Unit 6. Basic computer terminologies
Topic B: Types of computers
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Classification of Computers by Size
- Supercomputers
- Mainframe computers
- Minicomputers
- Personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers
Supercomputers
– a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of computation very quickly.
Supercomputers are used for areas related to:
- Science
- Engineering
- Education
- Defence
- Aerospace
Supercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require a great amount of computation.
Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:
- Weather forecasting
- Climate research
- Scientific simulation
- Oil and gas exploration
- Quantum mechanics
- Cryptanalysis
Mainframe computers
– a high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs.
Mainframe computers are primarily used in :
- Institutions
- Research
- Academics
- Health care
- Libraries
- Large businesses
- Financial institutions
- Stock brokerage firms
- Insurance agencies
Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:
- Census taking
- Industry and consumer statistics
- Enterprise resource planning
- Transaction processing
- e-business and e-commerce
Minicomputers
– a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer.
Minicomputers are used by small organizations.
“Minicomputer” is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are often referred to as small or midsize servers (a is a central computer that provides information to other computers).
Personal computers
(PC) – a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.
A PC or microcomputer uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its central processing unit (CPU).
“Microcomputer” is now primarily used to mean a PC, but it can refer to any kind of small computer, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable.
Types of personal computers
– a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit).
– A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user’s lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a touchpad.
– A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop.
– A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer.
A notebook computer is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices, and at meetings. A notebook computer, sometimes called a laptop computer, typically weighs less than 5 pounds and is 3 inches or less in thickness. Among the best-known makers of notebook and laptop computers are IBM, Apple, Compaq, Dell, Toshiba, and Hewlett-Packard.
Notebook computers generally cost more than desktop computers with the same capabilities because they are more difficult to design and manufacture. A notebook can effectively be turned into a desktop computer with a docking station, a hardware frame that supplies connections for peripheral input/output devices such as a printer or larger monitor. The less capable port replicator allows you to connect a notebook to a number of peripherals through a single plug.
Notebooks usually come with displays that use thin-screen technology. The thin film transistor or active matrix screen is brighter and views better at different angles than the STN or dual-scan screen. Notebooks use several different approaches for integrating a mouse into the keyboard, including the touch pad, the trackball, and the pointing stick. A serial port also allows a regular mouse to be attached. The PC Card is insertable hardware for adding a modem or network interface card to a notebook. CD-ROM and digital versatile disc drives may be built-in or attachable.
This was last updated in June 2007
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