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Understanding Computer Types and Features

A computer is an electronic machine that can perform arithmetic and logical operations automatically. It can choose, copy, move, compare data and follow a set of instructions to produce an output. Computers work at incredible speeds with high accuracy and consistency. They are versatile machines capable of storing large volumes of data and performing any task that can be broken down into logical steps. There are four main types of computers - supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers - which vary in their processing power and typical uses.

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9 views2 pages

Understanding Computer Types and Features

A computer is an electronic machine that can perform arithmetic and logical operations automatically. It can choose, copy, move, compare data and follow a set of instructions to produce an output. Computers work at incredible speeds with high accuracy and consistency. They are versatile machines capable of storing large volumes of data and performing any task that can be broken down into logical steps. There are four main types of computers - supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers - which vary in their processing power and typical uses.

Uploaded by

Jay-Ar
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What computer is?

It is an automatic, high speed, digital, electronic data processing machine used for performing
program instruction to produced desired output. It can choose copy, move, compare and
perform both arithmetic and non arithmetic operations.

The characteristic of computer


1. Speed
Computers work at an incredible speed. A powerful computer is capable of performing about 3-4
million simple instructions per second.
2. Accuracy
In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate. Errors that may occur can almost always
be attributed to human error (inaccurate data, poorly designed system or faulty
instructions/programs written by the programmer)
3. Diligence
Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not suffer from human traits of
boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of concentration. Computers, therefore, are better than
human beings in performing voluminous and repetitive jobs.
4. Versatility
Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing any task as long as it can
be broken down into a series of logical steps. The presence of computers can be seen in
almost every sphere Railway/Air reservation, Banks, Hotels, Weather forecasting and many
more.
5. Storage Capacity
Todays computers can store large volumes of data. A piece of information once recorded (or
stored) in the computer, can never be forgotten and can be retrieved almost
instantaneously.

The Four Main Types of Computer


1.1.1 Supercomputer
1.1.2 Mainframe computer
1.1.3 Minicomputer
1.1.4 Microcomputer

Computers come in a variety of sizes and shapes and with a variety of processing capabilities.
The earliest computers were very large because of the technologies used. However, as
technological improvements were made in computer components, the overall size of computer
began to shrink and continue to do so. To provide a basis for comparing their capabilities,
computer generally grouped into four basic main types:

SUPERCOMPUTERS is fastest and the most powerful computer. It can process more than 64
billion instruction per one second. It is use in application which requires complex and
complicated mathematical calculation.
Examples: the exact calculation of Pi by using two supercomputers to calculate pi to 480 million
decimal places (the printout would be 600 miles long)

MAINFRAME COMPUTER is a large computer, usually housed in an environment in which


temperature and humidity can be controlled, that can support the processing requirements of
hundreds and often thousands of users and computer professionals. It is less powerful than a
supercomputer.

MINICOMPUTER is also known as mid-size or mid-range computer is similar to but less


powerful and smaller than to a mainframe computer. It can support 2 to about 100 users and
computer professional.
MICROCOMPUTER is the cheapest and the most available type of computer in the Philippines.
It composed of the keyboard, the Central Processing Unit/microprocessor, the Video Display
Unit and the Storage Device. It designed to serve one user at a time.

Terms
Computer Professional is a person in a profession involving computers who has had formal
education in the technical aspects of computers. (e.g computer programmer)

User is someone without much technical knowledge of computers but who uses computer to
produce information for professional or personal tasks, enhance learning or have fun.

Data consists of raw facts and figures that are processed into information.

The Components of Computer

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