Information Technology

Grade 10
UNIT TOPIC: Computer Fundamentals
SPECIFIC TOPIC: The Concept of Information Technology and the Major types of
Computer Systems

Content
A. Concept of Information Technology
B. Major Types of Computer Systems

Concept of Information Technology

Definition of the term Information Technology - This is the development, maintenance, and
use of computer systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of
data.
The term information technology was coined by the Harvard Business Review, to make a
distinction between purpose-built machines designed to perform a limited scope of
functions and general-purpose computing machines that could be programmed for various
tasks.

Major Types of Computer Systems

Computers vary in size, speed/power and cost. The various types of computers can also be
further distinguished based on their uses such as General Purpose - Consists of hardware
and software that is suitable for a wide range of tasks or Special Purpose- Performs a small
range of tasks and contains features uniquely designed for a specific function.
The following are the five types of computers used in all aspects of society.

1) Supercomputer 
Characteristics: 
▪ These computers are very powerful computers. 
▪ They occupy a large space. 
▪ These systems are built to process huge amounts of data and the fastest
supercomputer can process more than 1 trillion calculations per second. 
▪ There are thousands of processors in supercomputers. 
▪ These speeds and power make supercomputers ideal for handling large and highly
complex problems that require extreme calculation. 
▪ Because of their size and cost, super computers are relatively rare, used only by
large corporations, universities and government agencies that can afford
them. Otherwise called the ‘monster’ 

2) Mainframe Computer
Characteristics: 
▪ Very large in Size. 
▪ Central processor, central administration. 
▪ More than 100 terminals, large capacity storage devices used. 
▪ Fastest and more expensive system. 
▪ Was mostly used during the 1960s but is now rarely used today  
▪ Used by large agencies and government for large scale data processing 
3) Desktop systems
Characteristics:
● It is a general use computer system that is used at home, at work, in schools,
universities.
● It consists of a monitor and a casing (system unit) which stores inside it the power
supply, the CPU, the motherboard and many other devices. 
● It has input and output peripheral devices which are separate components used
with it.
● It can be customized to suit the users' needs, a photographer can install extra disk
space and a person with disabilities can replace a keyboard with a specialist input
device. 

4) Mobile Computing Devices

Characteristics:
● These are light and small so they are portable.
● The device either has a keyboard and screen built into the case or use a touch screen.
● Smaller case and built in peripherals means these devices cannot be upgraded or
customized as easily.
● Types of Mobile devices includes the following
[Link] 
A laptop has similar computing power as the desktop but has a set of electrical batteries
that allows it to be used in cars, parks, airplanes. They also have a smaller weight and
are therefore portable.  
[Link] 
A netbook specializes in browsing the Web. They have the looks of laptops but lack the full
capabilities of a computer. They weigh less than a laptop and are smaller in size which are
big advantages for travellers with needs to these machines. Almost all netbooks do not have
CD / DVD drives.  
[Link] PC 
A tablet PC has the capabilities of a laptop but is smaller in size and does not have a
keyboard. It has a touch-screen that allows using fingers or stylus to input instructions and
interact with the machine.  
[Link] phones. 
Besides making telephone calls, a Smartphone runs on an operating system and has the
ability to let you send and receive emails, browse websites on the net and read documents. 

5) Embedded Systems
Characteristics:
● Contains a processing engine, such as a general-purpose microprocessor 
● Typically designed for a specific application or purpose 
● Includes a simple (or no) user interface, such as an automotive engine ignition
controller 
● Often is resource-limited. For example, it might have a small memory foot-print and
no hard drive 
● Might have power limitations, such as a requirement to operate from batteries 
● Not typically used as a general-purpose computing platform 
● Generally has application software built in, not user-selected 
● All intended application hardware and software are pre-integrated 
● Often is intended for applications without human intervention 
 STUDENT’S CONTRIBUTION

Done by Rajeem Davis

Type of Processing Storage Example Uses Category

Computer Speed (range) Capacity (G or S)
(range)

Super 100-900 200-300GB Tianhe-1 Quantum mechanics, General

Computer MIPS(million weather forecasting
instructions
per second)

Mainframe 4-100MIPS 32GB IBMzseries bulk data processing General

of database such as
banks

Desktop 3.5-5GHz 1TB Apple mac Gaming, Document General

mini processing

Mobile 3.5-5GHz 1TB Macbook On the go gaming, General

Computer Document
Processing, internet
access

Embedded 12MHz 20GB Cars to control the device Special

System and to allow a user purpose
to interact with it