Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Chapter 1
TYPES & COMPONENTS
OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
1.4 Types of Computer
Ms. Masarrah
Learning Objectives
Identify the hardware and software that make up a computer
1 system, including input and output devices and operating
systems used to run computers.
2 Discuss types of applications software, systems software and
their different roles.
Describe the internal components of a computer and how they
3
work together to run the system effectively.
Learning Objectives
4 Understand the characteristics of analogue and digital data.
5 Understand the different types of operating systems and identify
the different types of user interface that are available.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different types of
6
computer.
Discover how emerging technologies are impacting on many
7
aspects of everyday life.
TYPES OF
COMPUTERS
Desktop Mobile
Computers Computers
Laptops Smartphones
Tablets
PC
Desktop Computers
• Designed for use at one location and is
not portable.
• Very versatile, general-purpose
computers used by many organizations,
and individuals for office work, playing
computer games, management in
education or student learning, and
entertainment.
• Desktop computers are typically more
powerful than mobile computers.
• Upgradable, the parts can be
replaced/changed to increase
performance.
Uses of
Desktop
Computers
Mobile
Computers
• Portable (moveable) computers that has
various forms.
Laptops
• Portable and compact personal computers with the same capabilities as a
desktop computer.
• Users can work in different locations and are not fixed to a particular room
or desk.
• A computer that is internet-enabled and small enough to be
Tablets handheld.
• Simple to use as well as being light to carry around.
• Multifunctioning cell phone.
Smartphones • It uses a touch screen display so the user can interact with
it.
Characteristic Of Mobile Computer
Types Advantages Disadvantages
• More powerful than mobile devices. • Not portable.
• Usually have a larger screen than a • Restricted to one working area.
laptop. • Take up a lot of space.
• Screen at eye level and so helps with
better posture.
Desktops
• Easy to upgrade and expand, e.g., adding
more memory.
• Less easy to steal and carry away.
• Cost less for the power and facilities they
offer.
• Excellent for work functions. • Larger and heavier than a tablet or
• Full-size keyboard; Light and portable. smartphone.
• Integrated camera, speaker and • Slower to start than tablets.
Laptops microphone. • Amount of battery life.
• Less expandability than a desktop but
more expandable than smartphone or
tablet.
Types Advantages Disadvantages
• Quick to turn on; Portable; Easy to use • Can be expensive.
• Lots of apps to choose from. • Not all have expandable memory.
• Ability to transfer data. • Amount of battery life.
• They can be expanded by the addition of a
Tablets portable keyboard.
• Integrated camera, speaker and
microphone.
• Pocket sized; Lots of apps available • Small screens can make reading
• Can make calls and send texts and emails. difficult. Amount of battery life.
• Can use Wi-Fi, 4G/5G connectivity to • Web browsing can drain the battery
Smartpho access web from most places. quickly. Typing on a small touch
nes • Integrated camera, speaker and screen may be slow. Amount of
microphone. battery life.
• Speed of data transfer and
compatibility.
Uses of
Mobile
Computers
Communicating
Clock, alarm, Phone Calls
with nearby
calendar &
devices using
calculator
Bluetooth
Features SMS Messaging
of a Video, Camera
and photo- WiFi access to
smartphone editing the internet
Voice messages
Ability to run
small programs 3G/4G/5G
called apps telephony GPS
