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CF U1 Lesson 1

This document discusses different types of computers and their uses. It describes supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, laptops, tablets, PDAs, cell phones, and workstations. For each type of computer it provides details about their size, processing power, typical uses, and how they have evolved over time. The document also notes that computers can be found in many different industries beyond just personal use, such as automobiles, banking, manufacturing, and healthcare.

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75 views13 pages

CF U1 Lesson 1

This document discusses different types of computers and their uses. It describes supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, laptops, tablets, PDAs, cell phones, and workstations. For each type of computer it provides details about their size, processing power, typical uses, and how they have evolved over time. The document also notes that computers can be found in many different industries beyond just personal use, such as automobiles, banking, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Uploaded by

gerwin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computing Fundamentals

Using Windows XP – IC³ Module A

Unit 1:
Recognizing
Computers

Lesson 1:
Computers All
Around Us
Lesson 1: Computers All Around Us

 Supercomputer
 Mainframe
 Minicomputer
 Personal Computer
 Notebook or Laptop
 Personal Digital Assistant
 Pocket PC
 Cellular Phones
 Other Electronic Computing Devices
2
How Computers Can Be Used
 Personal computers (PC) are very
powerful tools
– Can perform calculations very quickly
– Can complete many complex tasks
simultaneously
– Called a microcomputer
 Computers keep getting smaller but large
computers are still used
 Power and speed main characteristics that
differentiate various types of computers
3
Large Systems
 Supercomputer considered fastest type of
computer
– Very expensive due to
amount of information
processed
– Generally specialized
software programs installed
and used for scientific and
engineering tasks
– Power goes into running and
performing calculations

4
Large Systems
 Mainframe computers fill an entire room
 Can simultaneously handle hundreds of programs and users
without sacrificing performance
 Processes large volumes of data at incredible speeds
 Commonly found in government agencies or large
organizations
 Sometimes called centralized systems

Cray X1 Supercomputer

5
Large Systems
 Minicomputers fill part of a room
 Process data at slower rate and
in smaller volumes
 Noticeable reduction in speed
with more users
 Commonly found in medium-
sized manufacturing companies
and legal or accounting firms

6
Personal Computers
 Microcomputers sit on, beside or under a desk, process
data quickly, and are designed for one user
 Generally two types of microcomputers: PC or Apple
 Which computer to use depends on what’s required, or
personal preference
 Majority of companies use PCs due to the wide variety of
software programs available
 Apple machines traditionally used in specialized industries
such as graphics design or publishing
 Newer software programs have few differences between
computers

Apple 7
PC
Notebooks or Laptop Computers
 Notebook/Laptop computers are portable microcomputers
 Similar to desktop models in speed, performance and usage
 Laptops got name from the fact that you could rest the
computer on top of your lap and work
 Not always popular due to weight and design elements
 Newer models are smaller and lighter and are now the size
of a paper notebook
 Accessories, purchased separately, can enhance enjoyment
and experience of using notebook
 Cost of notebooks now relatively low in comparison to when
first introduced

PC Apple 8
Tablets
 Appear similar to a notebook but usually screen can be
swiveled or folded over
 User can write or select items using special pen designed
for tablet
 Have touch screen capability installed for easy data entry
with pen or stylo device, or built-in keyboard
 Can be seen being used in hospitals or by home inspectors,
engineers and salespeople
 Can also be used for electronic/interactive books

9
Personal Digital Assistants
 Small palm-sized computers
 Have software installed with features for organizing
information, similar to a calendar or organizer book
 Pocket PC has microprocessor chip and software to create
documents in addition to the organizer program that comes
with all PDAs
 Some PDAs also have digital cameras, video/audio, or
Internet capabilities

Monochrome PDA Color PDAs Pocket PC with


10
Digital Camera
Personal Digital Assistants
 Newer cellular phones can include access to the Internet or
software to create documents, listen to music, take pictures
or video, send text messages, and send e-mail
 Cost varies with the number of features and capabilities for
each cellular phone, Pocket PC, or PDA and extras such as
connection to the Internet, e-mail capability and extra
software are separate expenses

11
Workstations
 Essentially any computer that does not have a
local disk drive for storage; all information comes
from a central network
 Usually a system that requires a lot of power for
processing files, such as drafting, desktop
publishing, graphics design, video editing and
programming
 Generally operating system used for these
computers will either be Unix or Windows NT
 Can either be connected to network where
multiple users share the same software or data
files, or used solely by one person
12
Other Types of Computers
 Computers can be found in variety of areas not often
considered:
– Automobiles have computers built into the engine to
help diagnose problems
– Automated Teller Machines use specialized software to
interact with bank’s database network
– Manufacturing uses computerized robotic technology and
systems to control or run production equipment
– Health industry have computerized equipment or
customized software to help analyze information
received
 Computer is really a very large and advanced calculator
that performs tasks
– Based on the hexadecimal computations of 1 or 0
 Computers need network to communicate with others to
share information
13

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