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Types of Computers & Computer Hardware

There are several types of computers including microcomputers like desktops and laptops, supercomputers, and mainframes. Computer hardware includes the central processing unit (CPU), input devices like keyboards and mice, and output devices like monitors, printers, and speakers. Storage devices are used to keep data when the computer is powered off and come in forms like hard disks, floppy disks, and CDs. Peripherals expand the capabilities of computers for input, output, and storage.

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Cara Gregorio
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51 views

Types of Computers & Computer Hardware

There are several types of computers including microcomputers like desktops and laptops, supercomputers, and mainframes. Computer hardware includes the central processing unit (CPU), input devices like keyboards and mice, and output devices like monitors, printers, and speakers. Storage devices are used to keep data when the computer is powered off and come in forms like hard disks, floppy disks, and CDs. Peripherals expand the capabilities of computers for input, output, and storage.

Uploaded by

Cara Gregorio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Computers &

Computer Hardware
Computer Technology
Basic Terminology

• Software
• A computer program that tells the
• Computer computer how to perform
particular tasks.
• A device that accepts input,
processes data, stores data, and
produces output, all according to a
series of stored instructions.
• Network
• Two or more computers and other
devices that are connected, for the
• Hardware purpose of sharing data and
programs.
• Includes the electronic and
mechanical devices that process
the data; refers to the computer as
well as peripheral devices.
• Peripheral devices
• Used to expand the computer’s
input, output and storage
capabilities.
Computer Performance and
Processing

• Boot Process
• Bootstrapping
condition.
is the process of starting up a computer from a halted or powered-down

• Data
• Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or ideas.
• Information
• Processed, stored, or transmitted data.
• Output
• Consists of the processing results produced by a computer.
• Input
• Information that is created or collected and fed into the system.
• Base 2 binary code
• Aonly
numbering system with only two digits numbers are 0 and 1. All numbers are comprised of
these two digits.
Types of Computers
Microcomputer
• A personal computer;
designed to meet the
computer needs of an
individual.
• Provides access to a wide
variety of computing
applications, such as word
processing, photo editing,
e-mail, and internet.
Desktop Microcomputer

• A microcomputer that fits


on a desk and runs on
power from an electrical
wall outlet.
• The CPU can be housed in
either a vertical or a
horizontal case.
• Has separate components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.)
that are each plugged into
the computer.
Laptop Computer
• A portable, compact
computer that can run on
an electrical wall outlet or
a battery unit.
• All components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.)
are in one compact unit.
• Usually more expensive
than a comparable
desktop.
• Sometimes called a
Notebook.
Supercomputer
• A computer that was the fastest in the world at the time
it was constructed.
• Can tackle tasks that would not be practical for other
computers.
• Typical uses
• Breaking codes
• Modeling weather systems
Mainframe
• Large expensive computer
capable of simultaneously
processing data for
hundreds or thousands of
users.
• Used to store, manage,
and process large
amounts of data that need
to be reliable, secure, and
centralized.
• Usually housed in a closet
sized cabinet.
Handheld

• Also called a PDA (Personal


Digital Assistant).
• A computer that fits into a
pocket, runs on batteries, and is
used while holding the unit in
your hand.
• Typically used as an
appointment book, address
book, calculator, and notepad.
• Can be synchronized with a
personal microcomputer as a
backup.
Computer Components Hardware
System unit

• Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and


the circuit boards (including the motherboard).
CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• Where the processing in a computer takes place, often


called the brain of the computer.
Input Devices

• Units that gather information and transform that


information it into a series of electronic signals for the
computer.
Keyboard

• An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special function


keys that act as the primary input device to the computer.
Mouse

• An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects


on the screen by moving the device along the surface of a
desk.
Microphone

• A microphone allows computer users to input audio into


their computers.
Scanner

• A scanner is a device that captures images from


photographic prints, posters, magazine pages, and similar
sources for computer editing and display
WEBCAM

• A webcam is a video camera that feeds or streams its


image in real time to or through a computer to
a computer network.
Output Devices

• Devices that display, print, or transmit the results of


processing from the computer’s memory.
Monitor

• Display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer
into points of colored light on the screen.
• Resolution
• The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics; the greater the
horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution.
• Pixels
• The smallest unit in a graphic image; computer display devices use a matrix of
pixels to display text and graphics.
Printer

• Output device that produces text or graphical images on


paper.
Speakers

• Output devices that receive signals from the computer’s


sound card to play music, narration, or sound effects.
Storage Devices
• Used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off.
• Different forms
• Hard disk
• Floppy or zip disks
• CD-Writer

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