Ch.01 - Introduction - To - Computers-07-08

Computers classification***
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is
Considerable overlap:
• Personal computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor. In
addition to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering
data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage device for saving data.
• workstation : A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal
computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality
monitor.
• minicomputer : A multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of
users simultaneously.
• mainframe : A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds
or thousands of users simultaneously.
• supercomputer : An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions
of instructions per second.
Laptop and Smartphone Computers

LAPTOP: A laptop is a battery or AC-powered personal computer that can be easily
carried and used in a variety of locations. Many laptops are designed to
have all of the functionality of a desktop computer, whichmeans they can
generally run the same software and open the same types of files. However,
some laptops, such as netbooks, sacrifice some functionality in order to be
even more portable.
Netbook: A netbook is a type of laptop that is designed to be even more portable.

Netbooks are often cheaper than laptops or desktops. They are generally less
powerful than other types of computers, but they provide enough power for
email and internet access, which is where the name "netbook" comes from.
Mobile Device: A mobile device is basically any handheld computer. It is designed to
be extremely portable, often fitting in the palm of your hand or in your pocket.
Some mobile devices are more powerful, and they allow you to do many of
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7
the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. These include
tablet computers, e-readers, and smartphones.
Tablet Computers: Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable.

However, they provide a very different computing experience. The most
obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads.
Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual
keyboard and use your finger as a mouse pointer. Tablet computers are mostly
designed for consuming media, and they are optimized for tasks like web
browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, and playing games. For many
people, a "regular" computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order
to use some programs. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means
that it may be ideal as a second computer.
Smartphones: A smartphone is a powerful mobile phone that is designed to run a

variety of applications in addition to phone service. They are basically small
tablet computers, and they can be used for web browsing, watching videos,
reading e-books, playing games and more.
Data, Information and Knowledge

Data: Facts and figures which relay something specific, but which are not organized
in any way and which provide no further information regarding patterns, context, etc.
So data means "unstructured facts and figures that have the least impact on the typical
manager."
Information: For data to become information, it must be contextualized, categorized,

calculated and condensed. Information thus paints a bigger picture; it is data with
relevance and purpose. It may convey a trend in the environment, or perhaps indicate
a pattern of sales for a given period of time. Essentially information is found "in
answers to questions that begin with such words as who, what, where, when, and how
many".
Knowledge: Knowledge is closely linked to doing and implies know-how and

understanding. The knowledge possessed by each individual is a product of his
experience, and encompasses the norms by which he evaluates new inputs from his
surroundings.

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Computers classification***

Laptop and Smartphone Computers

Netbook: A netbook is a type of laptop that is designed to be even more portable.

Tablet Computers: Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable.

Smartphones: A smartphone is a powerful mobile phone that is designed to run a

Data, Information and Knowledge

Information: For data to become information, it must be contextualized, categorized,

Knowledge: Knowledge is closely linked to doing and implies know-how and

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