CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

Specific Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lesson, the student will be able to:
• Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each of these categories: personal
computers (desktop), mobile computers and mobile devices, game consoles, servers, mainframes,
supercomputers, and embedded computers.
• Explain how home users, small office/home office users, mobile users, power users, and enterprise
users each interact with computers

Industry experts typically classify computers in seven categories: personal computers (desktop), mobile
computers and mobile devices, game consoles, servers, mainframes, supercomputers, and embedded
computers. A computer’s size, speed, processing power, and price determine the category it best fits. Due to
rapidly changing technology, however, the distinction among categories is not always clear cut. This trend of
computers and devices with technologies that overlap, called convergence, leads to computer manufacturers
continually releasing newer models that include similar functionality and features.

This table summarizes some of the differences among the categories of computers. These should be considered
general guidelines only because of rapid changes in technology.
Personal Computers

A personal computer is a computer that can perform all its input, processing, output, and storage
activities by itself. A personal computer contains a processor, memory, and one or more input, output, and
storage devices. Personal computers also often contain a communications device. Two popular architectures of
personal computers are the PC and the Apple. The term, PC-compatible, refers to any personal computer
based on the original IBM personal computer design. Companies such as Dell and Toshiba sell PC-compatible
computers. PC and PC-compatible computers usually use a Windows operating system . Apple
computers usually use a Macintosh operating system (Mac OS). Two types of personal computers are
desktop computers and notebook computers.

Desktop Computers
A desktop computer is designed so that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and
any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table. In some models, the monitor sits on top of the
system unit, which is placed on the desk. The more popular style of system unit is the tall and narrow
tower, which can sit on the floor vertically.

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

A mobile computer is a personal computer you can carry from place to place. Similarly, a mobile
device is a computing device small enough to hold in your hand. The most popular type of mobile computer is
the notebook computer.
Notebook Computers
A notebook computer, also called a laptop computer, is a portable, personal computer
often designed to fit on your lap. Notebook computers are thin and lightweight yet can be as powerful
as the average desktop computer. A netbook, which is a type of notebook computer, is smaller, lighter,
and often not as powerful as a traditional notebook computer. Most netbooks cost less than traditional
notebook computers, usually only a few hundred dollars. Some
notebook computers have touch screens, allowing you to interact
with the device by touching the screen, usually with the tip of a
finger. On a typical notebook computer, the keyboard is on top of
the system unit, and the display attaches to the system unit with
hinges. These computers weigh on average from 2.5 to more than
10 pounds (depending on configuration), which allows users easily
to transport the computers from place to place. Most notebook
computers can operate on batteries or a power supply or both.

Tablet PCs
Resembling a letter-sized slate, the Tablet PC, or tablet computer, is a
special type of notebook computer you can interact with by touching the screen
with your finger or a digital pen. One design of Tablet PC, called a convertible
tablet, has an attached keyboard. Another design, which does not include a
keyboard, is called a slate tablet, and provides other means for typing. Tablet
PCs are useful especially for taking notes in locations where the standard notebook
computer is not practical.

Mobile Devices
Mobile devices, which are small enough to carry in a pocket, usually store programs and data
permanently on memory inside the system unit or on small storage media such as memory cards. You
often can connect a mobile device to a personal computer to exchange information. Some mobile
devices are Internet-enabled, meaning they can connect to the Internet wirelessly. Because of their
reduced size, the screens on handheld computers are small. optical disc drive keyboard display hinge.
The iPad is a widely used slate tablet. On a typical notebook computer, the keyboard is on top of the
system unit, and the display attaches to the system unit with hinges. Popular types of mobile
devices are smart phones and PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portable media players, and
digital cameras.
• Smart Phones and PDAs
Offering the convenience of one-handed operation, a smart phone is an Internet-
enabled phone that usually also provides personal information management functions
such as a calendar, an appointment book, an address book, a calculator, and a note pad.
In addition to basic phone capabilities, a smart phone allows you to send and receive e-
mail messages and access the Web — usually for an additional fee. Many models also
function as a portable media player and include built-in digital cameras so that you can
share photos or videos. Many smart phones also offer a variety of application software
such as word processing, spreadsheet, and games.

Many smart phones have keypads that contain both numbers and letters so that
you can use the same keypad to dial phone numbers and enter messages. Others have a
built-in mini keyboard. Some have touch screens, and some include a stylus. Instead of
calling someone’s smart phone or cell phone, users often send messages to others by
pressing buttons on their phone’s keypad, keys on the mini keyboard, or images on an
on-screen keyboard. Types of messages users send with smart phones include text
messages, instant messages, picture messages, and video messages.
• A text message is a short note, typically fewer than 300 characters, sent to or
from a smart phone or other mobile device.
• An instant message is a real-time Internet communication, where you exchange
messages with other connected users.
• A picture message is a photo or other image, sometimes along with sound and
text, sent to or from a smart phone or other mobile device. A phone that can send
picture messages often is called a camera phone.
• A video message is a short video clip, usually about 30 seconds, sent to or from
a smart phone or other mobile device. A phone that can send video messages
often is called a video phone.
• E-Book Readers
An e-book reader (short for electronic book reader), or e-reader,
is a handheld device that is used primarily for reading e-books. An e-book,
or digital book, is an electronic version of a printed book, readable on
computers and other digital devices. Most e-book readers have a touch
screen and are Internet-enabled.

• Handheld Computers
A handheld computer, sometimes referred to as an Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC), is a
computer small enough to fit in one hand. Industry-specific handheld computers serve
mobile employees, such as parcel delivery people, whose jobs require them to move from
place to place.

• Portable Media Players

A portable media player is a mobile device on which you
can store, organize, and play digital media. For example, you can
listen to music; watch videos, movies, and television shows; and
view photos on the device’s screen. With most, you download
the digital media from a computer to the portable media player
or to media that you insert in the device. Some smart phones
have touch screens; others have mini keyboards.
Portable media players usually include a set of earbuds,
which are small speakers that rest inside each ear canal. Some
portable media players have a touch screen; others have a
touch-sensitive pad that you operate with a thumb or finger, to
navigate through digital media, adjust volume, and customize
settings.

• Digital Cameras
A digital camera is a device that allows users to take pictures and store the
photographed images digitally, instead of on traditional film. Although digital cameras
usually have some amount of internal storage to hold images, most users store images on
small storage media such as memory cards. Digital cameras typically allow users to
review, and sometimes modify, images while they are in the camera. Often users prefer
to download images from the digital camera to the computer. Or you can remove the
storage media such as a memory card from the digital camera and insert it in a card reader
in or attached to the computer.
Game Consoles

A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single player

or multiplayer video games. Standard game consoles use a handheld controller(s)
as an input device(s); a television screen as an output device; and hard disks,
optical discs, and/or memory cards for storage. The compact size and light weight
of game consoles make them easy to use at home, in the car, in a hotel, or any
location that has an electrical outlet. Three popular models are Microsoft’s Xbox
360, Nintendo’s Wii (pronounced wee), and Sony’s PlayStation 3.

Servers

A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a

network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information.
Servers support from two to several thousand connected computers at the same time.
People use personal computers or terminals to access data, information, and programs
on a server. A terminal is a device with a monitor, keyboard, and memory.

Mainframes

A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle

hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously. Mainframes store
huge amounts of data, instructions, and information. Most major corporations
use mainframes for business activities. With mainframes, enterprises are able to
bill millions of customers, prepare payroll for thousands of employees, and
manage thousands of items in inventory. One study reported that mainframes
process more than 83 percent of transactions around the world. Servers and
other mainframes can access data and information from a mainframe. People
also can access programs on the mainframe using terminals or personal
computers.
Supercomputers

A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful

computer — and the most expensive. The fastest
supercomputers are capable of processing more than one
quadrillion instructions in a single second. Applications
requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations
use super computers. Large-scale simulations and applications
in medicine, aerospace, automotive design, online banking,
weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, and petroleum
exploration use a supercomputer.

Embedded Computers

An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger

product. A variety of everyday products contain embedded computers:
• Consumer electronics
• Home automation devices
• Automobiles
• Process controllers and robotics
• Computer devices and office machines

Because embedded computers are components in larger products, they usually are small and have
limited hardware. Embedded computers perform various functions, depending on the requirements of the
product in which they reside. Embedded computers in printers, for example, monitor the amount of paper in
the tray, check the ink or toner level, signal if a paper jam has occurred, and so on. Below shows some of the many
embedded computers in cars.
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Specific Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lesson, the student will be able to:
• Identify the four categories of application software
• Identify the key features of widely used business programs: word processing, spreadsheet, database,
presentation, note taking, personal information manager, business software for phones, business
software suite, project management, accounting, document management, and enterprise computing
• Identify the key features of widely used graphics and multimedia programs: computer-aided design,
professional desktop publishing, professional paint/image editing, professional photo editing,
professional video and audio editing, multimedia authoring, and Web page authoring
• Identify the key features of widely used home, personal, and educational programs: personal finance,
legal, tax preparation, personal desktop publishing, personal paint/image editing, personal photo
editing and photo management, clip art/image gallery, personal video and audio editing, travel and
mapping, reference and educational, and entertainment
• Identify the types of application software used in communications
• Describe the learning aids available for application software

Application Software

With the proper software, a computer is a valuable tool. Software allows users to create letters,
reports, and other documents; develop multimedia presentations; design Web pages and diagrams; draw
images; enhance audio and video clips; prepare taxes; play games; compose e-mail messages and instant
messages; and much more. To accomplish these and many other tasks, users work with application software.
Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with
personal tasks. Application software has a variety of uses:
1. To make business activities more efficient
2. To assist with graphics and multimedia projects
3. To support home, personal, and educational tasks
4. To facilitate communications
The four major categories of popular application software are outlined in this table. Communications software
often is bundled with other application or system software.

Application software is available in a variety of forms: packaged, custom, Web application, open source,
shareware, freeware, and public domain.
• Packaged software is mass-produced, copyrighted retail software that meets the needs of a wide
variety of users, not just a single user or company. Packaged software is available in retail stores or on the Web.
• Custom software performs functions specific to a business or industry. Sometimes a company
cannot find packaged software that meets its unique requirements. In this case, the company may use
programmers to develop tailor-made custom software.
• A Web application is a Web site that allows users to access and interact with software from any
computer or device that is connected to the Internet. Types of Web applications include e-mail, word processing,
and game programs.
• Open-source software is software provided for use, modification, and redistribution. This software
has no restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification of the software’s internal instructions and
its redistribution. Open-source software usually can be downloaded from the Internet, often at no cost.
• Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period. To use a shareware
program beyond that period, you send payment to the program developer.
• Freeware is copyrighted software provided at no cost to a user by an individual or a company that
retains all rights to the software.
• Public-domain software has been donated for public use and has no copyright restrictions. Anyone
can copy or distribute public-domain software to others at no cost.
The Role of System Software

System software serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s
hardware. To use application software, such as a word processing program, your computer must be running
system software — specifically, an operating system. Three popular personal computer operating systems
are Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Each time you start a computer, the operating system is loaded (copied) from
the computer’s hard disk into memory. Once the operating system is loaded, it coordinates all the activities of
the computer. This includes starting application software and transferring data among input and output devices
and memory. While the computer is running, the operating system remains in memory.

A user does not communicate directly with the computer hardware. Instead, system software is the interface
between the user, the application software, and the hardware. For example, when a user instructs the
application software to print a document, the application software sends the print instruction to the system
software, which in turn sends the print instruction to the hardware.

Utility Programs

A utility program is a type of system software that assists users with controlling or maintaining the
operation of a computer, its devices, or its software. Utility programs typically offer features that provide an
environment conducive to successful use of application software. For example, utility programs protect a
computer against malicious software and unauthorized intrusions, manage files and disks, compress files, play
media files, and burn optical discs. One of the more important utility programs protects a computer against
malicious software, or malware, which is a program that acts without a user’s knowledge and deliberately
alters the computer’s operations. A computer virus is a type of malicious software.

Graphics and Multimedia Software

In addition to business software, many people work with software designed specifically for their field of
work. Power users such as engineers, architects, desktop publishers, and graphic artists often use sophisticated
software that allows them to work with graphics and multimedia. This software includes computer-aided design,
desktop publishing, paint/image editing, photo editing, video and audio editing, multimedia authoring, and Web
page authoring. Many graphics and multimedia programs incorporate user-friendly interfaces, or scaled-down
versions, making it possible for the home and small business users to create documents using these programs.

Popular graphics and multimedia programs — for the professional.

Computer-Aided Design

Computer-aided design (CAD) software is a sophisticated type

of application software that assists a professional user in creating
engineering, architectural, and scientific designs. For example, engineers
create design plans for vehicles and security systems. Architects design
building structures and floor plans. Scientists design drawings of
molecular structures.
Desktop Publishing Software (for the Professional)

Desktop publishing (DTP) software enables professional

designers to create sophisticated documents that contain text,
graphics, and many colors. Professional DTP software is ideal to
produce high-quality color documents such as textbooks,
corporate newsletters, marketing literature, product catalogs, and
annual reports. Designers and graphic artists can print finished
publications on a color printer, take them to a professional
printer, or post them on the Web in a format that can be viewed
by those without DTP software.

Paint/Image Editing Software (for the Professional)

Graphic artists, multimedia professionals, technical illustrators, and desktop publishers use paint
software and image editing software to create and modify graphical images such as those used
in DTP documents and Web pages. Paint software, also called illustration software, allows users to
draw pictures, shapes, and other graphical images with various on-screen tools such as a pen, brush,
eyedropper, and paint bucket. Image editing software provides the
capabilities of paint software and includes the capability to
enhance and modify existing pictures and images. Modifications can
include adjusting or enhancing image colors, adding special effects such
as shadows and glows, creating animations, and image stitching, which
is the process of combining multiple images into a larger image.
Professional photo editing software is a type of image editing
software that allows photographers, video graphers, engineers, scientists, and other high-volume
digital photo users to edit and customize digital photos. With professional photo editing software,
users can retouch photos, crop images, remove red eye, change image shapes, color correct
images, straighten images, remove, or rearrange objects in a photo, and apply filters.

Video and Audio Editing Software (for the Professional)

Video editing software allows professionals to modify a

segment of a video, called a clip. For example, users can reduce
the length of a video clip, reorder a series of clips, or add special
effects such as words that move horizontally across the screen.
Video editing software typically includes audio editing
capabilities. Audio editing software lets users modify audio
clips, produce studio quality soundtracks, and add audio to
video clips. Most television shows and movies are created or enhanced using video and audio editing
software.
 Multimedia Authoring Software

Multimedia authoring software allows users to combine

text, graphics, audio, video, and animation in an interactive
application. With this software, users control the placement of
text and images and the duration of sounds, video, and
animation. Once created, multimedia presentations often take
the form of interactive computer- based presentations or Web-
based presentations designed to facilitate learning, demonstrate
product functionality, and elicit direct-user participation.
Training centers, educational institutions, and online magazine
publishers all use multimedia authoring software to develop interactive applications. These applications
may be available on an optical disc, over a local area network, or via the Internet.

Web Page Authoring Software

Web page authoring software helps users of all skill levels create Web pages that include graphical
images, video, audio, animation, and special effects with interactive content. In addition, many Web
page authoring programs allow users to organize, manage, and maintain Web sites. Application
software, such as Word and Excel, often includes Web page authoring features. This allows home and
small business users to create basic Web pages using application software they already own. For more
sophisticated Web pages, users work with Web page authoring software.

Software for Home, Personal, and Educational Use

A large amount of application software is designed specifically for home, personal, and educational use.
Most of the programs in this category are relatively inexpensive, often priced less than $100. The
following pages discuss the features and functions of this application software.
Personal Finance Software

Personal finance software is a simplified accounting program that helps home users and small
office/home office users balance their checkbooks, pay bills, track personal income, and track
investments, and evaluate financial plans. Most personal finance software includes financial planning
features, such as analyzing home and personal loans, preparing income taxes, and managing retirement
savings. Other features include managing home inventory and setting up budgets. Most of these
programs also offer a variety of online
services, such as online banking, which
require access to the Internet.
Legal Software

Legal software assists in the preparation of legal documents and provides legal
information to individuals, families, and small businesses. Legal software provides
standard contracts and documents associated with buying, selling, and renting
property; estate planning; marriage and divorce; and preparing a will or living trust. By
answering a series of questions or completing a form, the legal software tailors the
legal document to specific needs.

Tax Preparation Software

Tax preparation software, which is available both as packaged software and

Web applications, can guide individuals, families, or small businesses through the
process of filing federal taxes. These programs forecast tax liability and offer
money-saving tax tips, designed to lower your tax bill. After you answer a series of
questions and complete basic forms, the software creates and analyzes your tax
forms to search for missed potential errors and deduction opportunities. Once the
forms are complete, you can print any necessary paperwork, and then they are
ready for filing. Some tax preparation programs also allow you to file your tax forms electronically.

Desktop Publishing Software (for Personal Use)

Personal DTP software helps home and small business users create newsletters, brochures, flyers,
advertisements, postcards, greeting cards, letterhead, business cards, banners, calendars, logos, and
Web pages. Although many word processing programs include DTP features, users often prefer to create
DTP documents using DTP software because of its enhanced features. For example, personal DTP
programs provide hundreds of thousands of graphical images. You also can import (bring in) your own
digital photos into the documents. These programs typically guide you through the development of a
document by asking a series of questions. Then, you can print
a finished publication on a color printer or post it on the Web.
Many personal DTP programs also include paint/image
editing software and photo editing and photo management
software.
Paint/Image Editing Software (for Personal Use)

Personal paint/image editing software provides an easy-to-use interface; includes various

simplified tools that allow you to draw pictures, shapes, and other images; and provides the capability
of modifying existing graphics and photos. These products also include many templates to assist you in
adding images to documents such as greeting
cards, banners, calendars, signs, labels, business
cards, and letterhead. Personal photo
editing software, a popular type of image
editing software available both as packaged
software and as Web applications, allows users
to edit digital photos by removing redeye,
erasing blemishes, restoring aged photos,
adding special effects, enhancing image quality,
or creating electronic photo albums. When you
purchase a digital camera, it usually includes
photo editing software. Some digital cameras
even have basic photo editing software built in so that you can edit the image directly on the camera.
You can print edited photos on labels, calendars, business cards, and banners, or you can post them on
the Web. With photo management software, you can view, organize, sort, catalog, print, and share
digital photos. Some photo editing software includes photo management functionality.

Clip Art/Image Gallery

Application software often includes a clip art/image gallery, which is a collection

of clip art and photos. Some programs have links to additional clips available on the
Web or are available as Web applications. You also can purchase clip art/image gallery
software that contains thousands of images. In addition to clip art, many clip
art/image galleries provide fonts, animations, sounds, video clips, and audio clips. You
can use the images, fonts, and other items from the clip art/image gallery in all types
of documents, including word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, and
presentations.

Video and Audio Editing Software (for Personal Use)

Many home users work with easy-to-use video and audio editing software,
which is much simpler to use than its professional counterpart, for small-scale
movie making projects. With these programs, home users can edit home movies,
add music or other sounds to the video, and share their movies on the Web. Some
operating systems include video editing and audio editing software.
Home Design/Landscaping Software

Homeowners or potential homeowners can use home design/ landscaping

software to assist them with the design, remodeling, or improvement of a home, deck,
or landscape. This software includes hundreds of pre-drawn plans that you can
customize to meet your needs. These programs show changes to home designs and
landscapes, allowing homeowners to preview proposed modifications.

Travel and Mapping Software

Travel and mapping software enables users to view maps,

determine route directions, and locate points of interest. Using
travel and mapping software, which is available both as packaged
software and as Web applications, you can display maps by
searching for an address, postal code, telephone number, or point
of interest (such as airports, lodging, and historical sites). Most
programs also allow you to download construction reports and
calculate mileage, time, and expenses.

Reference and Educational Software

Reference software provides valuable and thorough information for all individuals. Popular reference
software includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, and health/medical guides.
Educational software teaches a particular skill. Educational software exists
for just about any subject, from learning how to type learning how to cook
preparing for college entrance exams. Educational software often includes games
and other content to make the learning experience more fun. Many educational
programs use a computer-based training approach. Computer-based
training (CBT) is a type of education in which students learn by using and
completing exercises with instructional software. CBT typically consists of self-
directed, self-paced instruction about a topic.

Entertainment Software

Entertainment software for personal computers includes interactive games, videos, and other
programs designed to support a hobby or provide amusement and enjoyment. For example, you might
use entertainment software to play games individually or with others online, make a family tree, or fly
an aircraft. Many games are available as Web applications, allowing you to play individually or with other
online players.
Web Applications

As previously mentioned, a Web application, or Web app, is a Web site that allows users to access
and interact with software from any computer or device that is connected to the Internet. Users often interact
with Web applications directly at the Web site, referred to as the host, through their Web browser. Some Web
sites, however, require you download the software to your local computer or device. Web application hosts
often store users’ data and information on their servers. Some Web applications provide users with an option
of storing data locally on their own personal computer or mobile device. Many of the previously discussed types
of application software are available as Web applications.

Application Software for Communications

One of the main reasons people use computers is to communicate and share information with others.
Some communications software is considered system software because it works with hardware and
transmission media. Other communications software performs specific tasks for users, and thus, is considered
application software.
Learning Tools for Application Software
Learning how to use application software effectively involves time and practice. To assist in the learning
process, many programs provide online Help and Web-based Help.
Online Help is the electronic equivalent of a user manual. When working with a program, you can use
online Help to ask a question or access the Help topics in subject or alphabetical order. Most online Help also
links to Web sites that offer Web-based help, which provides updates and more comprehensive resources to
respond to technical issues about software. Many books are available to help you learn to use the features of
personal computer programs. These books typically are available in bookstores and software stores.

Web-Based Training Web-based training (WBT) is a type of CBT (computer-based training) that
uses Internet technology and consists of application software on the Web. Similar to CBT, WBT typically consists
of self-directed, self-paced instruction about a topic. WBT is popular in business, industry, and schools for
teaching new skills or enhancing existing skills of employees, teachers, or students. Many Web sites offer WBT
to the general public. Such training covers a wide range of topics, from how to change a flat tire to creating
documents in Word. Many of these Web sites are free. Others require registration and payment to take the
complete Web-based course. WBT often is combined with other materials for distance learning and e-learning.
Distance learning is the delivery of education at one location while the learning takes place at other
locations. E-learning, short for electronic learning, is the delivery of education via some electronic method
such as the Internet, networks, or optical discs. To enhance communications, e-learning systems also may
include video conferencing, e-mail, blogs, wikis, newsgroups, chat rooms, and groupware.