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Module 2

There are several types of computers that vary in processing power, size, and function. Supercomputers are the most powerful and largest, used for scientific applications. Mainframes process data very quickly and are used by large organizations. Mini-computers are smaller than mainframes and used by medium-sized businesses. Microcomputers include personal computers and workstations, and make up the vast majority of computers used today in various settings like homes, schools, and small businesses. Microcomputers come in different forms like desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. All computers accept input, process and store data, and produce output.

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32 views

Module 2

There are several types of computers that vary in processing power, size, and function. Supercomputers are the most powerful and largest, used for scientific applications. Mainframes process data very quickly and are used by large organizations. Mini-computers are smaller than mainframes and used by medium-sized businesses. Microcomputers include personal computers and workstations, and make up the vast majority of computers used today in various settings like homes, schools, and small businesses. Microcomputers come in different forms like desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. All computers accept input, process and store data, and produce output.

Uploaded by

adekoyasamuel106
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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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MODULE 2 – TYPES AND CLASSES OF COMPUTERS

When most people hear the word computer, they think of a personal
computer such as a desktop or laptop. However, computers come in many
shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily
lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or
use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.
Digital Computers are often classified according to their processing power, size
and functions. The size of computers varies widely from tiny to huge and is
usually dictated by computing requirements.

Supercomputers: They are the most powerful, the most expensive, the largest
in size and the fastest. They are capable of processing trillions of instructions
per second. They tend to be used primarily for scientific applications in weather
forecasting, aircraft design, nuclear research, space research, and seismic
analysis. Commercially, they are used as “host” processors and large networks
that process data from thousands of remote station. An example of a
supercomputer is Cray- 1 Supercomputer built by Cray Research Company.
Supercomputers are used for tasks that require mammoth data manipulation.

Mainframes: Mainframe computers process data at very high rates of speed,


measured in the millions of instructions per second. They are very expensive,
large (often filling an entire room) and costing millions of dollars in some cases.
Mainframes are designed for multiple users and process vast amounts of data
quickly. Banks, insurance companies, manufacturers, mail-order companies,
and airlines are typical users. Mainframes are often ‘servers’ computers that
control the networks of computers for large companies. Example of Mainframe
computer is IBM 370 located at the University Computing Centre in the 1970’s.

Mini-Computer: This type of computer is often used by medium size business


organizations for stock control and invoicing. The cost of mini-computer is
lower than that of Mainframe and generally suits the need of medium-sized
business. Mini computers are small compare to mainframe computer as the
processor and peripherals are physically smaller. They possess most of the
features found on mainframe computers, but on a more limited scale.

Microcomputers are the types of computers, which are generally used in


colleges and institute for teaching purpose. They are terribly limited in what
they can do when compared to the larger models discussed above because
they can only be used by one person at a time, they are much slower than the
larger computers, and they cannot store nearly as much information, but they
are excellent when used in small businesses, homes, and school classrooms.
These computers are comparatively inexpensive and easy to use.
Microcomputers can be divided into two groups -- personal computers and

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workstations. Workstations are specialized computers that approach the speed
of mainframes. Often microcomputers are connected to networks of other
computers. The price of a microcomputer varies greatly depending on the
capacity and features of the computer. Microcomputers make up the vast
majority of computers. They are further categorized into: desktop, Laptop,
Notebook, Palmtop and the smallest in size is the handheld computer called a
personal digital assistant or a PDA.

Examples of Microcomputers
Desktop Computers
Many people use desktop computers at work, home, school,
or the library. They can be small, medium, or large in style,
and they usually sit on a desk. Once you add a monitor,
mouse, and keyboard, you have what is typically known as a
desktop computer.

Most desktop computers are easy to upgrade and expand or add new
parts. Another benefit of desktop computers is their cost. If you compare
a desktop and laptop with the same features, you will most likely find
that the desktop is less expensive.

Laptop Computers
The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop
computer, or a laptop. Laptops are battery- or AC-powered personal
computers that are more portable than desktop computers,
allowing you to use them almost anywhere.
Because a laptop is smaller than a desktop, it's more difficult to
access its internal components. This means you may not be able to
upgrade them as easily as a desktop.

Tablet Computers
Tablet computers or tablets are handheld computers that are even
more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard or touchpad,
tablets use a touch sensitive screen for typing and navigation.
The iPad is an example of a tablet.
Tablets can't necessarily do anything a laptop or a desktop can
do, so you may still want a desktop or laptop to run programs or
create documents. But if you just want to be able to play games, check
email and social media, or stream music and videos, a tablet may be a
good computer replacement.

Other types of computers


Today, there are many everyday devices that are basically specialized
computers, even though we don't always think of them as computers. Here
are a few common examples:

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• Mobile phones: Many mobile phones can do a lot of things computers
can do, such as browsing the Internet and playing games. These phones
are often called smart phones.
• Game consoles: A game console is a specialized kind of computer that
is used for playing video games. Although they are not as fully featured
as desktop computers, many newer consoles allow you to perform
nongaming tasks like browsing the Web.
• TVs: Many TVs now include applications or apps that let you access
various types of online content. For example, you can view your Facebook
News Feed or watch streaming movies on Netflix.

How Computers Work


When a computer is asked to do a job, it handles the task in a very special way.
1. It accepts the information from the user. This is called input.
2. It stored the information until it is ready for use. The computer has memory
chips, which are designed to hold information until it is needed.
3. It processes the information. The computer has an electronic brain called
the Central Processing Unit, which is responsible for processing all data and
instructions given to the computer.
4. It then returns the processed information to the user. This is called output.

Every computer has special parts to do each of the jobs listed above.
A computer collects, processes, stores and outputs information as illustrated
by the figure below:

Process

INPUT COMPUTER OUTPUT

STORE

INPUT
Computer receives inputs (instructions and data) through input devices. Input
device lets you communicate with a computer. You can use input devices to
enter information and issue commands. A keyboard, mouse and joystick are
input devices.

PROCESS
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main chip in a computer. The CPU
processes instructions, performs calculations and manages the flow of
information through a computer system. The CPU communicates with input,
output and storage devices to perform tasks.

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STORE
Inputs and sometimes processing results are stored on storage devices. A
storage device holds information. The computer uses information stored on
these devices to perform tasks. Hard drives, tape drive, floppy disk, Flash Drive
are storage devices.

OUTPUT
Outputs from a computer are received through output devices. An output
device lets a computer communicate with you. These devices display
information on a screen, create printed copies or generate sound. A monitor,
printer and speakers are output devices.

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