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Types of Computers

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8 views

Types of Computers

Uploaded by

bmia52054
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Computers

Mainframe Computers
• Mainframes are huge and very
powerful computers
• They contain many CPUs
• They have very fast processor
speed.
• They have very large storage
capacity.
• They have very huge RAM space.
• Can run multiple operating
systems
• They often support time-sharing
or batch processing
Uses
• They are used to run commercial applications
needing the processing of very large amount
of data (e.g. banking, insurance, etc)
Advantages
• Can be used to perform very large job due to
their large memories and high speed.
• Used in time-sharing systems
• Use to perform very complex mathematical
function and in number crunching.
Disadvantages
• Needs a large room to house mainframe
computers. They cannot be moved around.
• Very expensive to buy, operate and maintain.
Personal/desktop Computers

• computers
designed for
general use by
a single
person.
Advantages
• PCs have standardised parts and connection
resulting in low cost.
• specification goes with a given price.
• The casing of desktops allow for good
ventilation.
Disadvantages
• Unlike laptops, PCs are not particularly
portable
• The connections of the component clusters up
the desk space
• File cannot be easily transferred from one PC
to another.
Laptop computers
• Also called notebooks, are
portable computers that
integrate the display,
keyboard, a pointing device or
trackball, processor, memory
and hard drive all in a
battery-operated package
slightly larger than an average
hardcover book.
Advantages

• Very portable due the integration


all parts into one component
• Take full advantage of WiFi
• Can link into any multimedia
system due to its portability.
• No trailing wires
Disadvantages
• Easy to steal due to their portability
• Difficult/uncomfortable sometimes
to use the pointing device and
keyboard
• Need to carry adapter along due to
limited battery life.
• Release of heat is more difficult.
PDAs
• Personal Digital Assistants
(PDAs) are tightly integrated
mini computers that often use
flash memory instead of a hard
drive for storage.
• PDAs have fast processors and
large memory capacity. They
can be linked directly to a
desktop PC for information
exchange.
• They can be connected to the
internet directly to browse,
download, send emails, e.t.c.
Advantages

•Can be used anywhere


due to their small size.
•More portable than
laptop computers
Disadvantages

•Difficult to enter text


quickly
•Have limited capabilities
due to the software and
operating system used.
Tablets
This a small portable computer. Unlike the
laptop the user interface is all through touch.
Advantages
• It is more portable and easy to use.
• It is quick to turn on and
• Has thousands of available applications to
download.
Disadvantages
• Cannot make phone calls
• Difficult to type using the touch screen
• Not all come with 3G/4G access.
Smartphones/Phablet
This is an advanced mobile phone that is combined with
the functions of a PDA. It has among other features, web
browsers, high resolution touch screens, Wi-Fi access and
GPS navigation. They are mostly used as media players and
cameras.
A phablet is a large smartphone. It is larger than a
smartphone but functions the same way. Its screen can
measure about 6 inches diagonally.
Advantages
• Can be used to accomplish many tasks at
home or at work.
• Has an online access to data
• Can be used to store contact details and
phone numbers.
• Has better web browsing capabilities than a
simple mobile phone.
Disadvantages
• Cost of purchase and usage can be high due to
the internet access capabilities.
• Some websites may not function or display as
the designer expected.
• Has similar disadvantages as the PDA.
Smartwatches
• This is a mini-computer worn on wrists by
users.
• They function as smartphones but uses OLED
and touch technology.
• They can be connected to smartphones using
Bluetooth technology.
Functions
• They can connect to the internet for emails,
browsing searches, e.t.c.
• Video or text messages sending.
• GPS functionality for finding locations.
• Can make and take phone calls.
• Can forecast weather conditions.
• Can monitor fitness and health of users.
video
Advantages
In addition to the advantages of smartphones,
• Smartwatches deliver notification directly to
the wrist of the user making it more
convenient than smartphones.
• They are easy to use in monitoring fitness and
health regimes.
Disadvantages
In addition to the disadvantages of
smartphones,
• They relative large and bulky since apps need
to be displayed and allow the use of a battery
thereby making them uncomfortable to wear.
• They tend to be unattractive in design.

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