Computer
Fundamentals
Computer are everywhere! Anywhere you look and
anywhere you go, there are computers, There are
computers, or some kinds of it, at home, in school,
and at the office. Today, most appliances and
gadgets are computerized, which means that a
program or software runs our cell phone, LCD TV’s,
cars and even our watches.
The computer has made a big difference in our lives
these days let us get to know it better.
What is computer
A leading dictionary defines a computer as a
"programmable and usually electronic device that
can store, retrieve, and process data”.
On the other hand, a computer is also defined as
“a general purpose machine that process data
according to a set of instructions that are stored
internally either temporarily or permanently.
What is computer
The devices and machines that we see in our offices,
schools, and homes are computers because they can
process data or information and give us useful
outcomes. A teacher uses a database program in a
computer, for example, to come up with the average
grades of his students; while a businessman uses a
similar machines to know his projected earnings from
the coming year.
Computer have developed so fast because of their
usefulness. They now appear in various sizes, shapes,
functions and power.
Computers According to Size, and
Power
Computer are classified in various ways. First,
they differ according to size and power.
Computers can be supercomputers, mainframes,
minicomputer and microcomputers.
Supercomputers
Supercomputers are the largest and most powerful
computers. They are also the most expensive because
they are custom-made for the needs of governments
and international group and companies.
Supercomputers are used for very special purposes, like
in scientific and engineering applications, including
analyzing data from space probes, researching nuclear
energy, creating weather maps, and finding oil.
Supercomputers
Some examples of supercomputers are GRAPE, also
known as Gravity Pipe, which is used for gravitational
computations; Anton, used for molecular dynamics;
and CRAY XT5, considered as one of the worlds most
powerful supercomputers, used for various applications
that need great ability to process information
Example of supercomputer
Mainframe computers
A mainframe computer is a large computer that can
process data at a very high rate of speed. It is mainly
used by big businesses and companies to process and
compute large, bulk amounts of data and handle
millions of transactions.
Mainframes are typically used for very large data
processing such as those bank transactions, census and
consumer statistic, airline ticketing, and large
management and payroll needs.
Example of mainframe computer
Minicomputer
On the other hand, is another type of multi use
machine that is smaller, less expensive, and less
powerful than mainframe. This is used in mid-
range businesses and companies for their
processing needs. This can also support
simultaneous applications.
Example of minicomputer
Microcomputers
Probably the most popular kind of computers are
then microcomputers. They first appeared in the late
1970s and has then developed into very fast and
powerful machines. Microcomputers can be
workstations and personal computers (PCs)
Microcomputers
Workstations – are powerful machines usually used
by an individual user at a time. Their tremendous
computing speed makes them a favorite of scientists,
engineers, and multimedia artists. They handle
complex data like 3D designs, animations, and
image rendering, and usually run one particular
program such as graphics applications.
Microcomputers
Personal Computers (PCs) – The term “personal
computer” first appeared in 1981 when International
Business Machines (IBM) launched its IBM
Personal Computer Model. Since then, computers
that are for individual use are called personal
computer. The PC. Has become the most use
computer in the world.
Microcomputers
Personal Computers (PCs) – these machines,
which are used in the most organizations and
homes, have a variety of uses too, be it accounting,
word processing, graphic design, database
management, and other common application. PCs
are either desktop computers or portable computers.
Microcomputers
Desktop computers – are the ones with a monitor
and a Central Processing Unit (CPU) usually placed
on a computer table or desk, hence the name. you
can find desktops in most business and companies.
Laptop computer – a light and small computer that
one can carry to school or work, you can rest it on
your lap while using. Some models are even more
powerful and have faster speed than most desktop.
Microcomputers
Notebook computer – weighs less than a laptop but is
as powerful and can be put inside a briefcase like a
notebook.
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) – are handheld
devices serving as electronic organizers that enable
users to communicate and use simple programs like
word processing, and task scheduling; and other
devices like gaming consoles, mobile phones, and
computers in various gadgets and appliances. Because
they are portable, these machines generally cost more
then desktop computers.
Personal Computer Notebook computer
Laptop Computer Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
