300 - 1: DIFFERENT TYPES O F COMPUTER

1. SKILL AREA 300: REVIEW COMPUTER SYSTEMS 300 - 1: DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER

2. WHAT IS A COMPUTER? an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data.“ has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data; • use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the internet. • use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more.

3. WHAT IS A COMPUTER SYSTEM THEN? It is a system of interconnected computers that share a central storage system and various peripheral devices such as a printers, scanners, or routers. Each computer connected to the system can operate independently, but has the ability to communicate with other external devices and computers.

4. Classification of computers By principles of operation By size

5. By PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION: • 1. Analog • 2. Digital • 3. Hybrid

6. ANALOG Analog computers work on the principle of measuring; - measurements obtained are translated into data. Modern analog computers usually employ electrical parameters, such as voltages, resistances or currents, to represent the quantities being manipulated. Such computers do not deal directly with the numbers. They measure continuous physical magnitudes.

7. DIGITAL - Digital computers operate with information, numerical or otherwise, represented in a digital form. • Such computers process data into a digital value • (in 0s and 1s). • - performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system - They give the results with more accuracy and at a faster rate.

8. HYBRID - For computational purposes, hybrid computers use analog components and for storage, digital memories are used. - Hybrid computers incorporate the measuring feature of an analog computer and counting feature of a digital computer.

9. By SIZE: • 1. Supercomputers • 2. Mainframes • 3. Mini computers • 4. Micro computers

10. SUPERCOMPUTERS Used for highly calculation intensive tasks and problems requiring complex calculations such as weather forecasting, climate research, molecular modeling, aircraft and spacecraft designing, etc. Fastest and most powerful computers – generally operate 4 to 10 times faster than mainframe computers At the frontline of current processing capacity, particularly speed of calculation Designed to work on a single problem at a time

11. MAINFRAME COMPUTERS The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe. Very large and powerful computers – enormous input, process, output and storage capacities Generally used in centralized databases. Mainframe computers are able to host multiple operating systems and can handle hundreds of users simultaneously

12. MINI COMPUTERS In general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously. Midsized computers whose size, speed and capabilities lie somewhere between mainframe and microcomputer. They are used for real-time applications in industries, research centers, etc. The users can access the minicomputer through their PCs or terminal.

13. MICRO COMPUTERS A microcomputer contains a central processing unit (CPU) on a microchip (the microprocessor), a memory system , a bus system and I/O ports, typically housed in a motherboard. a complete computer on a smaller scale also known as personal computer or PC a computer designed for an individual

14. MICRO COMPUTERS Laptop Desktop Netbook Handheld Tablet Workstation Wearable computers Server

15. DESKTOP • A PC that is not designed for portability is a desktop computer. • Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost than their portable brethren.

16. DESKTOP • A desktop computer is a personal computer (PC) in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer.

17. LAPTOP • Laptops, also known as notebooks, are small-sized portable computers can be placed on the lap and used there. The display, hard drive, keyboard, memory, processor, and a trackball or point device are integrated in a battery-operated package.

18. LAPTOP Advantages • Portability - can be used in many place • Productivity • Connectivity • Immediacy - instant access Disadvantages • Ergonomics and health • Durability - subject to more wear and physical damage than desktops • Security

19. NETBOOK • Ultra-portable computers that are even smaller than traditional laptops. • Cheaper than almost any brand-new laptop but, netbooks' internal components are less powerful than those in regular laptops.

20. HANDHELD • A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one's hand. • The most popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to provide PIM (personal information manager) functions, such as a calendar and address book.

21. TABLET • A tablet computer, or simply tablet, is a one-piece mobile computer. • Devices typically have a touchscreen, with finger or stylus gestures replacing the conventional computer mouse. • Often supplemented by physical buttons or input from sensors • An on-screen, hideable virtual keyboard is usually used for typing. • Tablets differentiate themselves by being larger than smart phones or personal digital assistants.

22. WORKSTATION It is simply a desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.

23. SERVER • A computer, or series of computers, that link other computers or electronic devices together that provides data to other computers. • Serve data to systems on a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) over the Internet. • Many types of servers exist; web servers, mail servers, file servers.

24. SERVER • As servers need stable power supply, good Internet access, increased security and are also noisy, it is usual to store them in dedicated server centers or special rooms. • This is to reduce power consumption as extra energy used generates more heat and the temperature in the room could exceed the acceptable limits. • Normally server rooms are equipped with air conditioning devices. • Server casings are usually flat and wide, adapted to store many devices next to each other in server rack. • Unlike ordinary computers, servers usually can be configured, powered up and down or rebooted remotely, using out-of-management.

25. WEARABLE COMPUTERS • Computers that are worn on the body. • This type of wearable technology has been used in behavioral modeling, health monitoring systems, information technologies and media development. • Especially useful for applications that require computational support while the user's hands, voice, eyes, arms or attention are actively engaged with the physical environment.