Types of Computers Computer Technology Day 4

Microcomputer  Computer with a microchip as its CPU (Central Processing Unit).  Personal Computer (PCs) designed to meet the needs of an individual user.  Provides access to various computing applications, including…  Word processing  Internet and  Spreadsheet calculations  Editing photos and creating graphics  Playing music or games  Offered in two major varieties  Desktop computers  Laptop computers

Desktop Computer  Digital, electronic computer designed for personal use.  First computer to have a Central Processing Unit (CPU) on a single micro chip.  Computer case  Holds motherboard, drives, power supply, and expansion cards.  May lay flat or on the desk or stand vertically (tower).  Separate components (peripherals) plug into the computer (for example, monitor, keyboard, and mouse)

Server  Refers to a computers function, rather than a specific type of computer.  Runs a network of computers.  Handles sharing of equipment (for example, printers).  Enables communication between computers.  Similar to a desktop computer, except it has  More power  Larger memory and storage capacity  High-speed communication capability

Laptop or Notebook Computers  Include all components (for example, LCD-display, keyboard, and pointing device).  Cost more than desktop units because smaller components are more expensive.

Handheld Devices  Use small visual display screen and a miniaturized keyboard for user input.  Communicate with other computers or handhelds by cable connection, infrared (IR) beam, or radio waves.  Typical handhelds include  Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)  Less power  Keeps track of appointments, to-do lists, addresses, or notes.  Includes a touch-sensitive LCD for both input and output.  Palmtop  Looks more like a laptop.  Has a flip-up screen and small keyboard.

Workstations  Powerful desktop microcomputer  Used primarily by one person; may connect remotely to other users when necessary.  Offer higher performance than PCs, especially for graphics, processing power, and multitasking ability.

Minicomputer  Developed to handle specific tasks, like engineering and CAD calculations.  Outdated because PCs are now more powerful than minicomputers used to be.

Mainframe  Workhorse of the business world.  Makes it possible for hundreds of people to work at the same time on the same data.  Requires a special environment—cold and dry.  Used mainly by government institutions and large companies for mission critical applications like  Government census  Industry/consumer statistics  Financial transaction processing

Supercomputer  Leads the world in terms of processing capacity.  Used for jobs that require massive amounts of calculating.  Weather forecasting  Engineering design and testing  Decryption  Economic forecasting  Physical simulation  Airplanes in wind tunnels  Detonation of nuclear weapons IBM Blue Gene/L is the fastest supercomputer in the world