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Essay: Computers

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  • Published: 11 August 2017*
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A Computer is a machine that inputs, processes and outputs data. It is an electronic device which can store and process data and convert it into information that is useful to people.  There are electronic and digital computers. Computers can perform complex and repetitive procedures quickly and accurately.

II, Computer sizes and power

There are different types of Computers and they can be generally classified by size and power as follows:

• Supercomputers

• Mainframe Computers

• Mini Computers

• Workstations

• Personal Computers

Supercomputers

Supercomputer is one of the fastest computers currently available. Supercomputers are very expensive and are used for specialized applications that require large number of mathematical calculations.

For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include scientific simulations, graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data.

Mainframe

Mainframe is a very large, powerful and expensive computer capable of supporting many users simultaneously. These computers are capable of handling and processing very large amounts of data quickly.

Mainframe computers are used in large institutions such as Government, Banks and large Corporations. Large Insurance Companies and Banks use the mainframe to keep track of their policy holders and account holders.

The main difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer uses its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible and it can also execute a single programme faster than a mainframe.

A mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. Mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs..

Minicomputer

It is a midrange computer. A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from up to 200 users simultaneously. It may be a stand-alone system for specialized applications including network servers.

Workstation

Most workstations are single-user computers. Workstations are generally linked together to form a local-area network, although they can also be used as stand-alone systems. It is a type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software development, and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities.

In networking, workstation refers to any computer connected to a local-area network. It could be a workstation or a personal computer.

Personal computer:

Personal computers first introduced in the late 1970s. One of the first and most popular personal computers was the Apple II, introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, new models and competing operating systems were produced. IBM invented the Personal Computer in 1981. All PCs released since then are in many ways compatible with the original design though many extensions have been made. In the early days most PCs ran an operating system called DOS (Disk Operating System). Now most of the PCs are running a version of Microsoft Windows.

PC can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games and recently for surfing the Internet.

Today, personal computers are basically divided between Apple Macintoshes and PCs. The principal characteristics of personal computers are that they are single-user systems and are based on microprocessors. However, although personal computers are designed as single-user systems, it is common to link them together to form a network

III, Personal Computer Types

There are several types of Personal Computers. There are two basic designs–desktop models and tower models. Then come the portable computers that are computers small enough to carry. Portable computers include notebook and subnotebook computers, hand-held computers, palmtops, and PDAs.

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. The main advantage of tower models is that there are fewer space constraints, which makes installation of additional storage devices easier.

Desktop model

A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with the monitor sitting on top of the computer. Desktop model computers are broad and low, whereas tower model computers are narrow and tall. Because of their shape, desktop model computers are generally limited to three internal mass storage devices.

Notebook computer

An extremely lightweight personal computer. In terms of computing power, modern notebook computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives.

Laptop computer

A small, portable computer — small enough that it can sit on your lap. Nowadays, laptop computers are more frequently called notebook computers.

Hand-held computer

A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one’s hand.. Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops and pocket computers.

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