Computer Architecture

Lecturer: S. Shifran
[email protected]
+94 768701466
Senior Software QA Engineer (Accel Digital - Australia)
B.Sc in IS & Master in IT ® - University of Colombo
Lesson 04 – Types
of Computers
 Outline
●Types of Computers
●Desktop Microcomputer
●Laptop Computer
●Workstation
●Supercomputer
●Mainframe / Server
●Handheld
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 Types of Computers

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 Types of Computers
• Micro Computer
• Mini Computer
• Mainframe Computer
• Super Computer

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Super Computers
These computers have higher computing power.
They are large in size, expensive and rare
These are used for scientific and engineering
functions and to solve complex mathematical
problems.
For example, these computers are used in institutes
like NAZA, large scale businesses and for military
purposes.
 Supercomputer
●A computer that was the fastest in the world at the time it was constructed.
●Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computers currently available.
1.Supercomputers are very expensive and
2.Are employed for specialized applications that require huge amounts of
mathematical calculations For example, weather forecasting requires a
supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers scientific simulations, (animated)
graphics, Nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data

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Mainframe Computers
These are relatively less computing power and
less expensive than the super computers. In
mainframe computers, a number of users get
connected to one computer using a number of
terminals sharing, saving and retrieving data.
These are used in large scale businesses and in
e-business. This type of computers are used even
today in some large commercial institutions.
 Mainframe / Server
● Purpose is to “serve.”
● A computer that has the purpose of
supplying its users with data; usually
through the use of a LAN (local area
network).
● Dummy terminals. It means that, they
have a computer keyboard and a
computer monitor, but the entire
processing and storage is done at the
computer server. These terminals do not
have individual hard disks, instead, they
store data on the computer server's hard
disk.
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 Mainframe / Server
●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.
■ mainframes can still occupy a room ●Usually housed in a closet
full of equipment and cost million sized cabinet.
of dollars and support thousands of
users
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Mini Computers
These are slower, less powerful and less
expensive than Mainframe computers and are
also called common purpose computers. These
are easy to use. A few users get connected to the
central computer here through a few terminals to
share data and information. Some banking
systems use mini computers.
Personal Computers/ Micro Computer
This is a small computer meant for personal use.
This consists of a small memory capacity, is
smaller in size, is less speedy and is less
expensive. Further, this consumes little electricity

Laptop computers and personal computers are

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 Desktop Microcomputer
● Has separate components (keyboard,
mouse, etc.) that are each plugged into the
computer.
● Tower model : The term refers to a
computer in which the power supply,
motherboard, and mass storage devices
are stacked on top of each other in a
cabinet.

Desktop model
A computer designed to fit
comfortably on top of a desk,
typically with the monitor sitting
11 on top of 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.

1.Flat-panel technologies
2. Nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same
CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives. However, all this power
13 in a small package is expensive.
 Workstation
● A workstation is a specialized, single user computer that typically has more power
and features than a standard desktop computer. These machines are more popular
in the lab of scientists, engineers or even animators who require a system with
greater than average speed and power to perform sophisticated calculations,
rendering, or high level tasks.
● This higher specifications allow for advanced architectural engineering design,
modeling ,animation and even video editing.

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 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.

(wasatch,2015)

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