OVERVIEW:
“Computers are everywhere”. In the past two decades, computers have reshaped our lives at home, work and school. As your knowledge of computer grows, you will understand that all computers regardless of their sizes and purpose are similar.
THE COMPUTER DEFINED:
In basic terms, a computer is an electronic device that process data, converting it into information that is useful to people. Any computer regardless of its types is controlled by programming instructions, which gives the machine instructions and tell it what to do. A less known type of computer is ANALOG COMPUTER, which works in very different way as compared to digital computer. Analog and digital computer are different in many respects, but the most important thing they both represent is DATA. DIGITAL computer represent data as values with no other possibilities but the ANALOG computer represents data as variable and continuous values with other possibilities also. This makes analog computers more reliable and easy then digital computers. The common type of analog computer is old fashioned slide rule.
COMPUTER FOR INDIVIDUAL USERS:
Most computers are used by only person at a time. The six primary types of computers in this category are:
- Desktop computer
- Workstations
- Tablet computers
- Notebook computers
- Handheld computers
- Smartphones
These systems are all examples of personal computers(PCs). Personal computers are also called “Microcomputers”. The term personal computer PC is also used to describe desktop computers.
DESKTOP COMPUTERS:
The most common type of personal computers are “desktop computers”, that are designed to sit on a desk or a table. These are the systems that you see all around in your schools, offices, universities, working labs, homes and they are the main topic of this book. They can be used to communicate, produce music, edit photographs and videos, play games and much more. The main computer of the desktop PC is the system unit. There are two common designs for the desktop computers i.e, a horizontally oriented systems and a vertically oriented tower model.
WORKSTATIONS:
A Workstation is a specialized, single user computer that typically has more power and features then a standard desktop PC. Workstations have large, high resolutionized monitors, accelerated graphics and handling capabilities.
NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS:
Notebook computers having shape of an 8.5 by 11 inch notebook and easily put inside a briefcase. They are also called LAPTOP computers. Notebook computers are fully functional microcomputers. Because of their portability, notebook computer are fall into a device called MOBILE computers systems small enough to carried by their users.
TABLET PCs:
The tablet pcs are the newest development, full-featured computers. The tablet pcs are same as notebook pcs, but they are lighter and accept inputs from a pen called a STYLUS or a digital pen that is used to tap and write directly on the screen.
HANDHELD COMPUTERS:
Handheld computers are small enough to be fit in your hands. A popular type of Handheld computers is PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT PDA. A PDA can be connected to large computers for exchanging data.
SMARTPHONES:
A smartphone is a phone that performs many functions of the computers. They have functions include web and email access, special software such as personal organizers or special hardware such as digital cameras or music players.
COMPUTERS FOR ORGANIZATION:
- Network servers
- Mainframe computers
- Minicomputers
- Supercomputers
NETWORK SERVERS:
MAINFRAME COMPUTERS:
Mainframe computers are use in large organizations such as banks and insurance companies where many people need to use the same data. Each user accesses the mainframe resources through a device called a TERMINAL. A dumb terminal (not storing or processing data) and an intelligent terminal (performing operations but not having storage usually). Mainframes are large powerful systems. Website to reserve a seat on a flight, you probably transaction with a mainframe computer.
MINICOMPUTERS:
Minicomputers got their names because of their small sized compared to the other computers of the day. The capabilities of a minicomputer are those between personal computers and mainframes. They are also called MIDRANGED computers.
SUPERCOMPUTERS:
Supercomputers are the most powerful computers and physically they are some of the largest. Supercomputers are ideal for handling large and highly complex problems that require extreme calculating power.
COMPUTERS IN SOCIETY:
Why computers are important in our society? People often talked about computer terms and their Impact on our lives. Computers are important in our society because information is so essential in our lives. All the information is stored and processed by computers. If you work in a place and need to perform various tasks, a desktop computer is the best choice. Choose a desktop computer if you want to work with graphics, designs or use multimedia products, setup complex hardware.
HOME:
People cannot imagine lives without computers. In fact, a growing families have multiple pcs in their homes. They use computers at home for communications, business work done, schoolwork, entertainment and finances.
EDUCATION:
More and more schools are adding computers technology in educational circle. Educators see computer technology as an essential learning requirement for all students. SMALL BUSSINESS: Many of todays successful companies are nothing without computers. Hundred of thousand of individuals launch business based from their home or in small office locations. Small business become more self-sufficient and reduce their operating expenses.
INDUSTRY:
Enterprises use different kinds of computers in many combinations. Computers are applied in industry for design, shipping and process control.
GOVERNMENT:
Computers plays important role in nearly every government agency. Such as in taxes,
population, military, and police.
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