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Unit 3 - Computer Types and Varieties

The document defines computers as electronic devices that process data according to instructions, and categorizes them by size and capacity. It discusses various types of computers including supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and embedded computers, highlighting their specific uses and characteristics. Each type serves different purposes, from high-performance computing in supercomputers to specialized functions in embedded systems.

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11 views6 pages

Unit 3 - Computer Types and Varieties

The document defines computers as electronic devices that process data according to instructions, and categorizes them by size and capacity. It discusses various types of computers including supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and embedded computers, highlighting their specific uses and characteristics. Each type serves different purposes, from high-performance computing in supercomputers to specialized functions in embedded systems.

Uploaded by

zenayahtarroza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 03: Computer Types and Varieties

Before we learn the types of computers still being used today, let us define what
a computer is. A computer is defined by Peter Norton as “An electronic device
that processes data according to a predetermined set of instructions that
convert data info information useful to people. They perform specific tasks
based on the instructions provided by a software or hardware program”.

Also, according to Gary Shelly, a computer is defined as “An electronic device


operating under the control of instructions stored in its memory that can accept
data, process the data, produce and store results for future use”. Computers
can also store data for future use with the appropriate storage devices.

A computer is a programmable device that can automatically perform a


sequence of calculations or other operations on data once programmed for the
task. It can store, retrieve, and process data according to internal instructions.
Computers can be categorized in many ways: by size and capacity, by data
handling and operating system capabilities, based on the number of
microprocessors, and based on the number of users. In this module, we’re going
to classify computers according to the size and capacity.

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Before cloud computing and the use of digital systems, large companies use
(01) supercomputers because they required a big amount of computing power.
A supercomputer has an incredibly high level of performance. These are usually
used on a large-scale operation like industrial function, space exploration,
weather forecasting, and nuclear testing.

A supercomputer is a computer at the leading edge of data processing


capability, with respect to calculation speed. Supercomputers are used for
scientific and engineering problems (highperformance computing) which crunch
numbers and data, while mainframes focus on transaction processing.

(02) Mainframe computers are like big centralized machines that contains the
large memory, huge storage space, multiple high-grade processors, so it has
ultra-processing power compare to standard computer systems. The use of the
primary memory and having multiple processors are done by mainframe
computers. These are used in moderate data processing, banking, and
insurance. It handles bulk data processing, statistics, and analyze them.

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The term originally referred to the large cabinets called “main frames” that
housed the central processing unit and main memory of early computers. Later,
the term was used to distinguish high-end commercial machines from less
powerful units. Most large-scale computer system architectures were
established in the 1960s, but continue to evolve. Mainframe computers are often
used as servers.

(03) Minicomputers were introduced in the mid-1960s. It has the most of the
features and capabilities of a large computer but more compact in size. This is
also called a midrange computer. Minicomputers were primarily used for
process control and performing financial and administrative tasks, such as word
processing and accounting. Some machines were designed for medical
laboratory and teaching aids.

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(04) A microcomputer has a central processing unit (CPU) as a
microprocessor. These are also known as personal computers (PC).
Microcomputers are primarily used for word processing, managing databases
or spreadsheets, graphics and general office applications.

A microcomputer is a small and relatively inexpensive computer that has a


microprocessor as its central processing unit. It includes memory, a
microprocessor, and minimal input/output circuitry built on a single printed circuit
board. Micro-computers are classified into workstations – Also known as
desktop machines, workstations are mostly used for intensive graphical
applications, personal computers – more affordable and easier to use than
workstations and are self-sufficient computers intended for one user, laptop
computers and Mini PCs – Mini PCs are tiny computers that can fit in the palm
of your hand.

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(05) An embedded computer, which is an integral component of most
embedded systems, is a combination of hardware and software that is
designated to perform a highly specific function. For example, the type of
embedded computer in a washing machine will not be the same as the
embedded computer in a Nikon camera. Because the
software in embedded computers is designed to only execute certain tasks, the
computer’s software in one device can be totally distinct from that of another.

The hardware of an embedded computer is also specially designed to withstand


stresses in its intended environment. For instance, an embedded computer
installed under the hood of a car is designed to withstand high temperatures.
Embedded computers are everywhere. They are in phones, microwaves,
airplanes, automobiles, and calculators.

Some computers handle small and big data and simultaneous number of users,
some computers are more powerful because of the data they are processing,
which are most often used by organizations, such as businesses or schools.

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