First Quarter - Lesson 2. Types of Computers
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Understanding Computer
Lesson Objectives:
1. The students define and differentiate the types of computers based on operational principle and sizes.
2. Students will identify the primary uses and applications associated with each type of computer, explaining how they serve different computing needs.
3. At the end of the lesson, students will have developed an appreciation for the diversity of computer types and their significance in modern society, fostering a curiosity for further exploration in the field of technology.
COMPUTER
A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It has the ability to accept data (input), process it, and then produce outputs. https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4607/computer
A computer is a programmable device that stores, retrieves, and processes data. The term "computer" was originally given to humans (human computers) who performed numerical calculations using mechanical calculators, such as the abacus and slide rule. The term was later given to mechanical devices as they began replacing human computers. Today's computers are electronic devices that accept data (input), process that data, produce output, and store (storage) the results (IPOS). https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/computer.htm
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
(Based on its operational principle)
Analog Computers
Analog computers are outlined to process analog data. Analog data is continuous data that varies continuously and cannot have discrete values. Analog computers are utilized primarily to measure physical units like the voltage, electric current, pressure, temperature and convert them into digits. Such computers are mostly used for scientific, technology, research, engineering, and industrial applications. https://testbook.com/computer-awareness/types-of-computer
These are almost extinct today. These are different from a digital computer because an analog computer can perform several mathematical operations simultaneously. It uses continuous variables for mathematical operations and utilizes mechanical or electrical energy.
Speedometer, mercury thermometer, thermometer, operational amplifiers, electric integrators, etc. are examples of analog computers.
Digital Computers
The computers which present physical quantities with the help of symbols or numbers and provide us discrete information are called digital computers.
The digital computer is outlined to execute calculations and logical operations at a high pace. Such computers are proficient in solving problems in discrete formats. It acquires the raw data as input is in the form of digits/binary numbers (i.e 0 and 1) and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the output.
It can implement arithmetic operations such as addition, occurrence, subtraction, multiplication and division, and all sorts of logical/mathematical operations as well. All modern computers like laptops, desktops including smartphones, calculators, tablets, digital watches, accounting machines, workstations, digital clocks etc. that we use at home or office are digital computers. https://testbook.com/computer-awareness/types-of-computer
Digital computers are either general purpose computers or special purpose ones. Special purpose computers, as their name suggests, are designed for specific types of data processing while general purpose computers are meant for general use.
Hybrid Computers
Hybrid computers are computers that exhibit features of analog computers and Digital computers. The digital component normally serves as the controller and provides logical and numerical operations, while the analog component often serves as a solver of differential equations and other mathematically complex equations.
It is fast like an analog computer and has memory and accuracy like those of digital computers. It can process both continuous and discrete data. It takes analog signals and transforms them into digital form before processing them.
These types of computers are extensively used in specialized applications where both analog and digital data are processed. For example, a processor is applied in petrol pumps that converts fuel flow measurements into quantity and price. Furthermore, they are used in aeroplanes, hospitals, and scientific applications. https://testbook.com/computer-awareness/types-of-computer
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
(Based on its size)
Supercomputer
Description: Supercomputers are the most powerful computers in the world, built for solving complex scientific and engineering problems. They excel at performing large-scale simulations and data analysis.
Use Cases: Supercomputers are used in scientific research (e.g., climate modeling, particle physics), aerospace engineering, and tasks that require massive computational power and parallel processing.
Characteristics: Supercomputers have thousands of processors working in parallel, vast amounts of RAM, and specialized architectures for specific tasks. They require extensive cooling systems due to the heat generated.
Examples:
IBM Summit: IBM's Summit, located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, was one of the world's most powerful supercomputers, used for scientific research and national security applications.
Fujitsu K: The Fujitsu K computer, formerly one of the fastest supercomputers, was used for simulations in fields like climate modeling and drug discovery.
Read more about Supercomputers
Mainframe
Description: Mainframe computers are large and powerful machines designed to handle extensive data processing and transactional tasks for organizations. They are known for their reliability, scalability, and high availability.
Use Cases: Mainframes are commonly used in banking systems, airline reservations, government institutions, and large enterprises where vast amounts of data need to be processed quickly and accurately.
Characteristics: Mainframes have multiple processors, redundant components for fault tolerance, and can support thousands of users concurrently. They excel in batch processing and can handle heavy workloads.
Examples:
IBM zSeries: IBM's zSeries mainframes, such as the z15, are widely used in industries like finance, healthcare, and government for critical data processing and transactional workloads.
Read more about Mainframe Computers
Minicomputer
Description: Minicomputers, also known as midrange computers, are smaller and less powerful than mainframes but still offer considerable computing capabilities. They are often used for scientific research, engineering, and manufacturing.
Use Cases: Minicomputers find applications in industries where moderate computational power is required, such as controlling industrial processes, managing scientific data, and running local databases.
Characteristics: Minicomputers are less expensive and smaller in size than mainframes. They can support multiple users and handle tasks like data acquisition, data analysis, and scientific simulations.
Examples (historical):
Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) PDP-11: The PDP-11 was a famous minicomputer known for its versatility and was widely used in scientific and engineering applications.
VAX (Virtual Address eXtension): DEC's VAX series of minicomputers were known for their compatibility and flexibility.
Read more about Minicomputers
Servers
Description: Servers are specialized computers designed to provide services, resources, and data to other devices (clients) over a network. They come in various types, including web servers, file servers, and database servers.
Use Cases: Servers are essential for hosting websites, managing email, storing and retrieving data, and supporting networked applications in businesses and data centers.
Characteristics: Servers are optimized for reliability, performance, and high availability. They often have multiple processors, large amounts of RAM, and redundant components to minimize downtime.
Examples:
Dell PowerEdge Servers: Dell's PowerEdge series includes a wide range of servers for various business needs, including data center and cloud environments.
HPE ProLiant Servers: Hewlett Packard Enterprise's ProLiant servers are used for applications like virtualization and data storage.
Read more about Server Computers
Micro Computer
A microcomputer is a complete computer on a small scale, designed for use by one person at a time. An antiquated term, a microcomputer is now primarily called a personal computer (PC), or a device based on a single-chip microprocessor. Common microcomputers include laptops and desktops. Beyond standard PCs, microcomputers also include some calculators, mobile phones, notebooks, workstations and embedded systems.
Smaller than a mainframe or minicomputer, a microcomputer uses a single integrated semiconductor chip for its central processing unit (CPU). They also contain memory in the form of read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), input/output (I/O) ports, and a bus or system of interconnecting wires, all housed in a single unit usually referred to as a motherboard.
Common I/O devices include keyboards, monitors, printers and external storage.
Desktop Computer
Description: Microcomputers, often referred to as desktop computers, are compact and affordable computers designed for individual use. They are versatile and suitable for various tasks, from office work to gaming.
Use Cases: Desktop computers are commonly used in homes, offices, and educational institutions for tasks like word processing, web browsing, graphic design, and gaming.
Characteristics: Desktop computers come in tower or all-in-one form factors. They have a keyboard, mouse, display, and standard input/output ports. They can be customized with various hardware components.
Examples:
Desktop PC: The Dell Inspiron and HP Pavilion are examples of desktop microcomputers used for office work, gaming, and general computing.
Netbook Computer
Description: Netbooks are small and lightweight laptops designed for basic computing tasks, such as web browsing and word processing. They are characterized by their portability and low cost.
Use Cases: Netbooks were popular for users who needed a highly portable and budget-friendly option for light computing on the go. However, they have become less common with the rise of more powerful laptops and tablets.
Characteristics: Netbooks typically have smaller screens, less processing power, and limited storage compared to traditional laptops. They prioritize battery life and portability.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
Description: PDAs are handheld devices designed for personal organization and simple computing tasks. They were prevalent before smartphones became widespread and offered features like calendars, contacts, and note-taking.
Use Cases: PDAs were used as electronic organizers for managing schedules, contacts, and notes. Some PDAs also had basic web browsing capabilities.
Characteristics: PDAs had stylus-based touchscreens for input, limited processing power, and lacked the extensive app ecosystems seen in modern smartphones.
Tablet PC
Description: Tablet computers are portable devices with touchscreens that offer a range of functionalities, from content consumption to productivity tasks. They bridge the gap between smartphones and laptops.
Use Cases: Tablets are used for activities like web browsing, reading e-books, watching videos, playing games, and running productivity apps. They are popular for entertainment and business use.
Characteristics: Tablets come in various sizes, with virtual keyboards or external keyboard accessories. They run operating systems like iOS (iPad), Android, or Windows.
Wearable Computers
Description: Wearable computers are devices designed to be worn on the body, often in the form of smartwatches, fitness trackers, or augmented reality glasses. They provide quick access to information and health monitoring.
Use Cases: Wearables are used for tracking fitness metrics, receiving notifications, navigation, and in some cases, augmented reality experiences. They are popular in the health and fitness industry.
Characteristics: Wearables are compact, lightweight, and equipped with sensors like accelerometers and heart rate monitors. They typically connect to smartphones for extended functionality.
Examples:
Apple Watch: The Apple Watch is a popular wearable device that combines fitness tracking, communication, and smartphone integration.
Fitbit: Fitbit produces wearable fitness trackers that monitor activity levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns.
Next Lesson : Lesson 3. Computer System, Devices and Peripherals
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