What is Computer?

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A computer generally means a programmable machine. The two principal

characteristics of a computer are: it responds to a specific set of
instructions in a well-defined manner and it can execute a prerecorded list
of instructions (a program)
A computer is a device that accepts information (in the form of digitalized
data) and manipulates it for some result based on a program or sequence
of instructions on how the data is to be processed.

Computer is also called processor. An electronic device designed to accept

data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high
speed, and display the results of these operations.
An electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data) in a
particular form and of performing a sequence of operations in accordance
with a predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program)
to produce a result in the form of information or signals.
General purpose machine, commonly consisting of digital circuitry, that
accepts (inputs), stores, manipulates, and generates (outputs) data as
numbers, text, graphics, voice, video files, or electrical signals, in
accordance with instructions called a program.

Types of Computer
Since the advent of the first computer different types and sizes of computers are
offering different services. Computers can be as big as occupying a large building and
as small as a laptop or a microcontroller in mobile & embedded systems.
The four basic types of computers are.
1. Super computer
2. Mainframe Computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Microcomputer

1. Super Computer
The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are
the supercomputers. These are specialized and task specific computers used by
large organizations. These computers are used for research and exploration
purposes, like NASA uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling
them and for space exploration purpose.

The supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size. It can be
accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms; some super computers can span an
entire building.

Uses of Supercomputer
In Pakistan and other countries Supercomputers are used by Educational Institutes
like NUST (Pakistan) for research purposes. Pakistan Atomic Energy commission &
Heavy Industry Taxila uses supercomputers for Research purposes.

Space Exploration
Supercomputers are used to study the origin of the universe, the dark-matters.
For these studies scientist use IBMs powerful supercomputer Roadrunner at
National Laboratory Los Alamos.

Earthquake studies
Supercomputers are used to study the Earthquakes phenomenon. Besides that
supercomputers are used for natural resources exploration, like natural gas,
petroleum, coal, etc.

Weather Forecasting
Supercomputers are used for weather forecasting, and to study the nature and
extent of Hurricanes, Rainfalls, windstorms, etc.

Nuclear weapons testing

Supercomputers are used to run weapon simulation that can test the Range,
accuracy & impact of Nuclear weapons.

Popular Supercomputers
a. IBMs Sequoia, in United States
b. Fujitsus K Computer in Japan
c. IBMs Mira in United States
d. IBMs SuperMUC in Germany
e. NUDT Tianhe-1A in China

2. Mainframe computer
Although Mainframes are not as powerful as supercomputers, but certainly they are
quite expensive nonetheless, and many large firms & government organizations
uses Mainframes to run their business operations. The Mainframe computers can be
accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms because of its size. Super-computers
are the fastest computers with large data storage capacity, Mainframes can also
process & store large amount of data. Banks educational institutions & insurance
companies use mainframe computers to store data about their customers, students
& insurance policy holders.

Popular Mainframe computers

a. Fujitsus ICL VME
b. Hitachis Z800

3. Minicomputers
Minicomputers are used by small businesses & firms. Minicomputers are also called
as Midrange Computers. These are small machines and can be accommodated
on a disk with not as processing and data storage capabilities as super-computers &
Mainframes. These computers are not designed for a single user. Individual
departments of a large company or organizations use Mini-computers for specific
purposes. For example, a production department can use Mini-computers for
monitoring certain production process.

Popular Minicomputers
a. K-202
b. Texas Instrument TI-990
c. SDS-92
d. IBM Midrange computers

4. Microcomputers
Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital
assistant (PDA), tablets & smartphones are all types
of microcomputers. The micro-computers are
widely used & the fastest growing computers. These
computers are the cheapest among the other three
types of computers. The Micro-computers are
specially
designed
for
general
usage
like
entertainment, education and work purposes. Well
known manufacturers of Micro-computer are Dell,
Apple, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba.

Types of Microcomputers
1. Personal Computer
The personal computer (PC) defines a computer designed for general use by a
single person. While a Mac is a PC, most people relate the term with systems
that run the Windows operating system. PCs are known as microcomputers
because they are a complete computer, built on a smaller scale than the huge
systems in use by most businesses.

2. Desktop

A PC that is not designed for portability is a desktop

computer. The expectations with desktop systems
are that you will set the computer up in a
permanent location. Most desktops offer more
power, storage and versatility for less cost than
their portable.

3. Laptops
Also called notebooks, laptops are portable
computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a
pointing device or trackball, processor, memory
and hard drive all in a battery-operated package
slightly larger than an average hardcover book.

4. Netbooks
Netbooks are ultra-portable computers that are
even smaller than traditional laptops. The extreme
cost-effectiveness of netbooks (roughly $300 to
$500) means they're cheaper than almost any
brand-new laptop you'll find at retail outlets.
However, netbooks' internal components are less
powerful than those in regular laptop.

5. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

PDAs are tightly integrated computers that often
use flash memory instead of a hard drive for
storage. These computers usually do not have
keyboards but rely on touchscreen technology for
user input. PDAs are typically smaller than a
paperback novel, very lightweight with a
reasonable battery life. A slightly larger and heavier
version of the PDA is the handheld computer.

6. Workstations
Another type of computer is a workstation. A workstation is simply a desktop
computer that has a more powerful processor,
additional memory and enhanced capabilities for
performing a special group of task, such as 3D
Graphics or game development.

7. Wearable computers

The latest trend in computing is wearable computers.

Essentially, common computer applications (e-mail,
database, multimedia, and calendar/scheduler) are
integrated into watches, cell phones, and even
clothing.

8. Palmtop Computer
A palmtop computer is similar to a laptop computer,
but smaller. It's small enough to fit in the palm of your
hand (hence the name!)Palmtops are usually not very
powerful since fast CPUs require a large battery and
get hot - both problems in a small device. A typical
palmtop have a very small keyboard - too small to type on normally, instead the
user types using both thumbs. Also there is no room for a track pad, so a
touchscreen or tiny joystick is used instead. Palmtops are extremely portable,
but the small keyboard and screen make the devices tiring to use for long
periods.

9. Tablet PC
A tablet, or tablet PC, is a portable computer that uses a touchscreen as its
primary input device. Most tablets are slightly smaller and weigh less than the
average laptop. While some tablets include fold out keyboards, others, only offer
touchscreen input.
Early tablet touchscreens were designed to work with light pens, but most
modern tablets support human touch input. Many tablets now support multitouch input, which allows you to perform gestures with multiple fingers, such as
pinching an image to zoom out, or spreading your fingers apart to zoom in.
Tablets without physical keyboards allow you to enter text using a pop-up
keyboard that appears on the screen.
Since tablet PCs provide a different interface than traditional computers, they
offer unique possibilities for graphics applications, games, and other programs.
Because of their small form factor, they are extremely portable and can be easily
stored in a backpack or a briefcase. Still, because tablets lack a keyboard and
mouse, some tasks such as typing documents and writing email messages, are
more difficult on tablets than traditional computers. Therefore, tablets are
generally seen as accessories to laptops and desktop computers rather than
replacements.