13 TYPES OF COMPUTERS TYPES OF COMPUTERS THREE

13. TYPES OF COMPUTERS

TYPES OF COMPUTERS � THREE main types of computers: Ø Microcomputer Ø Minicomputer Ø Mainframe computer

Microcomputer � Personal or desktop computer designed for general use by a single person. � Cheap and easy to use. � Mid-range servers supporting smaller number of simultaneous users, typically 50 to 100. � Allow many simultaneous users.

Minicomputer � Medium-sized computer. � Expensive and difficult to use. � Medium-sized businesses or organizations, banks and etc. � Used in Banks for controlling ATM, Supermarket for controlling inventory, etc.

Mainframe computer Large, powerful computers that can carry out many different tasks for many different people at the same time. � Usually connected to a large number of peripherals. � Typically huge databases, complex mathematical operations, processing millions of transactions everyday. � Used by large companies such as: � Ø Banks – Managing customer accounts Ø Airlines – Dealing with booking of tickets, cancellation etc.

Supercomputer � Very expensive than Mainframe computer. � Most are comprised of multiple high performance computers working in parallel as a single system. � The best known supercomputers are built by Cray Supercomputers.

Desktop �A Personal Computer that is not designed for portability. � The computer is set up in a permanent location. � Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost.

Workstation �A desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3 D Graphics or game development.

Laptops � Also called notebooks. � Portable computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly larger than an average hardcover book.

PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) PDA’s are tightly integrated computers that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. � Usually do not have keyboards but rely on touch screen technology for user input. � Typically smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a reasonable battery life �

Task 1. NAME the THREE main types of computers and GIVE an EXAMPLE on each types of computers. 2. COMPARE and CONTRAST the THREE main types of computers in terms of SIZE, COST and APPLICATIONS.