Types of Computers

Desktop Computers

A desktop computer is a computer that fits on or under a desk. They utilize peripheral devices for
interaction, such as a keyboard and mouse for input, and display devices like a monitor, projector, or
television. Desktop computers can have a horizontal or vertical (tower) form factor, or be combined
with a monitor to create an All-in-One computer. Unlike a laptop, which is portable, desktop
computers are generally made to stay at one location.

Characteristics of a Desktop Computer

 Designed to be used on a desk or table

 Comprised of separate components (monitor, keyboard, mouse, tower)
 More powerful than laptops and tablets
 Easier to upgrade and customise
 Typically less portable than other computer types

Uses of a Desktop Computer

 Office and business management:

o Word processing
o Spreadsheet creation and management
o Email communication
o Data storage and backup
 Education:
o Access to educational resources
o Creating and editing multimedia content
o Conducting research
o Distance learning and virtual classrooms
 Gaming and entertainment:
o High-performance gaming
o Streaming movies and TV shows
o Social media browsing
o Creating and editing video and audio content

Mobile Computers
Portable computing devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and phablets, that allow users to
access and use computer applications and resources on the go.

Characteristics of Mobile Computers

 Laptop Computers:
o Portable with integrated display, keyboard, and touchpad
o Battery powered
o Less powerful and less expandable than desktops
 Smartphones:
o Portable and lightweight
o Touchscreen interface
o Multifunctional (phone, internet access, camera)
o Anti-glare screen
o Front and rear facing camera
o Battery powered
o Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
o Has an on screen keyboard
  Tablet Computers:
o Larger touchscreen than smartphones
o Ideal for media consumption and web browsing
o Limited expandability
o Anti-glare screen
o Front and rear facing camera
o Battery powered
o Portable and lightweight
o Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
o Has an on screen keyboard
 Phablet Computers:
o Combine features of smartphones and tablets
o Larger screen than smartphones
o Can be used for phone calls

Uses of Mobile Computers

 Office and business management:
o Remote access to office applications
o Email and communication on the go
o Mobile payment processing
o Calendar
 Education:
o E-books and digital textbooks
o Educational apps and tools
o Note-taking and research
 Gaming and entertainment:
o Mobile gaming apps
o Streaming movies and music
o Social media
 Remotely controlled devices:
o Controlling smart home devices
o Remote access to surveillance systems
o Controlling drones and other devices
 Communication:
o Video calling
o Text messaging
 Other:
o Sat Nav
o Online banking
o Searching the Internet
o Taking photos
o Language translation

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages
Easy to carry and use on the go (Portability) Limited expandability (Difficult to upgrade hardware)
Access to internet and resources from anywhere Less powerful (Lower performance compared to desktop
(Flexibility) computers)
Can be used for various tasks and activities (Multi-
Shorter battery life (Needs frequent charging)
functionality)
Worked example

Circle two input devices that could be used in a smartphone.

magnetic stripe
HDD microphone mouse
reader
remote control speaker touchpad touch screen
Microphone
Touch screen

Components of a computer system

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain" responsible for processing
instructions entered into the computer
 The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to produce an output

CPU Functions

 Fetches instructions from memory

 Decodes the instructions to determine the required operation
 Executes the operation
 Stores the result back in memory or sends it to an output device

CPU Components

 The CPU is made up of 3 main components:

o Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
o Control Unit (CU)
o Registers
 Memory

Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer to process

Characteristics of ROM and RAM

ROM RAM

Volatility Non-volatile (retains data when powered off) Volatile (loses data when powered off)

Access Read-only (data cannot be modified) Read-write (data can be modified)

Main Purpose Stores essential instructions (e.g. BIOS) Stores data and instructions in use by CPU

Differences between ROM and RAM

 ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile

 ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
 ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and instructions currently in use

Worked example

State two characteristics of RAM

Two of:
RAM can be read from and written to
RAM is volatile memory
RAM is temporary storage

Input Devices

Characteristics of Input Devices

 Input devices: allow users to enter data or instructions into a computer system e.g.:
o Keyboard
o Mouse
o Scanner
o Microphone
o Touch screen

Differences between Input & Output Devices

 Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data
from the computer
 Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing

Input Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

Keyboard & Numeric Fast and accurate input The steeper learning curve,
Entering text and numbers
Keypad for experienced users repetitive strain injury
Navigate and interact with Intuitive and precise Requires flat surface, the
Pointing Devices
computer interfaces control strain on the wrist
 Control devices from a distance, Convenient, no direct Limited range, may require
Remote Control
e.g., TVs and media players physical contact is needed line-of-sight
Enhances gameplay
Joystick/Driving Expensive, limited use
Simulation and driving games experience, realistic
Wheel outside of gaming, bulky
control
Direct interaction with the screen Intuitive, no need for a The screen may get dirty,
Touch Screen
using fingers or a stylus separate pointing device less precise than a mouse
Quality depends on
Scanners and Capture images and convert them Accurate reproduction,
resolution, which can be
Cameras into digital format easy to share and store
expensive
Capture a sound for recording or Hands-free input can be May pick up background
Microphone
communication purposes used for voice recognition noise, the quality varies
Sensors detect changes in the Can automate tasks, May require calibration,
Sensors and Light
environment; light pen interacts provides real-time affected by the
Pen
with screens information environment
Exam Tip

 Note that a mouse isn't built into a laptop - instead, it would be another pointing device e.g.
trackpad
 All the devices listed here are input devices. Some people think microphones and webcams are
output devices

Direct Data Entry

Direct Data Use Advantages Disadvantages

Entry Device
Reading information stored on
Magnetic Stripe Data can be easily erased,
magnetic stripes, e.g., credit Fast, simple to use, reliable
Reader and limited storage capacity
cards, ID cards
Chip and PIN Processing debit and credit card Secure, quick transaction, Requires PIN input, potential
Reader transactions in stores reduced fraud risk for skimming
Reading information from RFID No line-of-sight is needed,
The expensive system, and
RFID Reader tags, e.g., inventory tracking, multiple tags are read
potential privacy concerns
access control simultaneously
OMR (Optical Mark Reading marked areas on forms, Fast processing, reduced Limited to specific forms,
Recognition) e.g., multiple-choice exams human error cannot read handwriting
OCR (Optical Converting printed text into
The fast and accurate, Can struggle with complex
Character digital text, e.g., digitising
searchable digital text layouts, font dependent
Recognition) books
Scanning barcodes to retrieve Requires line-of-sight,
Barcode Reader Fast and accurate, low cost
product information and prices limited data storage
Scanning QR codes for Requires a smartphone or
Can store more data,
QR Scanner information retrieval or linking specific scanner, quality
versatile uses
to websites dependent

Worked example

For each of the following uses of data capture, name one appropriate direct data entry device. The
devices must be different in each case

a. Contactless credit cards

Radio Frequency Identification/RFID reader
b. Multiple choice answers in an examination paper

Optical Mark Reader/OMR

c. To scan items at a computerised till

Bar Code reader/scanner

Output Devices

Characteristics of Output Devices

 Output devices: display or produce the results of data processing from a computer system
e.g.:
o Monitor
o Printer
o Speakers
o Projector

Differences between Input & Output Devices

 Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data
from the computer
 Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing

Output Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

Displaying computer-generated visual Real-time display, Power consumption,
Monitor
information on a screen adjustable settings potential glare
Displaying visual information and
Touch Screen Susceptible to smudges,
allowing user interaction with the Intuitive, space-saving
(Output) potential calibration issues
screen
Projecting computer-generated
Multimedia Large display, good for Requires darkened room,
images and videos onto a larger
Projector presentations expensive bulbs
surface
Printing high-quality text and graphics Fast, high-quality prints, Expensive initial cost,
Laser Printer
quickly lower cost per page limited to flat surfaces
Printing text and graphics using liquid Lower initial cost, high- Slower, higher cost per
Inkjet Printer
ink quality prints page, ink may smudge
Printing text and simple graphics using
Dot Matrix Low cost, can print multi-
a print head that strikes an ink- Noisy, low print quality
Printer part forms
soaked ribbon
Creating large-format graphics, such
High accuracy, can print on
Plotter as architectural plans and engineering Slow, expensive, large size
various materials
designs

Creating three-dimensional objects by Customisable designs, Limited materials, slow

3D Printer
adding material layer by layer rapid prototyping process

Converting digital audio signals into Range of sizes and power Can be power-hungry, the
Speaker
sound outputs, immersive audio sound quality varies
 Converting electrical signals into
Precise movement, Requires power, potential
Actuator physical movement, e.g., motors and
programmable mechanical wear
valves in robotics

Holographic imaging

 Holographic imaging is a technique that creates three-dimensional images by recording and

reconstructing light waves
 These images provide a realistic and immersive visual experience
 This could be used in medicine to create:
o MRI scan images
o Ultrasound images
o 3D views of our internal organs

Worked example

Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate items from the list below.

A 3D printer An ADC A compiler An interpreter A microphone

A monitor A numeric keypad A speaker A switch A USB

a. ________ is a device used to input a pin

A numeric keypad

b. ________ analyses and executes a program line by line

An interpreter

c. ________ produces output in the form of solid objects

A 3D printer

d. ________ produces output in the form of sound

A speaker
Exam Tip

 Make sure you know which printer is which. Some people get mixed up between dot matrix and
laser
 Detail is needed in the description in order to achieve full marks. Relating the answer back to
the scenario is important as some printers would not work in the given scenario

Storage

Characteristics of Backing Storage

 Backing storage: long-term storage used to store data, files, and programs when not in use
e.g.:
 o hard disk drives (HDD)
o solid-state drives (SSD)
o USB flash drives
o optical discs (CDs, DVDs)
 Backing storage is typically slower than internal memory but has a larger capacity
 It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data when the computer is powered off

Differences between Backing Storage & Internal Memory

Backing Storage Internal Memory

Long-term storage of files, programs, Temporary storage of data and essential instructions
Function
and data while the computer is running
HDD, SSD, USB flash drives, optical
Examples RAM, ROM
discs (CDs, DVDs)

Access Speed Slower Faster

Capacity Larger Smaller

Non-volatile (retains data when
Volatility RAM: volatile, ROM: non-volatile
powered off)

Storage Media

Storage
Examples Use Advantages Disadvantages
Media

Hard disks, Slower access time, moving

Magnetic Long-term data storage, High capacity, low
parts, susceptible to
Drives backup, and archiving cost per GB
Magnetic tape magnets
Data storage, audio, video, Portable, durable, Limited capacity, susceptible
Optical Discs CD, DVD, Blu-ray
and software distribution low cost to scratches
Memory cards (SD,
xD,
Fast data storage for
Solid-State Fast access time, no More expensive, limited
portable devices and
Media CFast), USB moving parts write cycles
modern computers
Drives, Solid State
Drives

Worked example

Give two error messages that may appear when trying to save to a CFast solid-state memory card.
Two of:
Medium is full
Corrupt card

Write error

Card error

Card not initialised

Virus found on the card

Device not recognised

 Storage Devices

Storage
Use Media Advantages Disadvantages
Devices
Slower access time, moving
Long-term data storage, High capacity (10TB),
Magnetic Drive Magnetic parts, susceptible to
backup, and archiving low cost per GB
magnets
Large storage
Fixed Magnetic General-purpose storage in Magnetic Moving parts, vulnerable to
capacity (5TB),
Hard Drive computers and servers Hard Disk physical damage
relatively fast
Portable Slower than SSDs,
External storage for data Magnetic Portable (5TB), large
Magnetic Hard vulnerable to physical
transfer and backup Hard Disk storage capacity
Drive damage
Backup and archiving,
Magnetic Tape Magnetic High storage capacity Slow access time, sequential
especially for large volumes
Drives Tape (10TB), low cost access
of data
Audio and data storage, Affordable, widely Low capacity (700MB),
CD CD
software distribution compatible susceptible to scratches
Higher capacity storage for Higher capacity than
Susceptible to scratches,
DVD data, video, and software DVD CD (8.5GB),
lower capacity than Blu-ray
distribution affordable
High capacity (50GB),
High-definition video and More expensive, and
Blu-ray Blu-ray high-resolution video
high capacity data storage requires specific hardware
storage
Fixed Solid- Fast access time, no
Fast internal storage for More expensive, limited
State Drive Solid-State moving parts, high
modern computers write cycles
(SSD) capacity (30TB)
Fast access time,
External storage for fast portable, no moving More expensive, limited
Portable SSD Solid-State
data transfer and backup parts, high capacity write cycles
(2TB)
Small size, fast
Portable data storage and Limited capacity compared
Pen Drive Solid-State read/write speeds,
transfer for various devices to other storage devices
high capacity (1TB)

Worked example

A program collects a large amount of data and this could be stored using either a fixed solid-state
drive (SSD) or cloud storage.

a. Describe four advantages to the school of using cloud storage rather than using the SSD

Four of:
The cloud has greater storage capacity
The data could be sent directly to/from the cloud from any computer/device

Storage capacity can be increased without adding additional physical devices

Many people can share the data

The school would only pay for the storage used

There is an automatic backup of data

b. Describe three disadvantages to the school of using cloud storage rather than using the SSD

Three of:

More security issues as multiple copies of the data are stored

The school loses control over the storage of the data

Cloud storage has an ongoing cost

Users must have a reliable internet connection to store data

Users must have an internet connection to access data