ICT
Types of Computers
● Brief history of Computer
● Definition and concept of computer
● Introduction to the parts of computer Hardware
Types of Computers
1. Super computer
2. Mainframe,
3. Mini /Micro Computers
4. personnel computer
5. hybrid computers
6. Digital vs. Analog
7. ICT in various industries
History of Computers
When we study the many aspects of computing and computers, it is important to
know about the history of computers. Charles Babbage designed an Analytical
Engine which was a general computer It helps us understand the growth and
progress of technology through the times.
What is Computer: Computer is an electronic device that is designed to work
with Information. The term computer is derived from the Latin
term ‘computare’, this means to calculate or programmable
machine. Computer cannot do anything without a Program. It represents the
decimal numbers through a string of binary digits.
computer Hardware
A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and
Software. Hardware refers to the physical and visible components of the
system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and mouse. Software, on the
other hand, refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware to
perform a specific set of tasks.
Types of Computers
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A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It
processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the user
and gives the desired output. Computers are of various types and they can be
categorized in two ways on the basis of size and on the basis of data handling
capabilities.
Computer
Types of Computers
There are two bases on which we can define the types of computers. We will discuss the type
of computers on the basis of size and data handling capabilities. We will discuss each type of
computer in detail. Let’s see first what are the types of computers.
● Super Computer
● Mainframe computer
● Mini Computer
● Workstation Computer
● Personal Computer (PC)
● Server Computer
● Analog Computer
● Hybrid Computer
● Tablets and Smartphone
Now, we are going to discuss each of them in detail.
Supercomputer
When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when thinking of
computers is supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest computers (in terms of speed
of processing data). Supercomputers are designed such that they can process a huge amount
of data, like processing trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the
thousands of interconnected processors in supercomputers. It is basically used in scientific
and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations, and nuclear
energy research. It was first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.
Super Computers
Characteristics of Supercomputers
● Supercomputers are the computers that are the fastest and they are also very
expensive.
● It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is also the
reason which makes it even faster.
● It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online
currency world such as Bitcoin etc.
● It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from exploring
the solar system, satellites, etc.
Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they can support hundreds or
thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So,
they can execute different processes simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe
computer ideal for big organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high
volume of data in general.
Characteristics of Mainframe Computers
● It is also an expensive or costly computer.
● It has high storage capacity and great performance.
● It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector)
very quickly.
● It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.
Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are
two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time. Minicomputer is similar to
Microcontroller. Minicomputers are used in places like institutes or departments for different
work like billing, accounting, inventory management, etc. It is smaller than a mainframe
computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.
Characteristics of Minicomputer
● Its weight is low.
● Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
● less expensive than a mainframe computer.
● It is fast.
Workstation Computer
A workstation computer is designed for technical or scientific applications. It consists of a
fast microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and a high-speed graphic adapter. It is a
single-user computer. It is generally used to perform a specific task with great accuracy.
Characteristics of Workstation Computer
● It is expensive or high in cost.
● They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
● It provides large storage capacity, better graphics, and a more powerful CPU when
compared to a PC.
● It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation,
and editing.
Personal Computer (PC)
Personal Computers is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a general-purpose
computer designed for individual use. It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing
unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit. This kind of computer is suitable for
personal work such as making an assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office
work, etc. For example, Laptops and desktop computers.
Personal Computer
Characteristics of Personal Computer (PC)
● In this limited number of software can be used.
● It is the smallest in size.
● It is designed for personal use.
● It is easy to use.
Server Computer
Server Computers are computers that are combined data and programs. Electronic data and
applications are stored and shared in the server computer. The working of a server computer
is that it does not solve a bigger problem like a supercomputer but it solves many smaller
similar ones. Examples of server computer are like Wikipedia, as when users put a request for
any page, it finds what the user is looking for and sends it to the user.
Analog Computer
Analog Computers are particularly designed to process analog data. Continuous data that
changes continuously and cannot have discrete values are called analog data. So, an analog
computer is used where we don’t need exact values or need approximate values such as
speed, temperature, pressure, etc. It can directly accept the data from the measuring device
without first converting it into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous changes in
physical quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example speedometer,
mercury thermometer, etc.
Tablet and Smartphones
Tablets and Smartphones are the types of computers that are pocket friendly and easy to carry
is these are handy. This is one of the best use of modern technology. These devices have
better hardware capabilities, extensive operating systems, and better multimedia
functionality. smartphones and tablets contain a number of sensors and are also able to
provide wireless communication protocols.
Tablet and Smartphones
Parts / Classification of Computers.
Computer Hardware and Software
Inside the system unit
(Processor, Memory, Hardware, Software), Types of Software
Data processing (Machine cycle, System clock)
Storage devices (primary and secondary storage devices),
Printer, and its types, Pointing devices
Computer Hardware and Software
A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and Software. Hardware refers
to the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and
mouse. Software, on the other hand, refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware
to perform a specific set of tasks. The software must be installed in the hardware to function
properly and similarly, the hardware must be present for the tasks to be performed. Both are
interdependent, yet they are also different from each other.
Differences between Hardware and Software
Hardware Software
Hardware is further divided into four Software is further divided into two
main categories: main categories:
● Input Devices ● Application Software
● Output Devices ● System Software
● Secondary Storage Devices
● Internal Components
Developed using electronic and Developed writing using
other materials instructions using a programming
language
When damaged, it can be replaced When damaged it can be installed
with a new component once more using a backup copy
Hardware is physical in nature and The software cannot be physically
hence one can touch and see touched but still can be used and
hardware seen
Hardware cannot be infected by The software can be infected by
Viruses Viruses
Hardware will physically wear out Software does not wear out but it
over time can be affected by bugs and
glitches
An example of Hardware is hard An example of software is Windows
drives, monitors, CPU, scanners, 10, Adobe Photoshop, Google
printers etc. Chrome etc.
the system unit
What Is System Unit?
What is system unit? A typical desktop computer is composed of a computer system unit, a
keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor. The computer system unit is the outer shell of all other
main internal components of the computer. It is also called a computer case, computer case,
or computer tower. The housing is usually made of steel or aluminum, but plastics can also be
used.
The main function of the computer system unit is to fix all other components together and
protect sensitive electronic components from external components.
Components of System Unit
Some of the components in the system unit are; random access memory
(RAM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), hard disk, motherboard,
fan, processor or central processing unit (CPU), power supply, and floppy
disk drive.
The system unit also has other components, such as a universal serial bus
(USB) port, power button, cables, video, and sound card.
Then, let’s get more information about the main components of system
unit.
1. Motherboard
The motherboard is the main internal hardware component of the system
unit. This board is called the “motherboard” because it has all the
connectors that connect to the other hardware components of the
computer system. This means that all input and output (I/O) devices have
their connectors on the motherboard.
Since the CPU (especially high-speed CPU) generates a lot of heat during
operation, it has a socket for fixing the central processing unit (CPU) or the
processor with a heat sink and fan. It also has a main memory slot, a video
or graphics card slot, and a backup battery.
2. CPU or Processor
The CPU is the hardware component responsible for all operations performed in the
computer system, which is why most computer users call it the brain of the computer, which
is fixed on the motherboard through a slot.
The CPU or processor has two main components, namely the control unit (CU) and the
arithmetic logic unit (ALU). CU fetches instructions from memory and executes them to
control input and output devices, while ALU performs arithmetic and logic processing. The
speed of the processor is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
Also see: 8 Useful Solutions to Fix Your CPU 100% in Windows 10
3. RAM
RAM is the main memory of a computer system, and its main function is to
temporarily store data. Based on the fact that the data is accessed randomly (in no
particular order), it allows the CPU to easily access the data. It can also speed up
the operation of the computer because it allows random access to data.
The larger the RAM, the faster the CPU can access data. RAM is volatile, which
means it works or stores data while the computer is still running, and loses all data
when the computer is shut down. RAM, CPU, and hard disk are the main sources
of computer speed. A computer can use multiple RAMs, depending on the user’s
preference, but limited by the number of memory slots on the motherboard.
4. Hard Drive
The main storage device of a computer system is a hard disk or hard disk drive.
Unlike RAM, which temporarily stores data, the main function of a hard drive is to
permanently store information, files, and other documents, and also allows data to
be retrieved, but it is non-volatile (data will not be lost when the computer is shut
down).
The operating system and application software (apps) are installed on the hard
drive. The amount of data that a hard drive can hold depends on its capacity.
Most modern system units or chassis can contain two hard drives, one of which can
be used as a “primary” (primary) hard drive; one for installing the operating
system, and the other as a “slave” (secondary) hard drive; you can combine
documents and Other files are stored on which files and other files to avoid
overloading the main hard drive to avoid slowing down the system. The secondary
hard drive can also be used as a backup for damage to the primary hard drive.
