Types of Computer

Personal Computer

The personal computer (PC) defines a computer

designed for general use by a single person. While
an iMac is definitely a PC, most people relate the
acronym to computers that run on the
Windows operating system instead. PCs were first
known as microcomputers because they were
complete computers but built on a smaller scale
than the huge systems in use by most businesses
Personal Computer

1981, iconic tech maker IBM unveiled its first

PC, which relied on Microsoft's now-
legendary operating system — MS-DOS
(Microsoft Disk Operating System). Apple
followed up in 1983 by creating the Lisa, one
of the first PCs with a GUI (graphical user
interface) . That's a fancy way of saying
"icons" were visible on the screen. Before
that, computer screens were pretty plain.
 Personal Computer

Along the way, critical components such as CPUs

(central processing units) and RAM (random access
memory) evolved at a breakneck pace, making
computers faster and more efficient. In 1986, Compaq
unleashed a 32-bit CPU on its 386 machines. And of
course, Intel grabbed a place in computer history in 1993
with its first Pentium processor
Now, personal computers have touchscreens, all sorts of
built-in connectivity (like Bluetooth and WiFi), and
operating systems that morph by the day. So do the sizes
and shapes of the machines themselves.
 Types of Computers

1. Desktop
Until the middle of the 1980s, consumers had one choice for a PC —
and it was the desktop format. These knee-knocking boxes (called
"towers") were big enough to gouge your shins. Equipped with large
CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors, they crowded your home
workspace or the office. The expectation with desktop systems were
that you would set the computer up in a permanent location. Most
desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost than
their portable brethren, which was what made them the go-to
computer in the 1990s
 Types of Computers

2. LAPTOPS
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.
The first true commercial laptop, though, was a far cry from the
svelte devices crowding retail shops today. The Osborne 1,
released in 1981, sold for around $1,800, had 64 kb of memory —
and weighed about 24 pounds (10 kilograms). As it toned your
biceps, the Osborne 1 also gave your eyes a workout, as the
screen was just 5 inches (12 centimeters)
 Types of Computers

3. Netbooks & Tablets

 Netbooks are ultra-portable computers that are even smaller than
traditional laptops. The extreme cost-effectiveness of netbooks (roughly $200)
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 laptops.
 Netbooks first appeared in 2007, primarily as a means for accessing the interne
and web-based applications, from email, to music and movie streaming, to
web surfing. They're incredibly compact, but as a result, their specifications list
often resembles a very stripped-down laptop. They have small displays (as
small as 6 or 7 inches or 15-18 centimeters), little storage capacity (perhaps
maxing out at 64GB), and sometimes skimp on or altogether skip data ports
(like USB or HDMI) that traditional laptops wield.
Types of Computers

3. Netbooks & Tablets

 Tablets have largely replaced the niche netbooks
occupied. Tablets are thin, flat devices that look
like larger versions of smartphones. They were first
manufactured in 2000 by Lenovo, but popularized
by Apple in 2010 with the release of its iPad
• Tablets can do pretty much all the functions that laptops do, but don't have the
internal fans that PCs have. So they have to rely on lower-performing processors
that won't use as much heat or battery power. They also have less storage
capacity than traditional PCs. Older tablets used the same operating systems as
mobile phones but the newer tablets use a full operating system such as Microsoft
Windows 10
• Tablets are more portable than PCs, have a longer battery life yet can also do
smartphone-like activities such as taking photos, playing games and drawing with
a stylus. For those who like the keyboard functionality of a laptop, some tablets
Types of Computers

4, Handheld Computers
 Early computers of the 20th century famously required entire rooms. These
days, you can carry much more processing power right in your pants
pocket. Handheld computers like smartphones and PDAs are one of our
era's iconic devices
 Debuting in the 1990s, personal digital assistants (PDAs) were tightly
integrated computers that often used flash memory instead of a hard
drive for storage. These computers usually didn't have keyboards but
relied on touchscreen technology for user input. PDAs were typically
smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a reasonable
battery life. For a time, they were the go-to devices for calendars, email,
and simple messaging functions
Types of Computers

4, Handheld Computers
 Early computers of the 20th century
famously required entire rooms. These
days, you can carry much more processing
power right in your pants pocket.
Handheld computers like smartphones and
PDAs are one of our era's iconic devices
 Debuting in the 1990s, personal digital assistants (PDAs) were tightly inte-
grated computers that often used flash memory instead of a hard drive for
storage. These computers usually didn't have keyboards but relied
on touch-screen technology for user input. PDAs were typically smaller than
a paper-back novel, very lightweight with a reasonable battery life. For a
time, they were the go-to devices for calendars, email, and simple
messaging functions
 Types of Computers

A workstation is simply a desktop computer

that has a more powerful processor,
additional memory, high-end graphics
adapters and enhanced capabilities for
performing a special group of tasks, such
as 3D graphics or game development
Workstations, like regular desktop computers, are intended for
individual users. But they differ from desktops in that they are
much, much speedier. Typically, it's businesses like engineering
firms or multimedia companies that buy these workhorse PCs for
their employees
The power of a workstation doesn't come cheap. Whereas small
businesses can easily find normal desktops for just a few hundred
Types of Computers

5. Servers
A computer that has been optimized to provide services to
other computers over a network, servers usually have powerful
processors, lots of memory and large hard drives.
Unlike a desktop or laptop PC, you don't sit down at a server
and type. Instead, a server provides computer power — and
lots of it — through a local area network (LAN) or over the
internet. Companies small and large lean on servers to provide
information, process orders, track shipping data, crunch
scientific formulas, and a whole lot more. Servers are often
stored on racks in a dedicated server room, which in some
companies may resemble warehouses.
Types of Computers

6. Mainframe
In the early days of computing, mainframes were huge
computers that could fill an entire room or even a whole floor!
As the size of computers has diminished while their power has
increased, the term mainframe has fallen out of use in favor
of enterprise server. You'll still hear the term mentioned,
though, particularly in large companies to describe the huge
machines processing millions of transactions every day, while
simultaneously working to fulfill the needs of hundreds, if not
thousands of individual users. Although mainframes traditionally
meant a centralized computer linked to less powerful devices
like workstations, this definition is blurring as smaller machines
gain more power and mainframes get more flexible.
Types of Computers

6. Mainframe
 Mainframes first came to life in the post-World War II era, as the U.S.
Department of Defense ramped up its energies to fight the Cold War.
Even as servers become more numerous, mainframes are still used to
crunch some of the biggest and most complex databases in the world.
They help to secure countless sensitive transactions, from mobile
payments to top-secret corporation information
Types of Computers

7. Supercomputer
This type of computer usually costs
hundreds of thousands or even
millions of dollars. Although some
supercomputers are single
computer systems, most are
composed of multiple high
performance computers working in
parallel as a single system. The best
known supercomputers are built by
Cray Supercomputers.
Types of Computers

7. Supercomputer
Supercomputers are different from mainframes. Both types of computers
wield incredible computing power for Earth's most intense industrial and
scientific calculations. Mainframes are generally tweaked to provide the
ultimate in data reliability
Supercomputers, on the other hand, are the Formula 1 race cars of the
computer world, built for breakneck processing speed, so that companies
can hurtle through calculations that might take other systems days, weeks,
or even months to complete. They're often found at places like atomic
research centers, spy agencies, scientific institutes, or weather forecasting
stations, where speed is of vital concern
Types of Computers

8. Wearable
 The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. Essentially,
common computer applications (e-mail, database, multimedia,
calendar/scheduler) are integrated into watches, cell phones, visors
and even clothing. Many other wearables target outdoors enthusiasts
and fitness freaks, allowing them to track their location, altitude,
calories burned, steps, speed, and much, much more.
 The Apple iWatch, now in its fourth incarnation, is one of the best
reviewed wearables to date. This small watch has many of the
functionalities of a full-blown smartphone. It lets you perform normal
texting and email duties. And it has a built-in cell phone, unlike some
other smart watches that must be paired with a phone to make calls.
It even has a built-in electrical heart sensor that you can use to take
an electrocardiogram and share it instantly with your doctor
Personal Computer Types

Actual personal computers can be generally classified by size and chassis /

case. The chassis or case is the metal frame that serves as the structural
support for electronic components. Every computer system requires at
least one chassis to house the circuit boards and wiring. The chassis also
contains slots for expansion boards. If you want to insert more boards than
there are slots, you will need an expansion chassis, which provides
additional slots. There are two basic flavors of chassis designs–desktop
models and tower models–but there are many variations on these two
basic types. Then come the portable computers that are computers small
enough to carry. Portable computers include notebook and subnotebook
computers, hand-held computers, palmtops, and PDAs.
Personal Computer Types

 Tower model

The term refers to a computer in which the power supply, motherboard,

and mass storage devices are stacked on top of each other in a cabinet.
This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these components are
housed in a more compact box. The main advantage of tower models is
that there are fewer space constraints, which makes installation of
additional storage devices easier.
Personal Computer Types

 Desktop model

A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with the

monitor sitting on top of the computer. Desktop model computers are
broad and low, whereas tower model computers are narrow and tall.
Because of their shape, desktop model computers are generally limited to
three internal mass storage devices. Desktop models designed to be very
small are sometimes referred to as slimline models.
Personal Computer Types

Notebook computer

An extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook computers typically

weigh less than 6 pounds and are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase.
Aside from size, the principal difference between a notebook computer
and a personal computer is the display screen. Notebook computers use a
variety of techniques, known as flat-panel technologies, to produce a
lightweight and non-bulky display screen (10” – 13”). The quality of
notebook display screens varies considerably. In terms of computing power,
modern notebook computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers.
They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives. However, all
this power in a small package is expensive. Notebook computers cost about
twice as much as equivalent regular-sized computers. Notebook computers
come with battery packs that enable you to run them without plugging
them in. However, the batteries need to be recharged every few hours.
Personal Computer Types

 Laptop computer

A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit on your lap.
Nowadays, laptop computers are more frequently called notebook
computers.

 Subnotebook computer

A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized

notebook computer. Typically, subnotebook computers have a smaller
keyboard and screen (7” -10”), but are otherwise equivalent to notebook
computers.
Personal Computer Types

 Hand-held computer

A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one’s hand.

Although extremely convenient to carry, handheld computers have not
replaced notebook computers because of their small keyboards and
screens. The most popular hand-held computers are those that are
specifically designed to provide PIM (personal information manager)
functions, such as a calendar and address book.
Personal Computer Types

 Palmtop

A small computer that literally fits in your palm.

Compared to full-size computers, palmtops are
severely limited, but they are practical for
certain functions such as phone books and
calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather than
a keyboard for input are often called hand-
held computers or PDAs. Because of their small
size, most palmtop computers do not include
disk drives. However, many contain PCMCIA
slots in which you can insert disk drives,
modems, memory, and other devices.
Personal Computer Types

 PDA

Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld

device that combines computing,
telephone/fax, and networking features. A
typical PDA can function as a cellular phone,
fax sender, and personal organizer. Unlike
portable computers, most PDAs are pen-
based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for
input. This means that they also incorporate
handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs
can also react to voice input by using voice
recognition technologies.
Personal Computer Types

 PDA

Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device

that combines computing, telephone/fax, and
networking features. A typical PDA can function as a
cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer.
Unlike portable computers, most PDAs are pen-based,
using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This
means that they also incorporate handwriting
recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to
voice input by using voice recognition technologies.

PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers

and pocket computers.
Computer System Design

 What is a computer system?

The computer system is a group of integrated parts that have the

common purpose of performing various operations. It consists of a
computer, all the support equipment necessary for its use, instructions
that specify the performance of certain tasks, procedures that people
must follow to use the computer, and the people who use the system.
The purpose of a computer is to accept data, processing data, and
procedure output as useful information.
Computer System Design

 What is Computer Hardware?

The term HARDWARE is used to describe all the physical components of

a computer system. It includes the external and internal device
components of computer system External devices
Computer System Design

Components of Computer System Hardware

• Input Unit - It is the component of computer system designed for data
entry operations. It allows direct human or machine communication
while others requires data to be recorded on an input medium. The
input device reads and transmits data to the main memory of the
computer. Data are entered into this device by pressing appropriate
keys. One example is a card reader.
• Output Unit - It is the component of computer system that gives out
the users the results of the processed data. The information is
transmitted from CPU to this output device, where it is printed or
recorded.
Computer System Design

 What is Computer Software?

SOFTWARE - Is A set of instructions that tells the computer what to do
and how to arrive at A desired result. Are instructions that processes the
data entered into the computer.
Three Main types of software
System software -is a collection of programs which includes the:
a. OPERATING SYSTEM – is a program basically responsible for the
coordination, management and sharing of hardware resources and tasks
in the computer
b. UTILITY SYSTEM – is a program that performs maintenance tasks for the
computer’s resources, such as clean up, and organizing files and
programs so they would load and work faster.
C. DEVICE DRIVER – is a program that allows a particular hardware
device to work and communicate with the computer system.
Computer System Design

MAIN TYPES OF SOFTWARE :

1. APPLICATION SOFTWARE - A program designed to assist in the
performance of a specific task such as word processing,
spreadsheet, graphics or presentation
Examples of application software
1. WEB BROWSER SOFTWARE - is a program that allows you to browse the
World Wide Web and its resources. The most common web browsers are
as follows: a. Microsoft Internet Explorer b. Mozilla Firefox c. Google
Chrome d. Opera e. Safari f. Altavista, aj, msn

2. WORD PROCESSOR -is a program that allows the user top create and
change documents, letters, reports, memos and other text documents.
Examples are: a. Microsoft Word – 2007, 2010, 2013 b. Corel Wordperfect
c. OpenOffice.org Writter d. AppleWorks
Computer System Design

Examples of application software

3. SPREADSHEETS PROGRAMS - are rows and columns of data organized
and calculations are performed. Examples are: a. Microsoft Excel b.
AppleNumbers c. OpenOffice.org Calc

4. PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGER (PIM) - is a program that

includes an address book, calendar of appointments, notes and other
information you want to manage and access when needed. Examples
are: a. Microsoft Outlook b. Apple iCal

5. PRESENTATION SOFTWARE -is a software that is used to convey

information, ideas, messages or products to a target group of persons.
Examples area: a. Microsoft PowerPoint, 2007, 2010, 2013 b.
OpenOffice.org Impress c. Apple keynote d. Adobe Persuasion
Computer System Design

Examples of application software

6. DATABASE PROGRAMS -are programs created to organized data
and information in a manner desired by the user or in a format for its
convenient recovery and access. Examples are: a. Microsoft Access b.
FileMaker Pro c. MySQL d. Oracle e. OpenOffice Base

7. GRAPHICS SOFTWARE -are programs for drawing and coloring. They

can also edit pictures. Examples area: a. Microsoft Paint b. Adobe
Illustrator c. Adobe Photoshop d. CorelDraw e. OpenOffice Draw

8. VIDEO SOFTWARE -are programs to create, modify and enhance,

add and remove segments and other effects a user may want to apply
to video files. Examples are: a. Adobe Premiere b. Apple Final Cut c.
Microsoft Movie Maker d. Sony Vegas
Computer System Design

Examples of application software

9. CAD - COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN SOFTWARE -are programs optimized
for designing and drawing of homes, buildings, cars, airplanes and
other machineries. Examples are: a. Auto CAD b. Vectorworks

10. WEB PAGE AUTHORING PROGRAM -is a software made to assist the
users to create their own Web pages. Examples are: a. Adobe
Dreamweaver b. Microsoft Frontpage c. Joomla

11. REFERENCE SOFTWARE -is a program that provides information for

people. The most common reference programs includes
encyclopedias, dictionaries, maps and directories. Examples are: a.
Encarta Encyclopedia b. Merriam-Webster’s Medical Desk Dictionary
Computer System Design

Examples of application software

12. ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE -is a program designed for integrated
accounting applications for any business including schools. Examples
are: a. Peachtree Accounting b. MYOB Accounting c. Quickbooks
Accounting

13. ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE -is a program made to play interactive

games on the personal computer. Programs in this category also
include programs to support a hobby. Examples are: a. Microsoft Flight
Simulator b. Microsoft Train Simulator
Computer System Design

Examples of application software

14. EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE - is a program that teaches a certain skills.
There are many educational software for any subject that you can
think of. These include cooking, making origami, typing tutor, how to
play basketball, how to play the guitar and many others. In academic
applications, there are programs to assist students in learning math,
science and reading. Some examples are: a. Math Success b. Rapid
typing

15. COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE -is a program that allows the

computer user to get in touch with other people. Most of the available
communication programs are now internet-based and one good thing
is that most of them are free and the only thing to do is to register.
Examples are: a. E-mail Internet b. Telephony (Skype) c. Instant
Messenger (Yahoo Messenger)
Computer System Design

Examples of application software

16. Antivirus software - Antivirus software is a computer program that detects,
prevents, and takes action to disarm or remove malicious software programs,
such as Trojan horse, viruses and worms. You can help protect your computer
against viruses by using antivirus software.

Virus - Computer viruses are software programs that are deliberately designed
to interfere with computer operation, record, corrupt, or delete data, or
spread themselves to other computers and throughout the Internet.
Computer System Design

To prevent virus
• To help prevent the most current viruses, you must update
your antivirus software regularly. You can set up most types of
antiviruses software to update automatically.
• Here are two types of antivirus protection from Microsoft.
• For continuous protection, try Windows Live OneCare,
which automatically scans your computer for viruses. You
can use it free for 90 days
• For continuous protection, try Windows Defender scanner
allows you to scan your computer for viruses and other
malicious software for free
 Computer System Design

How should one take care of your computer?

1. Do not expose any computer to direct sunlight: put your computer away from
windows and doors as much as possible.
2. The room temperature and humidity must be standard room temperature ( the room
does not necessarily be airconditioned).
3. Do not strike the keyboard too hard or hit the computer. – Your hands must be clean
when using the keyboard or touching any diskettes.
4. The table or space where the computer sits must be stable and free from vibrations.
5. Do not use so much electrical connections with just one outlet. Use a voltage
regulator or surge protector; avoid using octopus plugs; extension cords are allowed.
6. Do not pull the plug to turn it off. Use the switch.
7. Use dust covers for your computer to avoid dust to accumulate inside the drives,
CPU, or the keyboard; keep your computer laboratory clean at all times.
8. During trouble shooting, do not let anyone (teachers and students) attempt to open
the casing of the computer unless he is a qualified computer technician.
 Computer System Design

What are the healthy ways of using your computer?

1. The distance between your body (or face) from the monitor should be at
least 2 feet (or arm’s length).
2. Do not stare at the monitor for a very long period; blink from time to time or
close your eyes for a few seconds after every 30 minutes of using the
computer.
3. The computer keyboard should be at least at the same level with your hands
– not too high and not too low.
4. The seats should be comfortable with back rest – not too high, not too low.
5. It is best to buy low radiation monitor or buy screen fibers for each computer
monitor.
6. Do not open the computer CPU for any reason at all; if someone will do it the
computer must be unplugged or switched off.
7. Do not wash your eyes after hours of using the computer.
8. Do not insert your fingers in the drives or any slots in the CPU or monitor.