Computer laboratory rules

 you are not allowed to eat or drink in the computer laboratory because food or drink
may spill onto the computer components and damage them.
 You are not allowed to take carry cases /bags/satchels into the computer laboratory.
 If you anything suspicious or that you do not understand inform the teachers.
 You are not allowed take your friends into the computer laboratory without the
permission of the teacher.
 Do not change settings on the computers.
 Do not change the positions of the computers.
 Make sure your computer is seated on a stable desk.
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that inputs, processes, outputs and stores information for
future use. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.
A computer is an electronic machine or device that performs processes, calculations and
operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It has the
ability to accept data (input), process it, and then produce outputs.
-it is also a device used for browsing the web, writing documents, editing videos, creating
publications, and playing video games.
Computers do not think for themselves. They are only able to follow instructions and do
many useful things that a human being instructs them to do.
Advantages for using computers are:
• Computers can work much faster than humans
• Computers never get tired or need a rest
• Computers can do jobs that would be dangerous for a human to do
• Computers can store large amounts of information in a very small place
• Computers can find information very quickly
• Computers never lose or misplace information
Computers categories
Computers are categorised according to their physical size, cost, and processing speed.
There are a number of computer categories. They can be grouped into four major categories.
Each category excels at specific functions.
Supercomputers
Mainframes
Mini-computers
Personal computers
Supercomputer
Supercomputers are very expensive, very fast, accurate and the most powerful.They are
types of computers used in solving complex mathematical computations. Supercomputers
are optimized to execute a few number of programs. This makes it possible for them to
execute these few programs at a very high speed. They are capable of executing trillions of
instructions per second, which is calculated in floating point operations per second
(FLOPS). Due to their inhibiting cost, they are used in high end places like in scientific
research centres.
Uses of Supercomputers
Because of their superiority, supercomputers are not intended for your everyday tasks. They
handle exhaustive scientific applications that require complex and real-time processing.
- In the field of science, researchers use these machines to compute and model properties of
biological compounds like protein and human blood. They are also used to interpret new
diseases and strains and predict illness behaviour and treatment.
-The military uses supercomputers to test new aircraft, tanks, and a host of weaponry and
camouflage. They also use them to understand the effects they will have on soldiers and
wars.
-Meteorologists use them to simulate weather behaviour. They can also be used to predict
earthquakes.
-Scientists use them to simulate and test the effects of nuclear weapon detonation.

2. Mainframe
These are large and expensive computer types capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously. They enable multiple users from nearby and remote
locations to access resources at the same time. Thus, they are mostly used by governments
and large organizations for bulk data processing, critical applications, and transaction
processing. These systems can handle massive amounts of data going in and out
simultaneously. This makes them popular with businesses.
They are also resilient as they are capable of operating without failing.
Users access the mainframe using terminals or personal computers.
Uses of Mainframes
They are used in large organizations where thousands of clients have to access data
simultaneously.
For example:
Performing ATM cash withdrawals and deposits. During the process, communication
between the mainframe and remote computer will help accomplish the financial transactions
at hand.
-Online electronic transactions.
-Cloud storage.
3. Minicomputers
Minicomputers are mid-sized computers. In terms of size and power, minicomputers are
ranked below mainframes. A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of
supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.
• Small to medium size companies
Uses of minicomputers:
-Switchboard control.
-Dedicated applications for graphics and computer design.
-Time-sharing, to allow multiple users to interact concurrently on a single system.
-Control and monitoring of manufacturing activities.
-Monitoring and control of laboratory equipment.
4 Personal Computers or Microcomputers
A personal computer is a computer designed to be used by one user at a time. The term
microcomputer relates to microprocessor which is used with a personal computer for the
purpose of processing data and instruction codes. These are the most common computer
types since they are not very expensive. Microcomputers are Classified as Desktop and
Portable (Mobile) Computers.
Categories of personal computers include:
Desktop computers
Mobile computers
Wearables
a. Desktop computers
Desktop computers are not built to be mobile. They are moved, but only to a new desktop
location and with the power supply inactive. There are a number of major differences
between computers that are intended to be used in one place as a desktop and portables or
mobiles that can be easily moved from one location to another.
Desktop computers are large and heavy in comparison to portables. Many people use
desktop computers at work, home and school. Desktop computers are designed to be placed
on a desk and they are typically made up of a few different parts, including the computer
case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Advantages of Desktop PCs
• Cheaper option compared to laptops.
• they are easy to repair and maintain
• Desktop computers often have more life than laptop computers
Disadvantages of Desktop PCs
• Heavy to carry and move to another place.
• Consumes plenty of space on your desk.
• Must be plugged into power outlet all the time to use.
• Needs a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse
b. Laptops
The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, commonly
called a laptop. Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more portable than
desktops, allowing you to use them almost anywhere. This means a computer user can be
able to move with it from one point to another comfortably. One can also work from any
location irrespective of if there is a power source. They are lightweight mobile PCs with a
thin screen. They operate on batteries.
Unlike desktops, these systems combine the microprocessor, screen, and keyboard in a
single case. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use.
Advantages of Laptop
• Highly portable-The laptop can be carried anywhere. You can work on your laptop at
home or office as per your convenience. It can also he used during traveling where you can
attend to your client meeting. As they are light in weight, they can be easily carried to any
place.
• Gets more work done-As laptop can be carried anywhere, your time is not wasted. For
example, an office worker can go through his mails during long commuting hours by train
or a student can finish his homework in the breaks between two lectures.
• Instant use-Usually carrying a laptop means your ticket to instant access to information, be
it personal or professional.
• Lower power consumption-Laptops are highly power efficient and only uses 10-30 W of
electricity. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that use hundreds of laptops in their
offices.
c. Tablets
A tablet is a mobile computer equipped with a touch screen or hybrid screen, which allows
the user to operate it by use of a digital pen or fingertip. Tablet computers—or tablets—are
handheld computers that are even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard and
mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The iPad is an
example of a tablet.
Most tablets today are both multi-touch and multi-tasking, making it possible to manipulate
them using multiple fingers and accomplishing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Tablets are handy, especially when normal notebooks and laptops are simply too bulky for
the mobile user.
d. Smartphones
Many cell phones can do a lot of things computers can do, including browsing the Internet
and playing games.
Most smartphones today use an operating system such as IOS and Android. They often have
the ability to add applications. This is in contrast to regular cellular phones which only
support sandboxed applications like Java games. Smartphones support full email
capabilities as well as multiple functions to serve as a complete personal organizer.
Smart might include additional interfaces such as miniature QWERTY keyboards, touch
screens, built-in cameras, contact management, built-in navigation software, ability to read
office documents in PDF and Word file formats, media software for playing music,
browsing photos, and viewing video clips.
e. Personal Digital Assistants
Personal digital assistants (PDAs), also called handheld computers, pocket PCs, or palmtop
computers, are battery-powered devices that are small enough to carry almost anywhere.
PDAs are useful for scheduling appointments, storing addresses and phone numbers, and
playing games. Some have more advanced capabilities, such as making telephone calls or
accessing the Internet.
PDAs seem to have been overtaken by tablets and smartphones, almost rendering them
obsolete.
f. Wearable Gadgets
Like the term suggests, wearable computers, or simply wearables, are miniature devices that
are designed to be worn or attached onto your body.
Wearables are designed to function as smart devices similar to smartphones. They typically
provide specific functions like health monitoring.
Whereas general purpose wearables offer a fuller computing experience that includes
reading emails, the lesser systems will ship as embedded devices capable of minimal
functions.
Examples of these devices include smartwatches, smart glasses, smart clothes, smart shoes,
etc.
g. Smartwatches
This is a wristwatch fitted with sensors to communicate directly with a smartphone.
Dubbed the smartphone and phablet companion, a smartwatch gives features like internet
connectivity and text messaging among others.