WHAT IS

COMPUTER?
DEFINITIONS OF COMPUTER:
• A computer is an electronic device that helps
people perform different task.
• An electronic device for the storage and
processing of information.
• A programmable machine that inputs,
processes and outputs data.
• An electronic device that stores, retrieves, and
processes data, and can be programmed with
instructions.
• In general, a device that uses digital
technology to process and manipulate
information.
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
• 1. Microcomputers
• 2. Workstation
• 3. Minicomputers
• 4. Mainframe Computers
• 5. Supercomputers
• 6. Wearable Computers
1. Microcomputers
• The term microcomputer is
generally synonymous with
personal computer (PC), or a
computer that depends on a
microprocessor.
• Two classifications of microcomputer
a) Personal computer or PC
b) Portable computer
Personal computer or PC
• A small, relatively inexpensive computer
designed for an individual user. In price,
personal computers range anywhere from a
few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
All are based on the microprocessor
technology that enables manufacturers to put
an entire CPU on one chip. 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
Portable computer
• A portable computer is a computer
that is designed to be moved from one
place to another (in other words, it is a
computer that is portable). Portable
computers, by their nature, are
microcomputers. These includes
laptops or notebook, sub-notebooks,
tablet computer and personal digital
assistant.
Types of Portable Computer
 i. Laptop/Notebook Computer. Laptop
computers have similar computing power to
personal computers, but are much lighter and
portable. Laptops have a removeable,
chargeable battery pack so that the user
does not always require a mains electricity
supply for its` use.
 ii. Sub-notebook Computer. A
portable computer that is slightly
lighter and smaller than a full-
sized notebook computer.
Typically, subnotebook computers
have a smaller keyboard and
screen, but are otherwise
equivalent to notebook computers.
 iii. PDA or Personal Digital Assistant. Personal data
assistants (PDAs) are handheld computers that were
originally designed as personal organizers, but became much
more versatile over the years. PDAs are also known as
pocket computers or palmtop computers. PDAs have
many uses: calculation, use as a clock and calendar, playing
computer games, accessing the Internet, sending and
receiving E-mails, video recording, typewriting and
word processing, use as an address book, making and
writing on spreadsheets, use as a radio or stereo, recording
survey responses, and Global Positioning System (GPS).
Newer PDAs also have both color screens and audio
capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones (
smartphones), web browsers, or portable media players.
Many PDAs can access the Internet, intranets or extranets
via Wi-Fi, or Wireless Wide-Area Networks (WWANs). One of
the most significant PDA characteristics is the presence of a
touch screen.
iv. Tablet PC. A Tablet PC is a notebook- or slate-
shaped mobile computer. Its touch screen or
digitizing tablet technology allows the user to
operate the computer with a stylus or digital pen, or
a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. The
computer is linked to a network using a wireless or
wired link. The form factor offers a more mobile way
to interact with a computer. Tablet PCs are often
used where normal notebooks are impractical or
unwieldy, or do not provide the needed functionality.
2. Workstation
• A desktop computer that has a
more powerful processor,
additional memory and enhanced
capabilities for performing a
special group of task, such as 3D
Graphics or game development.
3. Minicomputers
• Midsized computer. In size and
power, minicomputers lie between
workstations and mainframes. In the
past decade, the distinction between
large minicomputers and small
mainframes has blurred, however, as
has the distinction between small
minicomputers and workstations. But
in general, a minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of
supporting from 4 to about 200 users
simultaneously.
4. Mainframe Computers
• A very large and expensive computer capable of
supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a
simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at
the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the
top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In
some ways, mainframes are more powerful than
supercomputers because they support more
simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can
execute a single program faster than a mainframe.
The distinction between small mainframes and
minicomputers is vague, depending really on how
the manufacturer wants to market its machines.
5. Supercomputers
• The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are
very expensive and are employed for specialized
applications that require immense amounts of
mathematical calculations. For example, weather
forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of
supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid
dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and
petroleum exploration.
• The chief difference between a supercomputer and
a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all
its power into executing a few programs as fast as
possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to
execute many programs concurrently
6. Wearable Computers
• The latest trend in computing
is wearable computers.
Essentially, common computer
applications (e-mail, database,
multimedia,
calendar/scheduler) are
integrated into watches, cell
phones, visors and even
clothing!