Electronic Document

Preparation and Management

Assignment 2: The Computer

Candidate Number : 1000001733

Centre Number : 100039

Name of Teacher : Mrs. Diedre-Ann Barrett Whyte

Territory : Jamaica

Year of Exam : 2024

Topic Page No.

Definition of Computers 1

Types of Computers 2

Advantages of Computer Usage 5

Disadvantages of Computer Usage 7

Bibliography 9
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The Computer

WHAT ARE COMPUTERS?

According to Techopedia, “A computer is a 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.”

Another definition states that, “A computer is a programmable device that stores, retrieves,

and processes data” Computer Hope (2022).

The Computer

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

What are the different types of computers?

According to History- Computer (2023), “The four main types of computers include

supercomputers, mainframe, minicomputers and microcomputers.”

SUPERCOMPUTER

“A supercomputer is the fastest, largest, and most expensive type of computer that exists

today. It comprises either 10, 100, 1,000, or more computers working simultaneously. They

are only designed for special purposes that often require complex calculations, such as

scientific research, weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, and geological data

analysis.”
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The Computer

MAINFRAME

Continuing from History- Computer (2023), “Mainframe computers are enormous (2,000 to

10,000 sq. ft.) and powerful computers mainly used in the data centres of large enterprises

and organizations. They are typically found in a dedicated server room and can be accessed

remotely by different users simultaneously.”

“Mainframes were invented in the 1950s and are capable of processing huge amounts of data

(up to 30 billion transactions per day) quickly and accurately. Mainframe computers also

control other systems, such as air traffic control, satellite tracking and military defence

systems. Mainframes typically feature several CPUs, interconnected to many other

computers and gadgets to pool an even larger computing system.”

MINICOMPUTERS

“Minicomputers are mid-sized computers, larger than microcomputers but smaller than

mainframes. These multi-processing systems are ideal for 5 to 300 people and are primarily

used in small businesses, colleges, research labs and hospitals (History- Computer {2023}).
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The Computer

“Minicomputers are cost-effective and deliver the functionalities of a mainframe computer at

a more affordable price. They are run by microprocessors and use operating systems such as

Unix, Linux, or Windows. Minicomputers can also store huge volumes of data and are ideal

for banking, inventory tracking, accounting, and office automation. Examples of

minicomputers include IBM AS/400 computers and the MV 1500.”

MICROCOMPUTERS

“Microcomputers are the smallest and most popular computer types. They are primarily used

for personal use or startup business computing. Microcomputers are typically equipped with

various components such as a processor, memory, storage and an operating system. The

processor is responsible for executing instructions, while the memory is used to store data

and programs. Examples include desktop computers, personal computers (PCs), laptops,

netbooks, and tablets.”

“These computers’ affordability, portability, and wide range of applications make them the

most popular choice for general computing needs. They are suitable for various tasks, such

as word processing, web browsing, streaming media, and

gaming (History- Computer 2023).”

The Computer

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER USAGE

HIGH SPEED

This is one of the biggest advantages of computers. At present, the computer is no longer just

a calculating device. It is a part of almost every function of human life. Computers have an

incredible speed that helps a human to complete his tasks in some time. It can handle trillions

per second which is really incredible. With its incredible speed, it can reduce the amount of

time to perform any digital task.

ACCURACY

Computers not only provide incredible speed, instead, they can also give you almost 100%

accuracy. This means that computers allow users to handle complex numerical calculations

or tasks not only with speed but also with accuracy. This is another important advantage of

computers.
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The Computer

STORAGE

Computers can store and access vast amounts of data or information. The storage capacity

of computers has increased these days compared to earlier days. Data can be stored

separately for years in computer storage. Computers can store hundreds or thousands of

books, documents, films, images, audio and many other types of information. Besides, you

can easily find any specific file using the ‘search’ feature. This eliminates the need for paper

and encourages people to improve the world.

The commonly used measurement units for calculation storage capacity are Mega-Byte

(MB), Giga-Bytes (GB), Tera-Bytes (TB) and Peta-Bytes (PB).

DATA SECURITY

Data security is the process of protecting your digital data such as files, databases and

accounts, etc. The computer allows you to protect your data from destructive powers and

unwanted or unauthorized users. It includes features such as data encryption, tokens and key

management that helps users protect digital data on various applications and platforms.

REDUCED COST

Computers can be considered as a low-cost solution to earn money in many different ways.

When a computer is connected to the internet, it can be sued to create and run an online blog

or website, create software, selling products via e-commerce stores, performing data entry

tasks, and many other free-lancing works. It is much cheaper to start any business digitally

rather than physically. In most cases, you can achieve great success with low investment.
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The Computer

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER USAGE

UNEMPLOYMENT

As we discussed above that computers can perform may tasks automatically, this reduces the

need for people and increases unemployment in the society. It has also negatively affected

many others who do not have knowledge of working on computer systems.

HEALTH ISSUES

Improper and prolonged use of computers can negatively affect your health. For example, if

you are constantly working on the computer, your eyes will become dry, which can result in

eye strain, headache, etc.

In addition, sitting too long can also cause pain in your neck or back, which can result in

serious injury in the future. Therefore, follow the appropriate precautions and take a few

minutes break after 30 minutes of computer use.

CYBER CRIMES

There are some people who use computers and the internet for negative activities. They

attempt to break the computer’s security system and gain unauthorized access to hack credit

card details and other personal information. By accessing information, they violate all laws
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The Computer

and misuse the information for their own benefit. These types of actions are covered under

online cybercrimes.

VIRUS HACKING ATTACKS

Viruses are computer programs developed to damage or steal your personal or sensitive data.

In addition, hacking is the process of gaining unauthorized access to computers for certain

illegal purposes. Viruses are usually transferred viz email, internet download or removable

devices.

NEGATIVE IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT

The computer manufacturing process produces a lot of waste parts. Also, when people

change their electronics, they throw away their old devices. Such wastes can release

hazardous toxic materials that significantly affect the environment. Therefore, used

computers must be donated or disposed of properly.

The Computer

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Computer Hope (2022, July 2). Computer. Retrieved from

Rouse, Margaret (2020, Mach 30). Computer: What does Computer mean? Techopedia
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4607/computer

Steven, Brian. (2023, March 27). The 4 Different Types of Computers (with examples)
History-Computer
https://history-computer.com/the-4-different-types-of-computers-with-examples/

Tutorials Mate (n.d.). Computer Fundamentals: Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer

The Computer

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