Types of

Computer
s
Intro to ICT for Pharmacy

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 Class
Objectives

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Computers
 Computer: A computer is an advanced electronic device that
takes raw data as input from the user and processes this data
under the control of a set of instructions called programs and it
gives the results/output. Put simply a computer is ‘a machine
that stores and manipulates information under the control of a
changeable program’ (Wilmot 2018)
 Data: Data is a collection of basic facts and figures without any
sequence. This data is also known as raw data. When the data
is collected as facts and figures, there is no meaning to it at the
time, e.g., names of patients, dates of birth, contact numbers,
etc.
 Processing: Processing is the set of instructions given by the
user to the related data that was collcted earlier to output
meaningful information. The computer does the required
processing by making calculations, comparisons and decisions.
 Information: Information is the end point or the final output of
any processed work. This meaningful iutput data is called
Information.

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Types of Computers
 Personal Computer / Desktop
 Laptop Computer
 Tablet Computer
 Smartphones

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Personal / Desktop
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.

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Personal / Desktop
Computer
 Standalone
 Can be used as a standalone computer in
your home for personal or work use.
 Tends to be connected to own printer
and internet connection.

 Networked
 Share resources
 Share files
 Shared Drives
 Central Storage
 Online Gaming

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Advantages &Disadvantages

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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.

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Laptop Computer
 Standalone
 Can be used for either personal or work use.
 Completing work
 Communication
 Gaming

 Networked
 Connect to Internet
 Share resources
 Share files
 Shared Drives
 Central Storage
 Online Gaming
 resources

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Advantages &Disadvantages

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 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.

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Tablet Computer
 Wireless
 Tablets are able to connect to any
wireless networks.
 Users are able to use the internet as long
as they are in range.

 3G/4G
 4G is a mobile communications standard
intended to replace 3G, allowing wireless
Internet access at a much higher speeds.
 Would allow for internet connection on
the move.

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Advantages &Disadvantages

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Smart Phones
 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

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Smart Phone
 Uses
 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

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Advantages &Disadvantages

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 Based on size
On the basis of size, computer are categorized as follows:
Microcomputer
These types of computers are the least powerful, yet the most
widely used and fastest growing type of computers, often called
portable computer. Examples of microcomputers are personal
computer, laptop computer, tablet computer and smartphones.
Minicomputer:

Computer
These are smaller in size, faster cost less than mainframe computers.
Initially created to carry out specific task such as Computer Aided
Design (CAD) and now they are used as central computers called
Categories servers.
Mainframe Computer:
These types of computers have large internal memory storage and
comprehensive range of software. Mainframe computers serve as
the backbone for the entire business world
Super Computer: These are the fastest and the most expensive
machines. They have high processing speed compared to other
computers. Examples include: Siddhartha, CRAY-1, and PARAM

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Micro Computer Mini Computer

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Mainframe Computer Super Computer

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Next
Topic:
Parts of
the
Computer
Hardware
Software

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