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Types of Computer Systems

This document discusses different types of computer systems including microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers. It provides details on their characteristics and uses. Microcomputers include desktop PCs, laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs, handheld computers, and PDAs (personal digital assistants). Mainframe computers can handle large numbers of users simultaneously and are used by large organizations. Supercomputers are the most powerful and can process vast amounts of data for applications like weather modeling.

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tarrant High
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427 views17 pages

Types of Computer Systems

This document discusses different types of computer systems including microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers. It provides details on their characteristics and uses. Microcomputers include desktop PCs, laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs, handheld computers, and PDAs (personal digital assistants). Mainframe computers can handle large numbers of users simultaneously and are used by large organizations. Supercomputers are the most powerful and can process vast amounts of data for applications like weather modeling.

Uploaded by

tarrant High
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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TYPES OF COMPUTER

SYSTEMS
The types of computer systems include:
 Micro Computer

 Minicomputer

 Mainframe Computer

 Supercomputer
MICRO COMPUTER
 These computers are also called Personal Computers
(PC) and are the most popular types of computers that
can be found today. They are small computers that are
generally used by one person at a time. However if the
proper software is used, some of the more powerful ones
can be used by many users at once. They can also share
data and computing power if they are connected to
mainframes, minicomputers or supercomputers.
MINICOMPUTER
 This is a computer that can perform all its input,
processing, output and storage activities by itself. The
mini computer contains memory, a processor and one or
more input, output and storage devices. The size, speed
and capabilities of the minicomputer lie between the
mainframe and the microcomputer.
MAINFRAME COMPUTER

 The mainframe computer is a very large, expensive and


powerful computer that can handle hundreds of
thousands of connected users at the same time. A
mainframe computer can store a large amount of data,
instructions and information and processes millions of
instructions per second. Mainframes are used in large
companies such as airlines, banks and insurance
companies. They can be used to act as servers in a
network environment. Programs can be accessed from
the mainframe by the use of terminals or personal
computers.
SUPERCOMPUTER
 This is the fastest, most powerful and most expensive
computer. The fastest super computers can process more
than 100 trillion instructions in one second. The super
computer can store more than 16,000 times the data and
information than an average desktop computer. It is
made to use or accommodate thousands of personal
computer processors.
 All large scale websites, games, chat programs etc. use a
supercomputer to handle the clients.
They are also used for weather forecasting, climate
research, oil and gas exploration and in the fields of
computer science.
TYPES OF MICROCOMPUTERS
Desktop Computers
 This is a computer that is designed to have the system
unit, input devices, output devices and any other devices
fit on or under a desk or on a table. Some desktop
computers are powerful. It is intended for regular use at
a single location.
Laptop
 This is a portable personal computer that is small enough
to fit on your lap. Today’s laptops are thin and
lightweight however they can be as powerful as desktop
computers or even more powerful. The laptops are
normally more expensive than desktop computers. They
have a monitor, keyboard and system unit in one.
Netbooks
 These computers are just like laptops but are smaller,
lighter and less expensive.
Tablet PC
 A tablet personal computer (tablet PC) is a portable
personal computer equipped with a touchscreen as a
primary input device designed to be operated and owned
by an individual.
 Unlike laptops, tablet personal computers may not be
equipped with a keyboard, in which case they use a
virtual onscreen substitute. All tablet personal computers
have a wireless adapter for Internet and local network
connection.
Handheld computer
 The handheld computer is a pocket-sized computing
device, typically having a display screen with touch
input and/or a miniature keyboard. It is used a lot by
business travellers.
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
 The PDA is one of the most popular lightweight mobile
device that is used today. It provides personal organizer
functions such as calendar, appointment book, address
book, calculator and notepad. Some PDAs also offers
various types of application software which includes
word processing, spreadsheet and so on.
 They are also known as small or palmtop computers.
Newer PDAs also have both color screens and audio
capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones,
(smartphones), web browsers, or portable media players.
Many PDAs can access the internet via Wi-Fi and
employ touch screen technology.
CLASS ACTIVITY
 State the differences and similarities between the laptop
and the netbook.
 Give another name for the PDA.

 How is the tablet pc useful for students and business


persons?
 Would it be appropriate to use a microcomputer to
manage the data being processed in a bank? Give
reasons.

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