COMPUTER

Computer, electronic device that can receive a set of instructions, or program, and then carry
out this program by performing calculations on numerical data or by manipulating other forms of
information.

The modern world of high technology could not have come about except for the development of
the computer. Different types and sizes of computers find uses throughout society in the storage
and handling of data, from secret governmental files to banking transactions to private household
accounts. Computers have opened up a new era in manufacturing through the techniques of
automation, and they have enhanced modern communication systems. They are essential tools in
almost every field of research and applied technology, from constructing models of the universe
to producing tomorrow’s weather reports, and their use has in itself opened up new areas of
conjecture. Database services and computer networks make available a great variety of
information sources.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

Two main types of computers are in use today, analogue and digital.
 Analogue computers (continuous) data exploit the mathematical similarity between
physical interrelationships in certain problems, and employ electronic or hydraulic circuits
to simulate the physical problem. This is the data obtained through counting e.g. this is
the data obtained by measurement.
 Digital computers (Discrete/uncontinuous) data solve problems by performing calculations
and by dealing with each number digit by digit. This is the data obtained through counting
e.g. counting the number of water drops.

Therefore, based on the data that a computer operates on, a computer can be a DIGITAL
COMPUTER or an ANALOGUE COMPUTER. In a Digital Computer, data is represented by binary
code (Bits).
Installations that contain elements of both digital and analogue computers are called hybrid
computers. They are usually used for problems in which large numbers of complex equations,
known as time integrals, are to be computed.

Data in analogue form can also be fed into a digital computer by means of an analogue-to-digital
converter, and the same is true of the reverse situation.

Analogue devices digital devices

Speedometer digital still camera

Post-office scale digital video camera
Ordinary video camera
Microphone, speakers

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 CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

There are four major categories of computers which are:

 Microcomputers
 Minicomputers
 Mainframe computers
 Supercomputers
These categories are based on the differences in the size, speed, processing capabilities, price of
computers, expected use, amount of data that can be stored and the number of simultaneous
users. Due to rapidly changing technology, the categories cannot be defined precisely. For
example, the speed use to define a mainframe today may be used to define a minicomputer next
year. Some characteristics may overlap categories.

Category Physical size No. of instructions No. of simultaneously connected

executed per second users
Microcomputer Fits on your Up to 400 million Single-user system
hand or on a One stand alone or many
desk networked
Minicomputer Small cabinet Thousands to millions Two to 4000

Main frame Partial room Millions Hundreds to thousands

to a full room
equipment
Supercomputer Full room of Millions to billions Hundreds to thousands
equipment

CRITERIA USED FOR CLASSIFICATION

 Purpose  Size/Power
What it is designed for or the scope/limit of How big or powerful it is
what it can be used for. Speed of operation
Expected use How fast it is
Amount of data that can be stored
 Independence
Whether it is independent of another  Cost
machine in its operation How expensive it is to buy and to maintain

MICROCOMPUTERS

A microcomputer also known as a personal computer (PC) is a computer that can perform all its
input, processing, output and storage activities by itself, i.e. it contains at least one input
device, one output device, one storage device, memory and processor. The processor sometimes
called a microprocessor is a Central Processing Unit (CPU) on a single chip and is the basic block
of a PC. PCs were first known as microcomputers because they were a complete computer but
built on a small scale than the huge systems in use by most business. Microcomputer designed for
general use by a single person. These are the smallest and the least powerful. Businesses use
personal computers for word processing, accounting, inventory control, research, desktop
publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the
most popular use for personal computers is for playing games entertainment, communication,
personal databases, and spreadsheets.
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PCs can be further classified based on size and power/capacity into:

 Desktop Computers
 Portable Computers

DESKTOP COMPUTERS

A PC that is not designed for portability. The expectation with desktop systems is that you will
set the computer up in a permanent location. Most desktops offer more power, storage and
versatility for less cost than their portable brethren.

Workstation - A desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and
enhanced capabilities for performing engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing,
software development, and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of
computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities. Like personal computers, most
workstations are single-user computers. However, workstations are typically linked together to
form a local-area network, although they can also be used as stand-alone systems (A computer
that is not connected to a network and has the capability of performing the information
processing cycle operations (input, process, output, and storage) by itself).

N.B.: In networking, workstation refers to any computer connected to a local-area network.

PORTABLE COMPUTERS
A portable computer is a personal computer that is small enough to carry. Two types of portable
computers are:
i. Laptop Computers
ii. Handheld

Laptop Computers: They are designed for Digital Assistant (PDA). They are small
mobility. A laptop computer, also called a personal computers designed to fit in your
notebook, is a personal computer small hand. A PDA often supports personal
enough to fit on your lap. Today’s laptops are information management (PIM) applications
thin, light weight and can be just as powerful such as a calendar, appointment book,
as the average desktop computer. calculator, memo pad, and even telephone
services and internet access.
Handheld Computers: They are sometimes
called palmtop computers or Personal

NB: A desktop computer can also be used as a server on the network.

 MINICOMPUTERS
A minicomputer is more powerful and larger than a workstation. Minicomputer often can support
up to 4000 connected users at the same time. Users often access a minicomputer via a terminal,
which is a device with a monitor and a keyboard. Such terminals can not act as stand alone
computers and must be connected to a minicomputer to operate. Minicomputers can also act as a
server in a network environment. In this case desktop computers access the minicomputer.
Minicomputers are normally referred as mid-range servers now. These machines are primarily
used by larger businesses to handle accounting, billing, and inventory records.

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  MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
A mainframe is a large, expensive, very powerful computer that can handle hundreds or
thousands connected users simultaneously. Mainframes allow many simultaneous users, handle
typically huge databases, and can perform complex mathematical operations. We find them
mainly in industry, research, and university computing centers. Users access mainframes with
terminals or personal computers. Like minicomputers, mainframes can also act as a server in a
network environment.

 SUPERCOMPUTERS
Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require
immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a
supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid
dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data
(e.g. in petrochemical prospecting). Perhaps the best known supercomputer manufacturer is Cray
Research.

NB: The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer
channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe
uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. In some ways, mainframes are more
powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But
supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.

Computer sizes and power

Personal Computers Minicomputers Mainframes Supercomputer

s
LEAST POWERFUL MOST POWERFUL
HOME AND PERSONAL USE PRODUCTION AND COMPLEX SYSTEMS

SERVERS
A server is a computer that stores data files and software. A server manages the resources on the
network. Servers control access to the software, printers, and other devices on the network as
well as provide a centralized storage area for software programs and data. A large network has
many servers. Often different servers are used for different purposes.

Server Purpose

File Server Storage of shared files and software

Web server Storage of web pages. Also database software and files related to
web activities, such as on-line orders

Email server Emails are often stored and processed in one place