1.
PC (Personal Computer)
Definition: A small, general-purpose computer designed for individual use.
Usage: Home, schools, offices.
Examples: Desktop, laptop, all-in-one.
Features:
o Used for word processing, internet browsing, gaming, etc.
o Inexpensive and easy to use.
Popular Brands: Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple.
2. Workstation
Definition: A high-performance computer designed for technical or scientific
applications.
Usage: Graphics design, engineering (CAD), video editing, software development.
Features:
o More powerful than a regular PC.
o Often has multiple CPUs/GPUs, high RAM, and fast storage.
Examples: Dell Precision, HP Z Series.
3. Minicomputer (Mid-range Computer)
Definition: A multi-user computer that is smaller than a mainframe but larger than a PC.
Usage: Small businesses, departmental computing.
Features:
o Supports multiple users simultaneously.
o Less common today; replaced by servers.
Example: DEC PDP-11, VAX systems.
4. Mainframe Computer
Definition: A powerful, large computer used for large-scale data processing.
Usage: Banking, insurance, government, airlines.
Features:
o Supports thousands of users.
o High reliability, processing power, and storage.
o Handles millions of transactions per second.
Examples: IBM Z Series.
5. Supercomputer
Definition: The fastest, most powerful type of computer.
Usage: Scientific simulations, climate modeling, nuclear research, AI.
Features:
o Massive processing speed (measured in FLOPS).
o Used in research labs, space agencies (like NASA).
Examples: Frontier (USA), Fugaku (Japan).
1. System Software:
Definition:
System software is a type of computer software designed to operate and control the computer
hardware and to provide a platform for running application software.
Examples:
Operating System (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS)
Device Drivers
Utility Programs (e.g., antivirus, disk cleanup tools)
Compilers and Interpreters
Functions:
Manages hardware resources
Provides a user interface (UI)
Helps in the execution of application software
Controls input/output devices
Features:
Runs in the background
Starts when the computer is powered on
Essential for the functioning of the computer
2. Application Software:
Definition:
Application software is a type of computer program designed to perform specific tasks for the
user.
Examples:
Microsoft Word (word processing)
Excel (spreadsheet)
Web Browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)
Media Players (e.g., VLC)
Games
Functions:
Helps users perform specific tasks like writing documents, making presentations,
browsing the internet, etc.
Can be installed or removed based on user needs
Features:
User-friendly
Requires system software to run
Designed for end-users