UNIT TWO

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

Super Computers

• A super computer is the most powerful computer available at any given time. These
machines are built to process huge amounts of information and do so very quickly.

• Supercomputers are built specifically for researchers or scientists working on projects

that demand very huge amounts of data variables; an example is in nuclear research,
where scientists want to know exactly what will happen during every millisecond of a
nuclear chain reaction. (To demonstrate the capability of super computers, for an air
pollution control project that involves more than 500,000 variables, it will take a mini
computer about 45 hours to complete the simulation process while it will take a super
computer 30 minutes only).

• They are big in size, generate a lot of heat and are very expensive. (Super computers are
made by CRAY Company).

Mainframe Computers

• The largest types of computers in common use are the mainframe computers. They are
designed to handle tremendous amounts of input, output and storage.

• They are used mainly by large organization like the PHCN, NITEL, and CBN.

• Other users access mainframe computers through terminals. Terminals consist of a type
of keyboard and a video display i.e. monitors. The mainframe is usually in the computer
room (Mainframe computers are made by IBM, Boroughs & Univac).

Mini Computers

• These are physically small compared to mainframes and are generally used for special
purposes or small-scale general purposes.

The best way to explain the capabilities of mini computers is to say they lie between
mainframes and personal computers. Like mainframes, they can handle a great deal more
input and output than personal computers.

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 • Although some minicomputers are designed for a single user, many can handle dozens or
even hundreds of terminals.

• Advances in circuitry means modern mini computers can out-perform older mainframes
of the 60s. (Examples are Digital Equipment Company’s PDP II and Vax rang)

Workstations

• Between mini computers and microcomputers – in terms of processing power is a class of

computers known as workstations.

• A workstation looks like a personal computer and is typically used by one person,
although it is still more powerful than the average personal computer.

• The differences in the capabilities of these types of machines are growing smaller. They
significantly differ from micro computers in two ways: the central processing unit (CPU)
of workstations are designed differently to enable faster processing of instructions and
most of the micro computers can run any of the four major operating systems.

• Workstations [(Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC)] use UNIX operating system
or a variation of it. (A note of caution: Many people use the term workstation to refer to
any computer or terminal that is connected to another computer. Although this usage was
once a common meaning of the term, it has become out dated) (The biggest
manufacturers of workstations are Sun Microsystems).

Micro Computers/Personal Computers

• The term microcomputers and personal computers are used interchangeably to mean the
small free-standing computers that are commonly found in offices, homes and
classrooms.

• Many micro computers are built specially to be used in watches, clocks, and cameras.
Today, PCs are seriously challenging mainframes and mini computers in many areas. In
fact, today PCs are more powerful than mainframes of just a few years ago, and
competition is producing smaller, faster models every year.

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TYPES OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS

• THE DESKTOP: This is the first type of PCs and the most common. Most desktops are
small enough to fit on a desk, but are a little too big to carry around.

• THE LAPTOP: They weigh about 10pounds (4.5kg). They are battery – operated
computers with built–in screens. They are designed to be carried and used in locations
without electricity. Laptops typically have an almost full –sized keyboard.

• THE NOTEBOOK: They are similar to laptops and PCs, but smaller. They weigh about 6
to7 pounds (2.7 – 3.2kg). As the name implies, they are approximately the size of a
notebook and can easily fit inside a brief case.

THE PALMTOP: They are also known as personal digital assistance (PDAs) and are the
smallest of portable computers. Palmtops are much less powerful than notebooks or
desktops models and feature built-in applications such as word processing. They are
mostly used to display important telephone numbers and addresses.

FUNCTIONS OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS

Personal computers can do a lot of things. The most common tasks computers perform include:

• Writing documents such as memos, letters, reports and briefs

• Budgeting and performing accounting tasks

• Analyzing numeric information

• Searching through lists or reports for specific information

• Scheduling and planning projects.

• Creating illustrations

• Communicating by using electronic mail

• Advertising products and services.

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 UNIT THREE

BASIC COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

Saying that computer have revolutionised our lives would be an understatement. These machines
have completely changed the way we perform our daily tasks. In order for one to further
maximise the potential of a computer system, one must understand the core components of
a computer system. Further, a computer system is made up of various elements which help in its
effective functioning and processing.

By definition, components of a computer system are the primary elements which make the
functioning of an electronic device (computer system) smooth and faster. Basically, there are
three major components of the computer. These major components form what we call the
COMPUTER BUILDING BLOCK (Input Unit, Central Processing Unit and the Output Unit).
Below is the computer building block or simply block diagram of a computer system:

While there are other components as well, these three are primarily responsible for making a
computer function. They must work in complete synergy because that will ensure smooth overall
functioning. Hence, we can even call them the building blocks of a computer system. These three
major and associate components are as discussed below:

HARDWARE COMPOINENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

The major hardware components of the personal computer consist of the following:

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[1] Input Devices: Input devices are the computer hardware that accepts data and instructions
from a user. Input devices have been built in many forms to help in communicating with the
computer. The most common input devices are the keyboard and the mouse.

i. The Keyboard: The keyboard of the personal computer comes in a number of

styles. The various models may differ in size and shape, but except for a few
special purpose keys, MDS keyboards are laid out almost identifiably. The most
common keyboard used today was established by IBM. The computer keyboard
is more than just a typewriter. It contains all of the keys required for typing
letters, numbers, plus the keys for entering commands and moving around on the
screen. There are 101 keys arranged in groups: Alphanumeric, Numeric, Function
and Arrow/Cursor movement keys, and Computer keys.

ii. A mouse is a pointing device that enables you to quickly move around on the
screen, and to select commands from menus rather than type the commands. A
mouse is useful because it enables the user to point at items on the screen and
clicks a button to select the item. It is convenient for entering certain data.

iii. Track Balls: A trackball is an input device that works like an upside-down
mouse. You rest your hand on the exposed ball and the fingers on the button. To
move the cursor around the screen, you roll the ball with your thumb. Trackballs
are much popular with notebook computers. They require less desk space than the
mouse.

iv. The Joystick: This is a pointing device commonly used for games. It is not used
for business applications.

v. The Pen: It is an input device that allows a user to write on or point at a special
pad on the screen of a pen-based computer, such as a personal digital assistant
(PDAS).

vi. The Touch Screen: A computer screen that accepts input directly into the
monitor; users touch electronic buttons displayed on the screen. It is appropriate
in environment where dirt or weather would render keyboards and pointing
devices useless.

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vii. The Scanner: This is an input device used to copy images into a computer
memory without manual keying. It works by converting any image into
electronic form by shining light on the image and sensing the intensity of
reflection at every point. There are several kinds of scanners. These includes:
hand held, flatbed, and sheet-feds.

viii. The Bar-Code Reader: This is one of the most commonly used input
devices after the keyboard and mouse. It is commonly found in supermarkets
and department stores. This device converts a pattern of printed bars on products
into a product number by emitting a beam of light frequently from a laser that
reflects off the bar code image. A light sensitive detector identifies the bar-code
image by special bars at both ends of the image. Once it has identified the
barcode, it converts the individual bar patterns into numeric digits.

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 Input Devices

[2] Processing Devices: Basically, two components handle processing in a computer: the
central processing unit (CPU) and the memory.

a. The Central Processing Unit (CPU): The central processing unit (CPU) is a tiny
electronic chip known as the microprocessor located in the system unit. It is installed
on the main circuit board of the computer, the motherboard. The CPU as the name
implies is where information is processed within the computer. In this regard, you
might think of the CPU (processor) as the brain of the computer. The CPU is
otherwise known as microprocessor. Every CPU has at least two basic parts.

i The Control Unit: The control unit coordinates all the computer activities and
contains the CPUs instruction to carry out commands.

ii Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU is responsible for carrying out
arithmetic and logic functions. In other words, when the control unit encounters
an instruction that involves arithmetic and logic it refers it to the ALU.

OR

Central Processing Unit (CPU Memory

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b. Memory: What happens to all the information we put into the computer: before,
while and after information is processed? It is held in the computer memory or

Random Access Memory (RAM). The memory to which we are referring here is not

the kind of long-term storage that allows you to save work on a floppy disk and
months later to use it, but rather a short-term holding area that is built into the
computer hardware. While the CPU is fast and efficient, it cannot remember anything
by itself. It often refers to the memory in the computer for software instruction and to
remember what it is working on. The term RAM and memory are often
interchangeable. RAM refers to the way the CPU searches through memory for the
information it needs. For the workings of a memory, information is stored in memory
chips. The CPU can get information faster from RAM than it can from a disk. A
computer then reads information or instruction from disks and stores the information
in the RAM where it can get the information quickly. The CPU processes the
information and then returns to the RAM.

Storage Devices: Among the most important part of a computer system are the
devices that allow you to save data or information. The physical components or
materials on which data are stored are called storage media. A storage device is a
piece of hardware that permanently stores information. Unlike electronic memory, a
storage device retains information when electric power is turned off. There are
several storage devices and primary among them are:

i The Floppy Disk: The floppy disk is a circular flat piece of plastic made of a
flexible (or floppy) magnetic material on which data are recorded. Floppy disk

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 drives store data on both sides of the disks. Earlier computers stored data on only a
single side of the floppy disk.

ii The Hard Disk: The hard disk is generally not visible because hard disks are
usually enclosed within the system unit. The hard disk is a stack of metal platters
that spin on one spindle like a stack of rigid floppy disks. Unlike floppy disks
where the disk and drive are separate, the hard-disk drive, or hard drive is the
whole unit. Generally, you cannot remove the hard disk from its drive; however
some manufacturers make removable hard disks that plug into a separate drive
unit.

iii The CD-ROM: CD-ROM disks are hard, plastic, silver – a coloured disk. CD-
ROM is an acronym for Compact Disc Read – Only Memory. This implies that the
disk can only be read. You cannot change or overwrite the contents of a CD-ROM
disk.

iv Tape Drives: A tape drive is a device that reads and writes data to the surface of a
magnetic tape, generally used for backing up or restoring the data of an entire hard
disk.

v The Zip Drive: Zip drives are an alternative to tape backup units or tape drives. A
zip drive can be internal or external. Zip drives have removable cartridges or disk.
A zip drive holds about 100MB to 250 MB of Data.

Storage Devices

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[3] Output Unit: Output devices return processed data, that is, information back to the user.
In other words, output devices allow the computer ‘talk’ to us. The most common output
devices are the monitor and the printer. Others include modems and speakers.

a. The Monitor: The monitor is an output device that enables the computer to display to
the user what is going on. It has a screen like that of a television. It is commonly
referred to as the screen or display. It is the main source for output of information
from the computer. As data is entered through an input device, the monitor changes to
show the effects of the command. Messages displayed on the screen allow the user to
know if the command is correct.

b. The Printer: The printer is an output device that produces on hard copy or a print out
on a paper i.e. it takes data from its electronic form and prints it out on paper. There
are three principal types of printers; Laser, Inkjet and Dot – Matrix.

c. The Sound Card: Sound Cards, otherwise known as sound boards, is a hard ware
board. It is a device that produces audio sounds and usually provides ports in the back

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 of a computer for external speakers. It is installed in one of the expansion slot inside
the system unit’s motherboard.

d. The Modem: The modem is a device that allows a computer to communicate with
another computer through a telephone line. Both computers need compatible modem.
With a modem, a computer and required software, you can connect with other
computers all over the world.

Output Devices

SOFTWARE COMPOINENTS

Software is a set of instructions that operate a computer, manipulate the data and execute
particular functions or tasks. In other words, it is a programs, routines, and symbolic languages
that control the function of the hardware.

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For software (the instructions) to perform various functions, it must be programmed. That is, the
instructions need to be written in a programming language that the computer can understand.
Without a program, a computer is useless.

Computer program is a sequence of instructions that can be executed by a computer to carry out
a process.

There are two kinds of software, systems software and applications software.

[1] Applications Software: Applications software includes programs that user access to
carry out work. They include applications for the following functions.

 Word processing is the most common applications software. The great advantage
of word processing over using a typewriter is that you can make changes without
retyping the entire document. Word processors make it easy to manipulate and
format documents. Example of word processing software is Microsoft Office
Word, Microsoft Works Word, Open Office Word, etc.

 Spreadsheets are computer programs that let people electronically create and
manipulate spreadsheets (tables of values arranged in rows and columns with
predefined relationships to each other). Spreadsheets are used for mathematical
calculations such as accounts, budgets, statistics and so on. Example; Microsoft
Excel, Lotus 1, 2, 3, and SPSS.

 Database management applications are computer programs that let people create
and manipulate data in a database. A database is a collection of related
information that can be manipulated and used to sort information, conduct
statistical analyses or generate reports. Example is Microsoft Access, Microsoft
SQL, MySQL and Oracle database.

 Presentation packages and graphics are computer programs that enable users to
create highly stylized images for slide presentations and reports. They can also be
used to produce various types of charts and graphs. Many software applications
include graphics components including: paint programs, desktop publishing
applications and so on. Example is Microsoft PowerPoint.
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  Communications applications typically include software to enable people to send
faxes and emails and dial into other computers.

[2] Systems Software: includes the operating system and all the utilities that enable the
computer to function. The most important program that runs on a computer is the
operating system. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system in
order to run other programs. This includes controlling functions such as the coordination
of the hardware and applications software, allocating storage facilities, controlling the
input and output devices and managing time sharing for linked or networked computers.

FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

• Booting of Computer: This is the first process which takes place the moment the
computer's electrical switch is put on. During this process all the peripherals connected to
the computer are checked and validated; at the end of the validation process, the OS
signals the user to begin working on the computer.

• Providing User Interface: The OS provides an interface for the user, either as a
command line interface or as a graphical user interface. This enables the user to
communicate with the computer.

• Managing the Hardware: OS controls and manages hardware resources. For example,
OS manages the selection and operation of devices used for input, output and storage. In
other words, the OS serves as the intermediary between programs and hardware.

• Managing the File System: The operating system groups’ data together into -logical
compartments for storage on disk. These groups of data are called files. The computer
stores information in files. Files may contain program instructions or data created or used
by a program. The OS maintains the list of files on a disk.

• Supporting Programs: Another major function of an OS is to provide services to other

programs. Often these services are similar to those that the OS provides directly to users.
For example, when you want your word- processing program to retrieve a document, the

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 word processor will list the files in the directory that you specify. • Some of the other
services that an OS provides to programs are:

 saving files to disk reading them from disk into memory

 checking available disk or memory space

 allocating memory to hold data for a program

CATEGORIES OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

1. Multitasking the Operating System/Multi Programming: This is an OS that is able to

run more than one program task per operation time. There are two types of multitasking
operating systems cooperative and preemptive.

• Cooperative Multitasking: This requires cooperation between the OS and

application programs. In this case the programs are written in such a way that they
periodically check with the OS to see whether any other program needs the CPU.
If a program needs the CPU, they relinquish control of the CPU to the next
program. Cooperative multitasking is common with Macintosh OS and DOS
computers running Microsoft Windows.

• Pre-emptive Multitasking: Under this scheme, the OS maintain a list of

processes (programs) that are running. Each process on the list is assigned a
priority by the OS when it is started. At any time, the OS can intervene and
modify the priority list. The OS also retains control of the amount of time that it
spends with any process before going to the next process. UNIX, OS/2 and
Windows NT employ preemptive multitasking.

2. Multi-user Operating Systems: A multi-user OS allows more than a single user access
to a computer at the same time. Of course, to accomplish this, a multi-user OS must also
be capable of multitasking. Only UNIX OS and Windows NT are capable of supporting
multiple users. UNIX provides three ways to let people use the same PC at the same time.

• The first way to connect to a PC running UNIX is from another computer with a
modem. The remote user can log in and run programs, list files, send emails read

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 the news and otherwise do everything they could do if they were physically in
front of the UNIX computer.

• The second way to connect to a UNIX computer is by attaching terminals to

the PC. Terminals are inexpensive devices that consist of a keyboard, and a
monitor.

• The third way to tap into a UNIX computer multi-user capability is with a
network.

3. Multiprocessing Operating Systems: A special type of OS is required to use a computer

equipped with more than one CPU. In other words, multiprocessing requires an OS
capable of using and managing a series of CPUs. There are two types:

• With asymmetrical multiprocessing one main CPU retains the overall control of
the computer as well as that of the other microprocessor.

• On the other hand, in symmetrical multiprocessing there is no single controlling

CPU. This arrangement provides a linear increase in system capacity for each
processor added to the system.

• Some extensions of UNIX support asymmetric multiprocessing while Windows

NT supports symmetric multiprocessing.

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

1. DOS (Disk Operating System): MS-DOS used to be the most common and most
popular of all the PC operating systems. The reason for its popularity then is because of the
overwhelming volume of available software and large installation of Intel-based PCs. DOS
runs on any of the Intel microprocessor. DOS functions through the command–line interface
i.e. DOS functions by commands.

2. Microsoft Windows: Microsoft Windows is a version of DOS. It was released in 1987.

Microsoft Windows can run standard DOS programs either in a window within the Graphic
Use Interface (GUI) or on a full-screen. To take full advantage of the Microsoft environment
you need programs written for Microsoft Windows.

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3. Operating Systems 2 (OS/2): 1BM and Microsoft teamed up to develop the Operating
System 2(OS/2) to take full advantage of the multitasking capabilities of the newly
introduced Intel 80286 microprocessor. OS/2 like DOS has a character–based command-line
mode, but unlike DOS, the command interpreter is a separate program from the OS kernel
and is only involved when you click on the OS/2. OS/2 runs only on Intel 80286 and later
Intel processors.

4. The Macintosh OS: The Macintosh OS is a purely graphic machine. In fact there is no
equipment of a command-line interface available for it. Its tight integration of OS, GUI and
desktop make it desirable for people who do not want to deal with a command-line interface.
The Macintosh OS only runs on Macintosh machine. The Macintosh OS has an additional
network protocol built into it and is ideal for desktop publishing. Installing and configuring a
Macintosh with new hardware device is simple.

5. UNIX: UNIX is the first OS that runs on many different types of computers. It runs on
Cray supercomputers, PCs, and everything in between including mainframes and
minicomputers. UNIX is older than all the other PC operating systems and, in many ways,
served as a model for them. UNIX is based on a simple idea-small is better. Every command
and program that makes up the OS is designed to do a simple very specific task and do it
well. UNIX is an extremely robust and capable OS that utilizes command –line and there are
so many commands.

6. Microsoft Windows NT: Microsoft Windows NT is a new OS designed from scratch for
the most modern and capable machines available. Microsoft Windows NT offers built-in
features that no other PC OS has – with the possible exception of UNIX. In addition to the
traditional UNIX features of strict system security, built-in networking, built-in
communications and electronic mail services development and system administration tools,
and a GUI. Microsoft Windows NT can run Microsoft Windows applications and many
UNIX applications, directly. Like OS/2 it is a 32-bit OS that can use 386, 486 and Pentium
processors Microsoft Windows NT is multitasking and purely graphical OS with network
software to make a network client or server. It is single- user and allows access to command
line interface of the DOS unlike the Macintosh.

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