Types of computers Module 1.10 AS identifies and distinguishes between computer types and associated software. AS identifies the main hardware components of at least two types of computer.

What are you going to learn? Which different types of computers are used? What each type is used for. Similarities and differences. Communication of electronic devices with computers.

Types of computers The common PC PDA / Smartphone Smartphone LaptopServer Super computer

Personal Computer (PC) Class discussion What a PC is used for and which programs are necessary for … Home use Small office Architect Music studio School

Personal Computer (PC) Class discussion What a PC is used for and which programs are necessary for … Hospital Internet café Accountant Company with many servers

PDA / Smartphone Operating system such as Windows Mobile or Symbian. PIM (Personal Information Manager) – electronic diary, address book, and Internet facilities. Scaled down OfficeSuite. Small programs such as e-book readers and media players.

Laptop / Notebook Miniaturised parts and can operate on batteries, portable computing. Software as per the common PC.

Tablet PC Use a special pen to write on the screen. Pen = mouse. 'Tablet Edition' of Windows XP can interpret your handwriting and convert it into typed text!

Server Dedicated to running services on a network. Require a special Server operating system. Desktop PCs running server software, or more powerful PCs. Often more than one server needed – put into ‘Rack Mountable’ cases.

Services Logon services – who can log on and what are their ‘rights’. File server – allowing users access to shared files. Database Management – controlling and managing access to a shared database – specialized additional software needed. Firewall – protecting the network from intrusion through external network connections – specialized additional software needed.

Services Mail server – control and distribute – specialized additional software needed. Internet server or web server – a machine permanently connected to the Internet used to host web sites. Proxy server which allows the rest of the computers to connect to the Internet via this server and so centralize security and access control.

Super computers Genetic research, weather forecasting, atomic research, simulations. Research facilities, government agencies and the military. Built from hundreds or thousands of normal CPUs running in parallel. Custom software.

Other electronic devices MP3 players, GPS devices, digital cameras. Contain elements of a computer (i.e. memory, processor, displays, input devices, etc.) Usually do not have an operating system. Designed to do one thing only - their software is usually embedded. Processors designed especially for the task the gadget does and will not work well with other tasks.

Doelgemaakte masjiene Software can be installed on PC to manage data on PC. GPS : View maps, plan routes. MP3 player: Transfer music between the MP3 player and the PC, manage music library. Digital camera: View photos.

Do Activity 1 Do Activity 2 Do Activity 3