In this chapter, we will learn about the different types of computers and the language humans use to
interact with computers.
ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF COMPUTERS USED FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES?
The first computer was invented by Charles Babbage in the year 1822. Since then, there have been
many evolutions in the production based on the uses of computers. Computers are classified
according to their size, processing speed, and applications. The four different categories of
computers are Micro Computers, Mini Computers, Mainframe Computers, and Super Computers.
Microcomputers are designed for personal use. They are small in size and come at a low price.
They are also known as personal computers or PCs.
Examples: Desktop Computer, Laptop, Smartphone, and so on.
THE TYPES OF MICRO COMPUTERS ARE:
Desktop Computer: A desktop computer is made of different units such as monitor, CPU, keyboard,
and mouse, which are connected to each other by wires or through wireless modes like Bluetooth,
and work as a single unit. They are placed on top of desks; hence they are called desktop
computers.
Laptop: A laptop computer is small and light, and can be carried from one place to another. It can be
folded down when not in use. As it can be placed on the lap, it is called a laptop.
Tablets: Tablet computers are portable like laptops. They are smaller than laptops and bigger than
smartphones. Tablets have touch-sensitive screens instead of a keyboard or mouse.
Smartphones: A smartphone has the features of both personal computer and mobile phone. It is a
small device that fits in a pocket and is handheld. Some of its uses are calling, messaging, emailing,
browsing, playing games, watching movies, and so on.
Handheld devices: The handheld devices, also called Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), have the
features of a desktop computer but are small enough to be handheld or fit inside a pocket.
Examples: Smartphones, Notebooks, Tablets.
Game Console: A game console is used to play video games. The Handheld game console comes
with a display screen and controllers. The Home video game console can also be connected to a
television or computer, and the controllers are used to interact with the game. Examples: Sony
PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox.
Embedded Systems: Embedded systems are used to perform specific tasks in devices. They are
made by embedding or implanting the computer hardware and software into a larger device. They
consist of CPU, memory RAM/ROM, and input/output media. Examples: TV sets, washing
machines, printers, and so on.
OTHER TYPES OF COMPUTERS:
Mini Computers: A minicomputer is a multi-user system, which means it can be used by more than
one user simultaneously. Mini computers are less powerful than mainframe computers or
supercomputers but more powerful than desktop computers. Examples: HP 300, TI-990.
Mainframe Computers: Mainframe computers are bigger in size and more powerful than Mini and
Micro Computers. A mainframe computer acts as a central processing unit (CPU) for the smaller
systems connected with it. Examples: UNIVAC I.
Super Computers: Supercomputers are the fastest in terms of processing speed and the most
powerful among all types of computers. Examples: PARAM Siddhi-Al, Mihir, Pratyush.
COMPUTER LANGUAGE:
Human beings use language to communicate. Similarly, to communicate with a computer, we need
a language that the computer understands. In a computer language, a program is a set of rules and
instructions given to the computer to perform specific tasks.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER LANGUAGES:
Machine Language: The First Generation Language expressed in binary (0s and 1s). It is
machine-dependent and hard to program.
Assembly Language: The Second Generation Language uses mnemonic codes. It is converted into
Machine language by Assemblers.
High-Level Language: The Third Generation Language uses English-like syntax and is
machine-independent. Examples: PASCAL, FORTRAN, C++, Java.
Fourth-Generation Language: The most user-friendly, OS-independent, and efficient. Example:
SQL.
LANGUAGE PROCESSORS:
A language processor or translator converts source code into object code. Types include:
- Assembler: Converts Assembly language into Machine language.
- Compiler: Converts High-level language into Machine language in one go.
- Interpreter: Converts High-level language into Machine language line by line.
