Chapter 3:
Categories & Classification of Computer
1) Personal computers
A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output and storage activities by itself. Another term for personal computer is microcomputer. Desktop computer is an example of personal computer which are designed so that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk. Personal computers also available in portable models with variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
A microprocessor-based computing device designed to meet the computing needs of an individual. It typically provides access to a wide variety of computing applications, such as word processing, photo editing, and e-mail.
A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output and storage activities by itself. Another term for personal computer is microcomputer. Desktop computer is an example of personal computer which are designed so that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk. Personal computers also available in portable models with variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
A microprocessor-based computing device designed to meet the computing needs of an individual. It typically provides access to a wide variety of computing applications, such as word processing, photo editing, and e-mail.
2) Computers and mobile devices
A mobile computer is a type of computer you can carry from place to place. The most popular type of mobile computer is the notebook computer.A notebook computer also called a laptop computer is a portable which is designed to fit on your lap.
TABLET PC is a special type of notebook computer that allows you to write or draw on the screen using a digital pen.
Mobile devices which are small enough to carry in a pocket.3 popular types of mobile devices are:
i) Handheld computers (iPods, Garmin GPSs)
ii) PDAs – Personal Digital Assistant
iii) Smart Phone
A mobile computer is a type of computer you can carry from place to place. The most popular type of mobile computer is the notebook computer.A notebook computer also called a laptop computer is a portable which is designed to fit on your lap.
TABLET PC is a special type of notebook computer that allows you to write or draw on the screen using a digital pen.
Mobile devices which are small enough to carry in a pocket.3 popular types of mobile devices are:
i) Handheld computers (iPods, Garmin GPSs)
ii) PDAs – Personal Digital Assistant
iii) Smart Phone
5) Server
A Server controls access to the hardware, software and other resources on a network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information.
Remarkably, just about any personal computer, workstation, mainframe, or supercomputer can be configured to perform the work of a server. That fact should emphasize the concept that a server does not require a specific type of hardware.
A Server controls access to the hardware, software and other resources on a network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information.
Remarkably, just about any personal computer, workstation, mainframe, or supercomputer can be configured to perform the work of a server. That fact should emphasize the concept that a server does not require a specific type of hardware.
4) Mainframes
A Mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously. Most major corporations use mainframes for business activities. Mainframes remain the computer of choice in situations where realibility, data security, and centralized control are necessary. The price of a mainframe computer typically starts at $100,000 and can easily exceed to $1 million.
A Mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously. Most major corporations use mainframes for business activities. Mainframes remain the computer of choice in situations where realibility, data security, and centralized control are necessary. The price of a mainframe computer typically starts at $100,000 and can easily exceed to $1 million.
5) Supercomputers
The fastest most powerful computer and the most expensive.Applications in medicine, aerospace, automotive design, online banking, weather forecasting, nuclear energy research and petroleum exploration use a supercomputer.
At one time, supercomputer designers focused on building specialized, very fast, and very large CPUs. Today, most supercomputer CPUs are constructed from thousands of microprocessors. Of the 500 fastest supercomputers in the world, the majority use microprocessor technology.
The fastest most powerful computer and the most expensive.Applications in medicine, aerospace, automotive design, online banking, weather forecasting, nuclear energy research and petroleum exploration use a supercomputer.
At one time, supercomputer designers focused on building specialized, very fast, and very large CPUs. Today, most supercomputer CPUs are constructed from thousands of microprocessors. Of the 500 fastest supercomputers in the world, the majority use microprocessor technology.
6) Embedded computer
An Embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product. The following list identifies a variety of everyday products:
i) Consumer electronics (Digital Camera)
ii) Home Automation Devices (CCTV)
iii) Automobiles (ECM)
iv) Process Controller (manufacturer)
v) Computer devices and office machines (Photocopy Machine)
An Embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product. The following list identifies a variety of everyday products:
i) Consumer electronics (Digital Camera)
ii) Home Automation Devices (CCTV)
iii) Automobiles (ECM)
iv) Process Controller (manufacturer)
v) Computer devices and office machines (Photocopy Machine)
7) Game consoles
A Game Console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games.2 popular models are Nintendo DS Lite and Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP). Input devices: joystick, game padOutput devices: television screenStorage devices: CDs, DVDs, memory cards
A Game Console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games.2 popular models are Nintendo DS Lite and Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP). Input devices: joystick, game padOutput devices: television screenStorage devices: CDs, DVDs, memory cards
5 categories of users
1. Home user is a family member who uses a computer for a variety of reasons such as budgeting and a personal financial management, web access, communications, and entertainment.
2. Small office user Includes any family with fewer than 50 employees, as well as the self-employed individual who works from home.
3. Mobile user Mobile users are employees and students who work on a computer while away from a main office, home office or school.
4. Power use rA power user uses a workstation or other powerful computer to work with industry-specific software. Power users exist in all types of businesses.
5. Large business user A Large business user works in or interacts with a company with many employees and uses a computer and computer network that processes high volumes of transactions in a single day.
2. Small office user Includes any family with fewer than 50 employees, as well as the self-employed individual who works from home.
3. Mobile user Mobile users are employees and students who work on a computer while away from a main office, home office or school.
4. Power use rA power user uses a workstation or other powerful computer to work with industry-specific software. Power users exist in all types of businesses.
5. Large business user A Large business user works in or interacts with a company with many employees and uses a computer and computer network that processes high volumes of transactions in a single day.
Advantages of using computer
1. Speed: Many computers process billion or trillions of operations in a single second.
2. Reliability: They rarely break or fail.
3. Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results.
4. Storage: A computer can transfer data quickly from storage to memory, process it, and then store it again for future use.
5. Communications: Most computers today can communicate with other computers often wireless.
2. Reliability: They rarely break or fail.
3. Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results.
4. Storage: A computer can transfer data quickly from storage to memory, process it, and then store it again for future use.
5. Communications: Most computers today can communicate with other computers often wireless.
Disadvantages of using computer
1. Violation of Privacy: Personal and confidential records were not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy violated and identities stolen.
2. Public Safety: Do not share information that would allow others to identify or locate you.
3. Impact on Labor Force: Machine can do multiple tasks.
4. Health Risks: Occurs when someone becomes obsessed with using the computer.
5. Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes are depleting natural resources and polluting the environment.