Types of Computers

1. Types of Computers Computer Technology (S1 Obj 1-1)

2. 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?

3. 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

4. Desktops are used for: • Desktops are used for running applications (full scale, complex software) including: • OfficeSoftware—Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases • Engineeringdesigningsoftware—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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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

17. Supercomputers are used for: • Weather forecasting • Space exploration • Scientific research • Military weapons research • Pharmaceuticals and Drug testing

18. 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

19. Supercomputers Click below to watch a video about supercomputers. Please keep in mind that the list of top 10 supercomputers in the world constantly changes as new supercomputers are created and older supercomputers are updated.

20. So how fast is a Petaflop? This short 2 minute video explains!

21. 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.

22. Wearable Computers Uses: • Military • Health and Fitness • Commerce • Navigation • Gaming

23. Nike FuelBand

24. Embedded Computers • A single chip that contains all of the elements essential for any computer • RAM / ROM • CPU • Input / Output • Clock

25. Embedded Computers Continued… • Computer chips are now cheap enough to install in everyday items. • Telephones • Televisions • Microwaves • Washing machines • Cars

26. Project Glass: Google Glasses

27. If Time Permits…Computers of the FutureCorning—Highly Engineered Glass…