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Grade 8 Computer Studies PDF

1. Computers can be divided based on size, cost, and speed into super computers, mainframe computers, mini computers, and microcomputers. 2. Super computers are the most powerful and expensive, used for complex tasks like weather modeling. Mainframe computers are larger than mini computers but less so than super computers. 3. Mini computers are designed for specific applications while microcomputers, also known as personal computers, are single-user and the most widely used type of computer.

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Kennedy Lungu
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106 views3 pages

Grade 8 Computer Studies PDF

1. Computers can be divided based on size, cost, and speed into super computers, mainframe computers, mini computers, and microcomputers. 2. Super computers are the most powerful and expensive, used for complex tasks like weather modeling. Mainframe computers are larger than mini computers but less so than super computers. 3. Mini computers are designed for specific applications while microcomputers, also known as personal computers, are single-user and the most widely used type of computer.

Uploaded by

Kennedy Lungu
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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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COMPUTER STUDIES GRADE EIGHT NOTES

TOPIC: TYPES OF COMPUTERS.


We can divide computers based on size, cost and speed as follows:

1. Super Computers:
These are the most superior and expensive types of computers in
the computer industry. They are the computers with the most
processing powers and are very variable for large simulation
models like weather forecast predictions, to test nuclear
weapons non-destructively, design aircrafts and making
sequences of motion pictures.
2. Mainframe Computers:
These are not as powerful nor as expensive as super computers.
They are very large computers in size such that one computer
can fill one full big room. Apart from consuming a lot of space
in the occupying room, they also generated a lot of heat, hence,
need for proper ventilation but also used to consume a lot of
power.
3. Mini Computers:
They are also called mid-range computers, are less small and
less expensive than mainframe computers. Mini computers are

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designed to accomplish specific research, and engineering
applications.
4. Microcomputers (Personal Computers):

If you have your own computer, then you have a microcomputer.


All single user computers are classified as microcomputers and
are often called personal computers (PC’s) because of being
single user. They run programs designed to help individuals
accomplish their work more productively.

Microcomputers are most widely spread and popular because of a


variety of reasons .i.e. they do not require sophisticated
hardware and software, they do not occupy a lot of space on a
table, they are easier to maintain and operate, and they are
not very costly.

ANALOG VS DIGITAL COMPUTERS

An analog computer is a computer that measures physical


quantities. A physical quantity is a property of a material or
system that can be quantified by measurement.
Examples of analog computers:
 Tire pressure gauge
 Thermometer
 Car speedometer
 Thermostat
 Analog clock
 Slide ruler
 Microphone
In contrast, digital computers (which uses binary 1’s and
0’s) represent varying quantities symbolically, as their

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numerical values change. Digital computer is that computer, which
performs and accepts the converted binary number data. Today, most
of the computers are digital computers. It is an electronic based
computer. Rather than continuous, its input functions works
discretely. Input can be in form of letters, numbers written and
represented in special binary coded languages.
Examples of digital computers are:

 Microcomputers, personal computers,


 network servers,
 super computers and
 Multi-processor computers.

Digital computers uses two binary codes or digits 0 and 1, which


stands for no and yes, false and true, left and right. All
instructions given to computer are performed through these two
digits.

Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)


A computer that processes both analog and digital data. Hybrid
computer is a digital computer that accepts analog signals,
converts them to digital and processes them in digital form.
 A hybrid computer may use or produce analog data or digital
data. It accepts a continuously varying input, which is then
converted into a set of discrete values for digital processing.

Examples:
 Hybrid computer is the computer used in hospitals to measure
the heartbeat of the patient.
 Devices used in petrol pump.
 Hybrid Machines are generally used in scientific applications or
in controlling industrial processes.

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