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

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?

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

Desktops are used for:  Desktops are used for running applications (full scale, complex software) including:  Office Software —Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases  Engineering designing software —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

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

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.

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

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

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, , Internet, minor editing of documents, play games and more… without lugging around a larger computer.

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

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.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Devices  You can carry it with you (in your pocket)  Fingertip access to the Internet, 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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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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.

Wearable Computers Uses:  Military  Health and Fitness  Commerce  Navigation  Gaming

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

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

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