Unit 1 1.3 Types of Computer Systems

What you need to learn: 1.3 Types of computer system, i.e.: •desktop/server •tablet/hybrid •smartphone •embedded system/Internet of Things (e.g. cars, home appliances, etc.) •mainframe •quantum •uses (e.g. tablet device can be used when travelling due to physical properties) •benefits (e.g. desktop computer can have a large screen which can improve productivity) •limitations (e.g. mainframes can be expensive to purchase and maintain) • input devices • output devices • communications devices • benefits (e.g. integrated devices make portable devices simpler to use) • limitations (e.g. voice recognition performs poorly in noisy environments) • uses (e.g. membrane keyboard could be used in harsh physical environments)

Desktop Computer A desktop computer is a personal computer that is designed to fit conveniently on top of a typical office desk. A desktop computer typically comes in several units that are connected together during installation: (1) the processor, which is designed to fit under the desk or in a unit that goes on top of the desk (2) the display monitor (3) and input devices - usually a keyboard and a mouse. Today, almost all desktop computers include a built-in modem, a CD-ROM drive, a multi-gigabyte magnetic storage drive, and sometimes a diskette drive. At home, most desktop computer users also purchase a printer. In businesses and increasingly at home, desktop computers can be interconnected and can share resources such as printers by being connected to a local area network (LAN).

Server a computer or computer program which manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network. Give examples of when servers will be used? Where?

Tablet A tablet is a wireless, portable personal computer with a touch screeninterface. The tablet form factor is typically smaller than a notebook computer but larger than a smartphone.

Hybrid When referring to a portable or home user computer, hybrid computer is a slang term used to describe a 2-in-1 PC. A 2-in-1 PC consists of a screen and a detachable keyboard and has the functionality of both a laptop computer and a tablet.  A hybrid computer is a computing system that combines both digital and analog components. 

Smartphone Mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, Internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded apps.

Embedded systems/Internet of Things (e.g. cars, home appliances, etc.) Give some examples of embedded systems:

Mainframe Mainframe computers (colloquially referred to as "big iron") arecomputers used primarily by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and transaction processing.

Quantum A quantum computer is a machine, as-yet hypothetical, that performs calculations based on the behavior of particles at the sub-atomic level. Such a computer will be, if it is ever developed, capable of executing far more millions of instructions per second (MIPS) than any previous computer. Such an exponential advance in processing capability would be due to the fact that the data units in a quantum computer, unlike those in a binary computer, can exist in more than one state at a time.

Benefits and drawbacks Device Benefits Drawbacks Desktop Server Tablet Hybrid Smart Phone Mainframe Quantum

Exam Question A new company is starting up to carry out accountants. What types of devices would you advise they get to start up? They have to be able to take some with them to external meetings as well as in the office. What are the benefits and drawbacks of these. [8]