Computer Types
There are many different types of computers, some large some small. Each computer has its own purpose and usage. This lesson introduces the following types of computers that are commonly found at home, in a school or within a business.
•Desktop Computers
•Midrange Computers
•Mainframes
•Handheld Devices
Objectives
At the end of this lesson you should be able to:
Name and describe different types of computers
Explain the main differences between the various types of computers
Desktop Computers: PCs, Apples and Workstations
A desktop computer describes any computer used by a single individual.
The term “personal computer (PC),” is generally equivalent to the term “desktop computer.”
PCs based on Intel processors typically run one of the Microsoft Windows operating systems such as XP; Apple computers run the Macintosh OS.
A workstation typically runs a version of the UNIX OS. Workstations are also used by individuals, and the difference between PCs and workstations is blurry. Generally, workstations and PCs differ in the OS (operating system) software they use and their processing and graphics power.
A workstation often features high-end hardware, such as large, fast disk drives, large amounts of processing memory, advanced graphics capabilities, and high-performance processors.
Midrange Computers
The term “midrange” covers a wide range of computer systems that support more than one user, and may support many users.
The term midrange covers a large range of computer systems, overlapping with desktop computers at one end and mainframe computers at the other end.
Server systems are commonly used in small to medium organizations, such as departmental information processing. The term “server” describes a powerful computer that provides a shared resource to multiple users.
Typical server functions include:
Business servers that support different departments in an organization, such as accounting or marketing
Communications servers that provide remote access for off-site users
World Wide Web (Web) servers that display Web pages for Web users
Mainframe Computers
Mainframe computers, which include super computers, manage huge organization-wide networks by storing and ensuring the integrity of massive amounts of crucial data.
Handheld Devices
To satisfy a society that is increasingly mobile, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), such as the PalmPilot, have become mainstream devices in the personal computing world.
PDAs now offer enough memory and storage space to support scaled-down versions of popular desktop applications, such as electronic mail (e-mail), calenders, word processing, and spreadsheets.
Exercise
Name one type of computer and describe something interesting that you learned in this lesson.
Summary
There are many different types of computers found in homes, schools and businesses. Computers are designed for a specific use. There are small computers designed for occasional use by individuals as well as large computers used by thousands of users at the same time.