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Types of Computers Explained

A computer is an electronic device that can store, process, and retrieve data. There are many types of computers including desktops, laptops, tablets, servers, smartphones, game consoles, TVs, and more. Personal computers come in two main styles - PCs which typically run Windows, and Macs which are made by Apple and run Mac OS.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
64 views5 pages

Types of Computers Explained

A computer is an electronic device that can store, process, and retrieve data. There are many types of computers including desktops, laptops, tablets, servers, smartphones, game consoles, TVs, and more. Personal computers come in two main styles - PCs which typically run Windows, and Macs which are made by Apple and run Mac OS.

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What is computer
September 20, 2020

 A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the


ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a
computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can
also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

Also read : full form of computer

Hardware vs. software


Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about two things all
computers have in common: hardware and software.

Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as
the keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's internal parts,
which you can see in the image below.

Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how


to do it. Examples of software include web browsers, games, and word
processors. Below, you can see an image of Microsoft PowerPoint, which is
used to create presentations.
Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and software. For
example, right now you may be viewing this lesson in a web browser (software) and
using your mouse (hardware) to click from page to page. As you learn about different
types of computers, ask yourself about the differences in their hardware. As you
progress through this tutorial, you'll see that different types of computers also often use
different types of software.

What are the different types of


computers?
When most people hear the word computer, they think of a personal computer such as
a desktop or laptop. However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they
perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an
ATM, scan groceries at the store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.
Desktop computers

Many people use desktop computers at work, home, and school. Desktop computers are
designed to be placed on a desk, and they're typically made up of a few different parts,
including the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Laptop computers

The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, commonly
called a laptop. Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more portable than
desktops, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.

Tablet computers
Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are even more portable than
laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for
typing and navigation. The iPad is an example of a tablet.

Servers

A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a network. For


example, whenever you use the Internet, you're looking at something that's stored on a
server. Many businesses also use local file servers to store and share files internally.

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Other types of computers
Many of today's electronics are basically specialized computers, though we don't always
think of them that way. Here are a few common examples.

Smartphones: Many cell phones can do a lot of things computers can do,


including browsing the Internet and playing games. They are often
called smartphones.

Wearables: Wearable technology is a general term for a group of devices—


including fitness trackers and smartwatches—that are designed to be worn
throughout the day. These devices are often called wearables for short.

Game consoles: A game console is a specialized type of computer that is used


for playing video games on your TV.

TVs: Many TVs now include applications—or apps—that let you access various


types of online content. For example, you can stream video from the Internet
directly onto your TV.

PCs and Macs


Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac. Both are fully functional, but
they have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.

PCs

This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other
companies began creating similar computers, which were called IBM PC
Compatible (often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal
computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Macs

The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold
personal computer with a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs
are made by one company (Apple), and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating
system.

Common questions

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Servers play a crucial role in networked environments by storing and providing information to other computers on the network. For example, when accessing the Internet, you're retrieving information that resides on a server. Servers are essential for managing resources, sharing files internally within businesses, and hosting Internet services .

Someone might choose a smartphone for tasks like browsing the Internet, playing games, or using applications due to its portability and convenience. Smartphones incorporate many features of traditional computers but offer the advantage of being highly accessible and available at all times, enabling users to perform tasks quickly without needing additional equipment like a keyboard or mouse .

TVs have incorporated computing functions by integrating applications that allow access to online content, such as streaming video from the Internet. This signifies a growing trend towards the convergence of traditional appliances with computing technology, hinting at a future where seamless connectivity and multifunctionality are standard features, leading to more integrated home and entertainment systems .

Game consoles are a specialized type of computer specifically designed for playing video games on a television. Unlike general-purpose computers, game consoles focus on delivering optimized graphics and performance for gaming applications. They often include unique hardware and software features tailored to enhance gaming experiences .

The introduction of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) by Macintosh computers revolutionized modern computing by making computers more user-friendly and accessible to the general public. The GUI allowed users to interact with their computers through visual icons and menus instead of complex text-based commands, setting a standard that is prevalent in most modern operating systems .

Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, has transformed personal computing by providing continuous access to data and computing power throughout the day, often while on the move. These devices seamlessly integrate into daily life, offering functionalities such as health monitoring and personalized notifications, thus enhancing the accessibility and convenience of computing .

Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that have a tangible structure, such as the keyboard, mouse, and internal components. Software consists of instructions that tell the hardware what to do and how to do it. Everything you do on your computer relies on the interaction between hardware and software. For instance, when you browse the web, the browser (software) processes the inputs from the mouse (hardware) to navigate web pages .

The evolution of personal computers has been closely linked to advancements in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The introduction of GUIs, such as those on Macintosh computers, made PCs more intuitive and user-friendly, encouraging broader adoption. Subsequent enhancements to graphics and user interaction technologies have continued to drive PC development, leading to more sophisticated systems that support complex applications and multimedia content .

Tablet computers differ in operation primarily due to their touch-sensitive screens, which are used for typing and navigation, unlike desktops and laptops that typically require a keyboard and mouse for these functions. Tablets are more portable than both desktops and laptops, allowing for greater mobility .

PCs originated with the IBM PC in 1981 and have evolved to commonly use the Microsoft Windows operating system. Macs were introduced in 1984 as the first widely sold personal computers with a graphical user interface; they utilize the Mac OS X operating system. While PCs are made by various manufacturers, Macs are exclusively produced by Apple, creating distinct experiences in terms of compatibility, aesthetics, and user interfaces .

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