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Types of Computers

lecture on types of computer

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30 views

Types of Computers

lecture on types of computer

Uploaded by

Jesus Obenita
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Computers

A computer is an electronic device that has storage, computations, input (data), output (data) and
networking capabilities. With the growing AI, computers also have learning capabilities from the data
provided. The input and output data can be in different forms like text, images, audio and video. A
computer processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the user and gives the
desired output. Computers are of various types and they can be categorized in two ways on the basis of
size and on the basis of data handling capabilities.
1. Personal computer (PC) – a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.
Types of personal computers
Desktop computer – 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).
Laptop computer (or notebook) – 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.
Tablet – A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop.
Smartphone – A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer.
2. Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are two or
more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time.
“Minicomputer” is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are often referred
to as small or midsize servers (a server is a central computer that provides information to other
computers).
Characteristics of Minicomputer
Its weight is low.
Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
less expensive than a mainframe computer.
It is fast.
Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they can support hundreds or thousands of users
at the same time. It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different
processes simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big organizations
like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume of data in general.
Characteristics of Mainframe Computers
It is also an expensive or costly computer.
It has high storage capacity and great performance.
It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very quickly.
It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.
Supercomputers
Supercomputer – 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
Defense
Aerospace
Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:
Weather forecasting
Climate research
Scientific simulation
Oil and gas exploration
Quantum mechanics
Cryptanalysis

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