storage capacity. They can support several hundred and sometimes up to a few thousand connected computers. These computers are used in medium-sized businesses. MICROCOMPUTERS Microcomputers are small-scale single-user computers. Also called a personal computer (PC) and only have one processor. These computers are used at schools, homes, small and medium-sized businesses. Examples : (a) Desktop computers (b) Notebook computers (c) Tablet PCs(d) Personal digital assistants (PDAs) (e) Smart phones