UNDERSTANDING
COMPUTER
• A computer is a digital
electronic machine that
can be programmed to
carry out sequences of
arithmetic or logical
operations automatically.
DIFFERENT TYPES
OF COMPUTERS
(based on the operational principle of computers)
Analog
Computers
• almost extinct today
• can perform several mathematical
operations simultaneously
• uses continuous variables for
mathematical operations and utilizes
mechanical or electrical energy
Digital
Computers
• use digital circuits and are designed to
operate on two states, namely bits 0 and
1
• analogous to states ON and OFF
• suitable for complex computation and
have higher processing speeds
• programmable
Hybrid
Computers
• combination of both digital and
analog computers
• the digital segments perform
process control by conversion of
analog signals to digital ones
CLASSIFICATION
OF COMPUTERS
(based on their sizes and functionalities)
Mainframe
Computers
• use for highly critical applications
such as bulk data processing and
ERP
• most MCs have the capacities to
host multiple operating systems and
operate as a number of virtual
machines
Minicompute
rs
• in terms of size and processing
capacity, minicomputers lie in
between mainframes and
microcomputers
• also called mid-range systems or
workstations
Servers
• designed to provide services to client
machines in a computer network
• have larger storage capacities and
powerful processors (very large in size)
• designed to be fail-safe and resistant
to crash
Supercomput
ers
• can effectively perform highly
calculation-intensive tasks
• best to use in studying Quantum
Physics, Mechanics, Weather
Forecasting, Molecular Theory
• have the ability of parallel processing
and well-designed memory hierarchy
Microcompute
rs
• computer with a microprocessor and its
central processing unit
• do not occupy space as much as
mainframes do
• When supplemented with a keyboard
and a mouse, microcomputers can be
called personal computers
mputer
s
• consist of a monitor, a keyboard and other
similar input output devices, computer
memory in the form of RAM and a power
supply unit
• can fit on desks or tables and prove to be
the best choice for single-user tasks
FORMS OF
PERSONAL
COMPUTERS
Desktop
• intended to be used on a single
location
• its spare parts are readily available at
relatively lower costs
• widely popular for daily use in the
workplace and households
Lapto
p
• similar in operation to desktops
• miniaturized and optimized for mobile
use
• run on a single battery or an external
adapter that charges the computer
batteries
Netbook
s
• fall in the category of laptops, but are
inexpensive and relatively smaller in
size
• had a smaller feature set and lesser
capacities in comparison to regular
laptops, at the time they came into
the market
Personal Digital
Assistants (
• a handheld computer and popularly
known as a palmtop
• has a touch screen and a memory card
for storage of data
• can also be used as portable audio
players, web browsers and
smartphones
Personal Digital
Assistants
• Most of them can access the Internet
by means of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
communication
Tablet
Computers
• mobile computers that are very handy to
use
• use the touch screen technology
• come with an onscreen keyboard or use
a stylus or a digital pen
• Apple's iPod redefined the class of tablet
computers.
Wearable
Computers
• can be worn on the body and are often
used in the study of behavior modeling
and human health
• of great help in tracking human actions
• do not have to be turned on and off and
remain in operation without user
intervention
Direction: Identify the type of
computer being described in
the following sentences and
write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
Identification
1. These are mobile
computers that are very
handy to use.
2. They are computers
designed to provide
services to client
machines in a computer
network.
Identification
3. They are also called
mid-range systems or
workstations.
4. A computer with a
microprocessor and its
central processing
unit.
Identification
5. They fall in the
category of laptops, but
are inexpensive and
relatively smaller in
size.
6. A type of computer
which is intended be
used on a single
Identification
7. They use digital
circuits and are
designed to operate
on two states, namely
bits 0 and 1.
Identification
8. Computers that have
the capacities to host
multiple operating
systems and operate as
a number of virtual
machines and can
substitute for several
small servers.
Identification
9. It is a handheld
computer and popularly
known as a palmtop.
[Link] computers can
be worn on the body and
are often used in the
study of behavior
modeling and human
health.