Electronic Document
Preparation and Management
Assignment 2: The Computer
Candidate Name : Denoy Needham
Candidate Number : 1000001733
Centre Number : 100039
Name of Teacher : Mrs. Diedre-Ann Barrett Whyte
Territory : Jamaica
Year of Exam : 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Page No.
Definition of Computers 1
Types of Computers 2
Advantages of Computer Usage 5
Disadvantages of Computer Usage 7
Bibliography 9
1
The Computer
WHAT ARE COMPUTERS?
According to Techopedia, “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.”
Another definition states that, “A computer is a programmable device that stores, retrieves,
and processes data” Computer Hope (2022).
2
The Computer
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
What are the different types of computers?
According to History- Computer (2023), “The four main types of computers include
supercomputers, mainframe, minicomputers and microcomputers.”
SUPERCOMPUTER
“A supercomputer is the fastest, largest, and most expensive type of computer that exists
today. It comprises either 10, 100, 1,000, or more computers working simultaneously. They
are only designed for special purposes that often require complex calculations, such as
scientific research, weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, and geological data
analysis.”
3
The Computer
MAINFRAME
Continuing from History- Computer (2023), “Mainframe computers are enormous (2,000 to
10,000 sq. ft.) and powerful computers mainly used in the data centres of large enterprises
and organizations. They are typically found in a dedicated server room and can be accessed
remotely by different users simultaneously.”
“Mainframes were invented in the 1950s and are capable of processing huge amounts of data
(up to 30 billion transactions per day) quickly and accurately. Mainframe computers also
control other systems, such as air traffic control, satellite tracking and military defence
systems. Mainframes typically feature several CPUs, interconnected to many other
computers and gadgets to pool an even larger computing system.”
MINICOMPUTERS
“Minicomputers are mid-sized computers, larger than microcomputers but smaller than
mainframes. These multi-processing systems are ideal for 5 to 300 people and are primarily
used in small businesses, colleges, research labs and hospitals (History- Computer {2023}).
4
The Computer
“Minicomputers are cost-effective and deliver the functionalities of a mainframe computer at
a more affordable price. They are run by microprocessors and use operating systems such as
Unix, Linux, or Windows. Minicomputers can also store huge volumes of data and are ideal
for banking, inventory tracking, accounting, and office automation. Examples of
minicomputers include IBM AS/400 computers and the MV 1500.”
MICROCOMPUTERS
“Microcomputers are the smallest and most popular computer types. They are primarily used
for personal use or startup business computing. Microcomputers are typically equipped with
various components such as a processor, memory, storage and an operating system. The
processor is responsible for executing instructions, while the memory is used to store data
and programs. Examples include desktop computers, personal computers (PCs), laptops,
netbooks, and tablets.”
“These computers’ affordability, portability, and wide range of applications make them the
most popular choice for general computing needs. They are suitable for various tasks, such
as word processing, web browsing, streaming media, and
gaming (History- Computer 2023).”
5
The Computer
ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER USAGE
HIGH SPEED
This is one of the biggest advantages of computers. At present, the computer is no longer just
a calculating device. It is a part of almost every function of human life. Computers have an
incredible speed that helps a human to complete his tasks in some time. It can handle trillions
per second which is really incredible. With its incredible speed, it can reduce the amount of
time to perform any digital task.
ACCURACY
Computers not only provide incredible speed, instead, they can also give you almost 100%
accuracy. This means that computers allow users to handle complex numerical calculations
or tasks not only with speed but also with accuracy. This is another important advantage of
computers.
6
The Computer
STORAGE
Computers can store and access vast amounts of data or information. The storage capacity
of computers has increased these days compared to earlier days. Data can be stored
separately for years in computer storage. Computers can store hundreds or thousands of
books, documents, films, images, audio and many other types of information. Besides, you
can easily find any specific file using the ‘search’ feature. This eliminates the need for paper
and encourages people to improve the world.
The commonly used measurement units for calculation storage capacity are Mega-Byte
(MB), Giga-Bytes (GB), Tera-Bytes (TB) and Peta-Bytes (PB).
DATA SECURITY
Data security is the process of protecting your digital data such as files, databases and
accounts, etc. The computer allows you to protect your data from destructive powers and
unwanted or unauthorized users. It includes features such as data encryption, tokens and key
management that helps users protect digital data on various applications and platforms.
REDUCED COST
Computers can be considered as a low-cost solution to earn money in many different ways.
When a computer is connected to the internet, it can be sued to create and run an online blog
or website, create software, selling products via e-commerce stores, performing data entry
tasks, and many other free-lancing works. It is much cheaper to start any business digitally
rather than physically. In most cases, you can achieve great success with low investment.
7
The Computer
DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER USAGE
UNEMPLOYMENT
As we discussed above that computers can perform may tasks automatically, this reduces the
need for people and increases unemployment in the society. It has also negatively affected
many others who do not have knowledge of working on computer systems.
HEALTH ISSUES
Improper and prolonged use of computers can negatively affect your health. For example, if
you are constantly working on the computer, your eyes will become dry, which can result in
eye strain, headache, etc.
In addition, sitting too long can also cause pain in your neck or back, which can result in
serious injury in the future. Therefore, follow the appropriate precautions and take a few
minutes break after 30 minutes of computer use.
CYBER CRIMES
There are some people who use computers and the internet for negative activities. They
attempt to break the computer’s security system and gain unauthorized access to hack credit
card details and other personal information. By accessing information, they violate all laws
8
The Computer
and misuse the information for their own benefit. These types of actions are covered under
online cybercrimes.
VIRUS HACKING ATTACKS
Viruses are computer programs developed to damage or steal your personal or sensitive data.
In addition, hacking is the process of gaining unauthorized access to computers for certain
illegal purposes. Viruses are usually transferred viz email, internet download or removable
devices.
NEGATIVE IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT
The computer manufacturing process produces a lot of waste parts. Also, when people
change their electronics, they throw away their old devices. Such wastes can release
hazardous toxic materials that significantly affect the environment. Therefore, used
computers must be donated or disposed of properly.
9
The Computer
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Computer Hope (2022, July 2). Computer. Retrieved from
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/computer.htm
Rouse, Margaret (2020, Mach 30). Computer: What does Computer mean? Techopedia
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4607/computer
Steven, Brian. (2023, March 27). The 4 Different Types of Computers (with examples)
History-Computer
https://history-computer.com/the-4-different-types-of-computers-with-examples/
Tutorials Mate (n.d.). Computer Fundamentals: Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer
https://www.tutorialsmate.com/2020/04/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-computer.html
10
The Computer
PRINT SCREEN
