Mainframe Computer Used to process large amounts of information quickly. Extremely large. Applications Government departments Airline industry Weather forecasting Commerce (banks)

Processor 1Processor 2 Processor 4Processor 3 Mainframe Computer Contains several very fast processors. Large tasks are shared between the processors (known as multi-processing). Task

Processor 1Processor 2 Processor 4Processor 3 Mainframe Computer Contains several very fast processors. Or each processor can be given a separate task to do. Task

Mainframe Computer RAM can be up to several terabytes. Backing storage is provided via hard disk packs, and backed up to tape.

Mainframe Computer Users connect to the mainframe via a dumb terminal which has no processor or memory.

Desktop Computer Used by an individual at work, school or home. Applications Word processing Graphics Database Spreadsheet Internet Games etc.

Desktop Computer Originally contained a single processor, but many desktop computers now have dual or quad processors.

Desktop Computer Originally contained a single processor, but many desktop computers now have dual or quad processors Processor speed From 1.6GHz to 3.5GHz

Desktop Computer Originally contained a single processor, but many desktop computers now have dual or quad processors Processor speed From 1.6GHz to 3.5GHz Memory From 2GB to 8GB

Desktop Computer Originally contained a single processor, but many desktop computers now have dual or quad processors Backing storage Hard disk drive - 80Gb to 1Tb CD-RW disk - 850Mb DVD-RW disk - 4.7Gb Processor speed From 1.6GHz to 3.5GHz Memory From 2GB to 8GB

Desktop Computer Originally contained a single processor, but many desktop computers now have dual or quad processors Backing storage Hard disk drive - 80Gb to 1Tb CD-RW disk - 850Mb DVD-RW disk - 4.7Gb Input / Output devices Keyboard, mouse, printer, monitor, microphone, speakers, scanner, digital camera. Processor speed From 1.6GHz to 3.5GHz Memory From 2GB to 8GB

Laptop Computer Same applications as a desktop computer, but it is portable. Similar processors, memory and backing storage as found in a desktop computer. Generally laptop computers have a slightly lesser specification than desktop models. The price of an average laptop = much more powerful desktop.

Palmtop Computer Used by an individual while on the move. Also know as PDAs (Personal Desktop Assistants) or Handheld Computers. Applications Word processing Sketchpad Diary Notes Database Spreadsheet etc.

Palmtop Computer Palmtop processor speeds range from 100 MHz to 1 GHz. Memory ranges from 32MB to 512MB.

Smartphones and Tablets Since the launch of the iPhone in 2007, the line between palmtops and mobile phones has blurred. A mobile phone which can surf the net and run other applications is known as a Smartphone. In 2010 Apple launched the iPad heralding another new category of device – the Tablet.

Embedded Computer Used to control dedicated systems.

Credits Higher Computing – Computer Structure – Types of Computer Produced by P. Greene for the City of Edinburgh Council 2004 Adapted by M. Cunningham 2010 All images licenced under Creative Commons 3.0 Mainframe Computer by Dave Winer (scrtiptingnews on Flickr) IBM Mainframes by Tom Purves Hard disk pack by Barry Demchak, Torrey Pines Software, Inc VIA VB8003-Top-heatsink by viagallery.com Intel Core i5 by Flutlicht PR on Flickr 1GB DDR3 Memory Module by William Warby (wwarby on Flickr) Logitech MX518 Gaming Mouse by gcg2009 on Flickr Sony Compact Digital Camera by Digitpedia.Com

Credits Higher Computing – Computer Structure – Types of Computer Produced by P. Greene for the City of Edinburgh Council 2004 Adapted by M. Cunningham 2010 All images licenced under Creative Commons 3.0 Apple Keyboard by Declan Jewell TT2 Laptop by KIE HPI ESOM270_eSOM300_Computer_on_Modules by Lakshmin LG Washing Machine by LGEPR Sharp Carousel Microwave by Chris Kelly BMW 750Li by Paul Tan