Types of Computers

There are so many different types of Computers, some of them are small while others are large. But they can all be grouped into Computers for individuals and organizations.

Computers for individuals are usually small, and made for one Computer User at a time. They are designed to process and store small amount of data and programs. These computers are used to play games, access word processing documents, spreadsheet or database management applications to achieve individual goals.

Computers for organizations are made to cater for the needs of many people at the same time. They are designed to process and store large amounts of data and programs. These computers are used for research, business automation, production and distribution, managing employees, banking, data storage, team management, and marketing.

Computers For Individuals

Generally, Computers are made to help individuals and organizations to perform many tasks that add value to their lives. Computers that are designed for individual use are the Personal Computers (PC). These Computers are also known as Microcomputers.

 

COMPUTER FOR INDIVIDUALS

Types of Microcomputers (Computers for Individuals)

Personal Computers

Personal Computers are small but powerful. They come in two forms (shapes), which are Tower and Desktop Computers. Personal Computers are basically grouped into two standards or platforms. They are Macintosh Systems by Apple, and PC-compatible computers, (which evolved from IBM PC).

Macintosh Computers run on Mac OS Operating System. They use different hardware and software. They are mostly used by artists and designers because of their advanced graphics capabilities.

DESKTOP COMPUTERS

TOWER COMPUTER

PC-compatible computers were the first personal computers that were accepted for business purposes. Hewlett-Packard (HP), Gateway, Acer, Fujitsu, Dell, Compaq, Lenovo, etc. are examples of PC-compatible computers. They all run on Windows Operating System. These Computers are designed to be used at home or in an office environment.

Notebook Computers

Notebook Computers are small and easy to carry around. The size of Notebook Computers is about the size of notebooks that students write their notes in. This makes it easy for Computer Users to travel with them. Hence, access to their computers become easy wherever they go.

They are composed of two halves that close into one compact unit. One half has the screen, while the other half contains the Keyboard. They are also known as Laptop because they are usually placed on the lap. Companies that manufacture Desktop Computers are the same that do Notebook Computer.

Laptop

Laptops are small and lightweight computers that are used to perform various kinds of tasks. They consist of a display screen, keyboard, touchpad, processors and memory. Though they are bigger than Notebook Computers, they have the same features and may perform the same functions.

They are also more expensive than Desktop and Notebook Computers.

LAPTOP

Subnotebook Computers

Subnotebook Computers are smaller than Notebook Computers. They are usually used for specific tasks which require the use of a few peripherals and accessories.

 

SUBNOTEBOOK COMPUTER

Tablet PCs

Tablet PCs are types of Notebook Computers that are designed to be used with a digital pen (stylus). They have LCD Screen that the Computer User can write on using the Stylus. You can also operate them by tapping the screen with your fingers.

TABLET PC

They are usually in slate tablet forms (without Keyboard) or convertible tablets (with Keyboard), which are designed like Notebook Computers but can rotate the screen part, and fold them back to be used as slate tablets. 

Most of the have built-in microphones and special software that can accept input from a Computer User’s voice.

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

PDA

Personal Digital Assistants are small enough to fit in one hand. They are also known as Handheld Computers. They are smaller and lighter in weight and support pen, touch, and keyboard inputs depending on how they were designed.

PDAs are mostly used to schedule appointments, to keep to-do list and address books, for notes taking, for sending and receiving e-mails. Most Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) can be connected to Personal Computers (PCs) to exchange data.

Network Computers

Network Computers, which are also known as Thin Clients are computers that are designed to be used together with a network such as the Internet or a company’s network.

Network Computers depend on computer networks for their power and software. They store and access data on a network server. This lowers the cost of using a Computer as compared to Desktops, increases security because all the software are on the central server.

Internet Appliances or Internet Devices are Network Computers or other devices that are designed to access webpages and/or exchange e-mails. Internet Appliances are usually built into other products such as a game console, refrigerator, television and a telephone console.

Professional Workstations

Professional Workstations are extra powerful Desktop Computers designed for architects, graphic designers, engineers, scientists, financial analysts, film makers, circuit designers and other professionals who need powerful processing and output capabilities.

Computers For Organizations

Computers for organizations are made to cater for the needs of many people at the same time. They are designed to process and store large amounts of data and programs.

Types of Computers for Organizations

Servers

Servers are computers that host programs and data, which they make available to people who are connected to the network. They are designed to be used by many people, and are usually placed at

SERVER

one location.

Computer Users access servers to obtain information by connecting their Personal Computers (PCs) to them through a network. Computers used to access servers are known as Clients.

Midrange Servers/Minicomputers

Midrange Servers also known as Minicomputers are medium-size computers that host programs and data for smaller organizations. They are powerful multi-user computers that can carry out many tasks for many people concurrently (at the same time).

These connections are done through Personal Computers or Terminals. Terminals are computers that do not have processing capabilities. They are devices that consist of Keyboards and video display unit used with Minicomputer and Mainframe Computer Systems.

Terminals are also known as Dumb Terminals because they cannot process data.

Mainframe Computers

Mainframe Computers are powerful computers that are designed to handle huge processing tasks in

MAINFRAME COMPUTERS

large organizations or government agencies. They have high processing speed and larger storage capabilities that serve many Computer Users at the same time. 

Mainframe Computers are large in size and occupy large rooms, with air conditions installed to regulate the temperature of the rooms. Computer Users connect to Mainframe Computers using Personal Computers (PCs) or Terminals.

Mainframe Computers are sometimes referred to Enterprise-Class Servers or High-End Servers. Companies that use Mainframe computers include but not limited to Police Service, Insurance Companies, Airlines, Utility Companies and Banks.

Supercomputers

Supercomputers are computers with ultrafast processing speed and accuracy, designed to process large amounts of scientific data. 

SUPERCOMPUTERS

They are used for exploring oil, controlling missile guidance systems, scientific research, forecasting the weather, controlling satellite guidance systems, simulations, and sending astronauts to space. Supercomputers are the most expensive.