Types of Computers &
Computer Hardware
Computer Technology
Basic Terminology
• Software
• A computer program that tells the
• Computer computer how to perform
particular tasks.
• A device that accepts input,
processes data, stores data, and
produces output, all according to a
series of stored instructions.
• Network
• Two or more computers and other
devices that are connected, for the
• Hardware purpose of sharing data and
programs.
• Includes the electronic and
mechanical devices that process
the data; refers to the computer as
well as peripheral devices.
• Peripheral devices
• Used to expand the computer’s
input, output and storage
capabilities.
Computer Performance and
Processing
• Boot Process
• Bootstrapping
condition.
is the process of starting up a computer from a halted or powered-down
• Data
• Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or ideas.
• Information
• Processed, stored, or transmitted data.
• Output
• Consists of the processing results produced by a computer.
• Input
• Information that is created or collected and fed into the system.
• Base 2 binary code
• Aonly
numbering system with only two digits numbers are 0 and 1. All numbers are comprised of
these two digits.
Types of Computers
Microcomputer
• A personal computer;
designed to meet the
computer needs of an
individual.
• Provides access to a wide
variety of computing
applications, such as word
processing, photo editing,
e-mail, and internet.
Desktop Microcomputer
• A microcomputer that fits
on a desk and runs on
power from an electrical
wall outlet.
• The CPU can be housed in
either a vertical or a
horizontal case.
• Has separate components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.)
that are each plugged into
the computer.
Laptop Computer
• A portable, compact
computer that can run on
an electrical wall outlet or
a battery unit.
• All components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.)
are in one compact unit.
• Usually more expensive
than a comparable
desktop.
• Sometimes called a
Notebook.
Supercomputer
• A computer that was the fastest in the world at the time
it was constructed.
• Can tackle tasks that would not be practical for other
computers.
• Typical uses
• Breaking codes
• Modeling weather systems
Mainframe
• Large expensive computer
capable of simultaneously
processing data for
hundreds or thousands of
users.
• Used to store, manage,
and process large
amounts of data that need
to be reliable, secure, and
centralized.
• Usually housed in a closet
sized cabinet.
Handheld
• Also called a PDA (Personal
Digital Assistant).
• A computer that fits into a
pocket, runs on batteries, and is
used while holding the unit in
your hand.
• Typically used as an
appointment book, address
book, calculator, and notepad.
• Can be synchronized with a
personal microcomputer as a
backup.
Computer Components Hardware
System unit
• Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and
the circuit boards (including the motherboard).
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
• Where the processing in a computer takes place, often
called the brain of the computer.
Input Devices
• Units that gather information and transform that
information it into a series of electronic signals for the
computer.
Keyboard
• An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special function
keys that act as the primary input device to the computer.
Mouse
• An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects
on the screen by moving the device along the surface of a
desk.
Microphone
• A microphone allows computer users to input audio into
their computers.
Scanner
• A scanner is a device that captures images from
photographic prints, posters, magazine pages, and similar
sources for computer editing and display
WEBCAM
• A webcam is a video camera that feeds or streams its
image in real time to or through a computer to
a computer network.
Output Devices
• Devices that display, print, or transmit the results of
processing from the computer’s memory.
Monitor
• Display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer
into points of colored light on the screen.
• Resolution
• The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics; the greater the
horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution.
• Pixels
• The smallest unit in a graphic image; computer display devices use a matrix of
pixels to display text and graphics.
Printer
• Output device that produces text or graphical images on
paper.
Speakers
• Output devices that receive signals from the computer’s
sound card to play music, narration, or sound effects.
Storage Devices
• Used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off.
• Different forms
• Hard disk
• Floppy or zip disks
• CD-Writer
