LESSON 1.

RECOGNIZE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER

Computer is an electronic device that accepts, processes, stores, and outputs data at high speeds according to programmed instructions. There are two basic components that make up a computer: hardware and software. A computer Is the greatest invention since man learned to use electricity. Affects almost every aspect of peoples live. Is no smarter than the humans who program them. Uses of Computers: Word processing Calculations Communication Computer-assisted learning Research Presentations Database management Automation Entertainment Computer System: Computer hardware as a system of input, processing, output, storage, and control components. Thus a computer system consists of input and output devices, primary and secondary storage devices, the central processing unit, the control unit within the CPU, and other peripheral devices.

Classification of computer according to its size:

1. Supercomputers : are widely used in scientific applications such as aerodynamic design simulation, processing of geological data. Supercomputers are the most powerful computers. They are used for problems requiring complex calculations. Because of their size and expense, supercomputers are relatively rare. Supercomputers are used by universities, government agencies, and large businesses. . Used for applications such as global weather forecasting, military defense systems, computational cosmology and astronomy, microprocessor research and design, large scale data mining, large timesharing networks. 2. Mainframe Computers: are usually slower, less powerful and less expensive than supercomputers. A technique that allows many people at terminals, to access the same computer at one time is called time sharing. Mainframes are used by banks and many business to update inventory etc. Mainframe computers can support hundreds or thousands of users, handling massive amounts of input, output, and storage. Mainframe computers are used in large organizations where many users need access to shared data and programs.

 Mainframes are also used as e-commerce servers, handling transactions over the Internet. 3. Minicomputers: are smaller than mainframe, general purpose computers, and give computing power without adding the prohibitive expenses associated with larger systems. It is generally easier to use. Minicomputers usually have multiple terminals. Minicomputers may be used as network servers and Internet servers. 4. Workstations: a powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor. Workstations are powerful single-user computers. Workstations are used for tasks that require a great deal of numbercrunching power, such as product design and computer animation. Workstations are often used as network and Internet servers. 5. Microcomputers, or Personal Computers : is the smallest, least expensive of all the computers. Micro computers have smallest memory and less power, are physically smaller and permit fewer peripheral to be attached. Microcomputers are more commonly known as personal computers. The term "PC" is applied to IBM-PCs or compatible computers. Desktop computers are the most common type of PC. Notebook (laptop) computers are used by people who need the power of a desktop system, but also portability. Handheld PCs (such as PDAs) lack the power of a desktop or notebook PC, but offer features for users who need limited functions and small size.

Classification of computers by purpose:

1. General Purpose Computers - Refers to computers that follow instructions, thus virtually all computers from micro to mainframe are general purpose. Even computers in toys, games and single-function devices follow instructions in their built-in program. 2. Special Purpose Computers - A digital or analog computer designed to be especially efficient in a certain class of applications.

According to Data Handled:

1. Analog - A device that processes infinitely varying signals, such as voltage or frequencies. A thermometer is a simple analog computer. As the temperature varies, the mercury moves correspondingly. Although special-purpose, complex analog computers are built, almost all computers are digital. Digital methods provide programming flexibility. 2. Digital - A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.

3. Hybrid - are computers that exhibit features of analog computers and digital computers. The digital component normally serves as the controller and provides logical operations, while the analog component normally serves as a solver of differential equations.

Classification According to Capacity:

1. Micro Computer Purposes = 4kilobytes - 64kilobytes storage capacity 2. Mini Computer Purposes = 8kilobytes - 256kilobytes storage capacity 3. Medium Size Computer Purpose = 32kilobytes - 512kilobytes storage capacity 4. Large Computer Purpose = 512kilobytes - 8192kiobytes storage capacity 5. Super Computer Purpose = 100 times as fast as today computer

TYPES OF MICROCOMPUTERS
Single-user computer Begins its popularity in 1970 Used for word processing, presentations, spreadsheet etc.

MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS
Microcomputers are the smallest but most important categories of computers systems for business people and consumers. They are also referred to as personal computers (or PCs). The computing power of current microcomputers exceeds that of the mainframe computers of previous generations at a fraction of their cost. They have become powerful-networked professional workstations for use by end users in business. Microcomputers categorized by size 1. Handheld 2. Notebook 3. Laptop 4. Portable 5. Desktop 6. Floor-standing Microcomputers can be further divided into different types based on the size of their central processing unit (CPU) and other major and minor components. They are; 1. Notebook Microcomputers: these micro computers are having their sizes just like the size of exercise note books. As a result, they are handy. Microcomputers categorized by use 1. Home 2. Personal 3. Professional 4. Workstation 5. Multi-user Systems Microcomputers categorized by special purpose 1. Workstation Computers 2. Network Servers 3.Personal Assistants Digital

2. Laptop Microcomputers: these are the microcomputers that can be conveniently operated on the lap. They are bigger in size and slightly heavier than the notebooks. They can perform virtually all the function of the desktop microcomputers, yet very portable like the briefcase size. They can perform complex task anywhere, anytime with ease. They are expensive compare to other microcomputers with larger sizes; this is as a result of high technology with reduction in size.

3. Desktop Microcomputers: these computers can be placed on flat smooth tables (desk) for convenience and comfort ability when in use. They are bigger than notebooks and laptops. They can also perform various complex operations. Desktop microcomputers are subdivided into their sub-devices/ parts The keyboard, monitor, system unit are all separated from one another having cables used for their connection before use unlike notebooks and laptop where all are permanently joined (connected) together when manufacture. 4. Minitower Microcomputers: these are recent modification on the system unit, whereby the system unit is made to stand erect on its own and placed beside the monitor unlike desktop which lies flat on tables and monitors placed on it. They also have their parts separately having cables for connection. 5. Full Tower microcomputer: These computers are closely related to the mini Tower, except that they are a bit higher and wider in physical size than the Mini Tower. All other things are the same as in Mini Tower Microcomputers. 6. Personal Digital Assistants - (PDAs) are designed for convenient mobile communications and computing. PDAs use touch screens, pen-based handwriting recognition, or keyboards to help mobile workers send and receive E-mail, access the Web, and exchange information such as appointments, to-do lists, and sales contacts with their desktop PCs or web servers. Server or Server Application refers to both the server computer that runs the Interactive Programs and the Batch Programs, but more correctly to the Program itself that serves to provides responses to several users via many computers. Think of all the facilities you can get while your computer is connected to the Internet. To say the least, you can exchange data, send e-mails, download application forms of colleges and other such institutions, carry out on-line trading. How do you think this mass interaction is possible? It is the Server Computer that runs the server program. This serves to simultaneously interconnect the computers you use at home, in offices and the likes. Tablet PC - tablet PC is far more convenient to use than the Notebook computers. They are both portable computers, but they differ with respect to the accessories, the software used and the screen. Though both laptops and tablet PC s are mobile computer systems, the later one gives you the opportunity of writing directly on the screen rather than typing out the same on the keyboard. Naturally when it comes to explaining directly from the PC in colleges or business organizations, using a pen to explain is always more convenient.

Activity:

1. Collect, label and give meaning of sample pictures of classification of computer according to its size. 2. Collect and label sample pictures of microcomputers according to size, use, special purpose.

and