Created by: Valuta Iuliana
Module: Information and Communication Technology
Teacher: Peter Laszlo
Created by: Valuta Iuliana
Module: Information and Communication Technology
Teacher: Peter Laszlo
* Table of Contents 1 Types of computers 2 1.1 Microcomputers 3 1.2 Minicomputers 5 1.3 Mainframe computers 5 1.4 Supercomputer 5 2 Single-user vs. multi-user systems 6 3 Common areas of usage 7 4 Current brands 8 5 Current costs 9 6 Questions 10 7 References 12
Types of computers
Classification
Classification
Microcomputers
Microcomputers, also named personal computers, represent the class that is currently the most widely used (at school, workplace, home). There are several types of microcomputers:
Mobile devices include:
* * Laptops, Palmtop computers, notebook computers – made for mobile use, varying sizes
* Tablet computer – miniaturized laptops with touch-screen technology.
* Smartphones, smartbooks, PDAs – designed for being portable, little computing power.
* Programmable calculator – specialized on mathematical purposes.
* Handheld game consoles – designed for entertainment and mobile use
Minicomputers
A minicomputer represents the type that stands in the middle range of the computing spectrum. In our days this class of computers is named midrange. E.g. - Laboratory computers.
Mainframe computers
“The term mainframe computer was created to differentiate the traditional, large, institutional computer intended to service multiple users from the smaller, single-user machines. This class of computers is able to handle and process very large amounts of data quickly. They are measured in MIPS.”(2012, Wikipedia)
Supercomputer
A supercomputer is the most powerful regarding of memory size, speed, computational
References: 1. Ebbers Mike, Kettner John, O’Brien Wayne, Ogden Bill (2011). Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/OS Basics. 3rd ed. Vervante 2007. [Online]. Available at: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks/pdfs/sg246366.pdf (Accessed: 4 November 2012) * It is useful if you want to reach an advanced level in knowledge of new mainframe environment, of application programming on z/OS and Online workloads for z/OS. 2. Wikipedia (2012). Classes of computers. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classes_of_computers (Accessed: 7 October 2012) * It is useful for studying more about all classes of computers and their characteristics. 3. Wikipedia (2012). List of laptop brands and manufacturers. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_laptop_brands_and_manufacturers (Accessed: 4 November 2012) * It is useful for learning about different brands around the world and ODMs. 4. Budapest index (2012). Shops: Electronics, Photo, Computers. Available at: http://www.budapestindex.com/term/shopping/shops/electronics (Accessed: 4 November 2012) * It is useful if you need to find some electronic or computer shops, because this site serves as a travel guide. 5. eHow (2012). Uses of Mini Computers. By Gish Will Available at:http://www.ehow.com/list_7290352_uses-mini-computers.html (Accessed: 7 October 2012) * It is useful for learning more about minicomputers and their areas of usage. (Accessed: 7 October 2012) * It is useful for learning about how different types of Operating Systems work.