ICT IGCSE Theory

1.4 Types of computer

systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

• Describe the characteristics of a personal/desktop computer and its uses, both as a

standalone and networked computer
• Describe the characteristics of a laptop computer and what it is used for, both as a
standalone and networked computer
• Describe the characteristics of a tablet computer and what it is used for, including its
ability to use wireless technology or 3G/4G technology
• Describe the computer characteristics of a smartphone and what it is used for in
computing terms
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each type of computer

ICT IGCSE
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.4 Types of computer
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Describe the characteristics of a personal/desktop computer and its uses, both as

a standalone and networked computer

Desktop/Personal Computer

• Computers used to be huge and would sometime

take up the whole space of a room.
• In the 1980s (desktop/personal) computers were
created and were small enough to fit on desks.
• These computers were cheap and affordable for
the public.
• Desktop Computer normally have a separate
monitor,
keyboard, mouse, speakers etc.
Standalone Networked
• Can be used as a • Share resources
standalone computer in • Share files
your home for personal or • Shared Drives
work use. • Central Storage
• Tends to be connected • Online Gaming
to own printer and
internet connection.

ICT IGCSE
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.4 Types of computer
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Describe the characteristics of a laptop computer and what it is used for, both as a
standalone and networked computer

Laptop Computer

• Laptops refers to a computer where all the components

(monitor, keyboard etc.) are together on a single
device.
• The main advantage of a laptop computer is that it
is portable and can connect wirelessly to network
connections.

Standalone Networked
Can be used for either • Connect to Internet
personal or work use. • Share resources
• Completing work • Share files
• Communication • Shared Drives
• Gaming • Central Storage
• Online Gaming

ICT IGCSE
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.4 Types of computer
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Describe the characteristics of a tablet computer and what it is used for, including
its ability to use wireless technology or 3G/4G technology

Tablet Computer

• Tablets are very similar to smart phones.

• They have an internet connection via a wireless
connection including 3G/4G.
• Tablets make use of touch screen technology to
select options on a menu or to select particular
icons.
• Applications can be downloaded and installed.
• Sensors including speech recognition.
Wireless 3G/4G
Tablets are able to connect 4G is a mobile communications
to any wireless networks. standard intended to replace
3G, allowing wireless Internet
Users are able to use the access at a much higher
internet as long as they are speeds.
in range.
Would allow for internet
connection on the
move.
ICT IGCSE
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.4 Types of computer
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Describe the computer characteristics of a smartphone and what it is used for in

computing terms

Smart Phone
• Smart phones can use traditional methods to make
phones calls and send messages using mobile
network.
• Smart phones have operating systems which allows
them to run multiple applications.
• Like the Tablets Computers Smart Phones have
many features including:
• Touch Technology
• Internet connection (Wireless/3G/4G)
• Sensors
• Cameras

Use
• Send and receive emails
• Browse the internet
• Voice over Internet Protocol (Voip) – voice/video calls.
• Streaming music/video content
• Communication via social networking applications
• Global Positioning System – to help navigate

ICT IGCSE
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.4 Types of computer
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each type of computer

Type Advantages Disadvantages

Desktop/Person • Always connected to the mains. • Not portable
al Computer • Monitors can come in any sizes • Takes up more desk space.
• Can be upgraded and parts easily replaced. • Separate components like keyboard,
• Tend to have a higher specifications than laptop mouse, monitor, speakers etc.
computers. • Loose cables which could be trip hazards.

Laptop • Its portable due to small size and weight. • Limited battery life.
Compute • Battery can be recharged. • Laptops are difficult to repair and upgrade.
• Can connect wireless to internet. • Can be stolen or lost.
r • No loose cables. All components • Some users find it difficult to use
connected together. pointing device.

Tablet • High definition anti glare display. • Limited memory compared to laptops.
Computer • Wireless , 3G/4G & Bluetooth connection. • Expensive to use 3G/4G internet
• Data can backed up or synchronised with • Typing can be more difficult compared to
other devices. a normal keyboard.
• Touch screen technology • Not all files are compatible with tablets.
• Battery life longer than a mobile phone.

Smart Phone • Small in size and easier to carry around. • Small screens make it difficult to read.
• Can be used whilst on the move using • Battery life is short
wireless or 3G/4G Connectivity. • Could be misplaced or stolen
• Touch screen technology • Limited storage/memory compared to
other types of computers.
• Slow data transfer rates

ICT IGCSE
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.4 Types of computer
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using each type

of computer?
Exam Question
A desktop computer (PC) is always connected to a power source so you do not have to worry
about the battery running out. In addition a PC is easier to upgrade as individual components can
be replaced.
Furthermore the PC tends have a higher performance compared to laptop, tablet and smart
phones.
However the PC is not portable and loose cables could be a trip hazard. More desk space is required for
the PC and separate components such a mouse and keyboard would have to be purchased also. The
main advantage of using the laptop computer is that it is portable and it does not need to be
connected to a power source all the time. However the battery is limited and would require a
regular charge. Some users may also find using the touch pad quite difficult to maneuver the pointer
on the screen. However no additional components would have to be purchased as the touchpad,
keyboard and screen are built into the monitor. On the other hand the laptop could be lost or stolen.
The Tablet is even more portable than the laptop and tends to have a longer battery life compared
the laptop and smartphone. In addition It can either connect to the internet wirelessly or via mobile
networks. In contrast the screen is smaller on a tablet and it may be more difficult to create resources
compared to laptop or PC. The smart phone is more portable than a tablet and like the tablet can
connect to internet either wirelessly or through the mobile networks. The performance and storage of
the smart phone will be limited compared to the other computers. Some users may also find it
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difficult the touch screen difficult to use due to the smaller screen.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.4 Types of computer
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to a teacher of using a

tablet computer instead of another type of computer.

Exam Question

The advantage of using a tablet device in the class room is that it is more portable
than a PC or laptop. Internet can be accessed in most places either wirelessly or via
mobile networks (4G). However the tablet will have a smaller screen than a monitor
or screen on a laptop. In addition the tablet is not as portable as a smart phone.
On the other hand specific applications may be used to help the students interact
with the lesson. Nevertheless it may prove more difficult to create worksheets and
lesson resources on the tablet compared to using a PC or laptop.

ICT IGCSE