Computer Hardware

MODULE 1
Evolution and Types of
Computers
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1 . Name of Module : Computer Hardware : Evolution and

Types of Computers
2 . Learning Outcomes : The students should be able to :
•state the generations of computers together with the respective
processors used
•explain the generations of computers together with the
respective processors used
•identify the types of computers:
oSupercomputer
oMainframe
oMini computer
oMicro Computer
oWork Station
•define different types of computer
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3 . Knowledge and Skills :

i. Explain the evolution of the computer generation.

ii. Match the types of processors used.
iii. Introduce various types of computers.
iv. Labelling a flow chart of the types of computers.
v.Gathering and presenting information on the types of computers
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4 . Module Summary :

At the end of the module, students should be able to

explain about the evolution of the computer generation and types
of processors
used.

This module contains 5 activities:

Activity 1 : Explaining the evolution of the computer generation.
Activity 2 : Matching the types of processors used.
Activity 3 : Introducing various types of computers.
Activity 4 : Labelling a flow chart of the types of computers.
Activity 5 : Gathering and presenting information on the types
of computers
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Introduction to
Computer
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Activity 1 : Evolution of the Computer

Additional source: http://history.sandiego.edu/GEN/recording/computer1.html#gp05

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Activity 2 : Types of
Computers
Supercomputer
Supercomputer is a computer that led the world (or
was
close to doing so) in terms of processing capacity,
particularly the speed of calculation, at the time of
its
introduction. The term "Super Computing" was first
used
by the New York World newspaper in 1929[1] to refer to
large custom-built tabulators IBM made for Columbia
University. It was used to solve problems involving
by
major universities, military agencies and scientific
research laboratories.
Additional Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercomputer
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Mainframes
Mainframes are designed to handle very high volume input and
output (I/O) and emphasize throughout computing. It is used mainly,
by large organizations for critical applications, typically bulk
data processing, industry and consumer statistics, ERP, and
financial transaction processing. The term probably originated from
the early mainframes, as they were housed in enormous, roomsized
metal boxes or frames. Later the term was used to distinguish high-
end commercial machines from less powerful units which were often
contained in smaller
packages. Today in practice, the term usually refers to computers
compatible with the IBM System/360 line, first introduced in 1965.
(IBM System z9 is IBM's latest
incarnation.) Otherwise, systems with similar functionality but not
based on the IBM System/360 are referred to as "servers." However,
"server" and "mainframe" are different (see client-server).

Additional source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainframe_computer

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Mini Computer

Minicomputer is a midsized computer. It is an old

term for
a class of multi-user computers, lies between the
largest
multi-user systems (mainframe computers) and the
smallest single-user systems (microcomputers or
personal
computers). In the past, it formed a different group
with its
own hardware and operating systems.

Additional source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicomputer
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Microcomputer
Small desktop or portable computer, typically designed to be used by
one person at a time, although individual computers can be linked in
a network so that users can share data and programmes. Its central
processing unit is a microprocessor, contained on a single
integrated circuit.
Microcomputers are the smallest of the four classes of computer (the
others are
supercomputer, mainframe, and minicomputer).
Since the appearance in 1975 of the first commercially available
microcomputer, the Altair 8800, micros have become ubiquitous in
commerce, industry, and education.
Additional source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcomputer
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/dictionaries/computers/data/m0008890.h
tml
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Work Station

A type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM),

desktop publishing, software development and other types of
applications that require a moderate amount of computing power
and relatively high quality graphics capabilities.

Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics

screen, at least 64
MB (megabytes) of RAM, built-in network support and a graphical
user interface. Most
workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk drive,
but a special type of
workstation, called a diskless workstation, comes without a disk
drive. The most
common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT.
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Work Station

In terms of computing power, workstations lie between personal

computers and minicomputers, although the line is fuzzy on both
ends. High-end personal
computers are equivalent to low-end workstations. And high-end
workstations are equivalent to minicomputers.
Like personal computers, most workstations are single-user
computers. However, workstations are typically linked together to
form a Local Area Network, although they can also be used as
stand-alone systems.
In networking, workstation refers to any computer connected to a
Local Area Network. It could be a workstation or a personal
computer.

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Activity 3 : Different Types

of Computer
There are a lot of terms used to describe computers. Most of these
words imply the size, expected use or capability of the computer.
While the term computer can apply to virtually any device that
has a microprocessor in it, most people think of a computer as a
device that receives input from the user through a mouse or
keyboard, processes it in some fashion and displays the result on
a screen.

•PC - The personal computer ( PC ) defines a computer

designed for general use by a single person.. PCs were first
known as microcomputers because they were a complete
computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in
use by most businesses.

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Activity 3 : Different Types

of Computer
•Desktop - A PC that is set up in a permanent
location ( not portable ). Most desktops offer more power,
storage and versatility for less cost than their portable
brethren.
•Laptop - Also called notebook . Laptops are portable
computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing
device or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive all in a
battery-operated package slightly larger than an average
hardcover book.
•Palmtop - More commonly known as Personal Digital
Assistants ( PDAs ), palmtops are tightly integrated computers
that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage.
These computers usually do not have keyboards but rely on
touchscreen technology for user input. Palmtops are typically
smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a
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reasonable battery life. A slightly larger and heavier version
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Activity 3 : Different Types

of Computer
•Workstation - A desktop computer that has a more
powerful processor , additional memory and enhanced
capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D
Graphics or game development.
•Server - A computer that has been optimized to provide
services to other computers over a network. Servers usually
have powerful processors, large memory and hard drives.

•Mainframe - In the early days of computing , mainframes

were huge computers that could fill an entire room or even a
whole floor. The size of computers has diminished while its
power has increased, the term mainframe has fallen out of use in
favor of enterprise server . You'll still hear the term
used, particularly in large companies to describe the huge
machines processing millions of transactions every day.
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Activity 3 : Different Types

of Computer
•Minicomputer - Another term rarely used nowadays .
Minicomputers fall in between microcomputers (PCs) and
mainframes (enterprise servers). Minicomputers are normally
referred to as mid - range servers now .
•Supercomputer - This type of computer usually costs
hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Although
some supercomputers are single computer systems, most are
comprised of multiple high performance computers working in
parallel as a single system. The best known supercomputers are
built by Cray Supercomputers.
•Wearable - The latest trend in computing is wearable
computers . Essentially , common computer applications (e-mail,
database, multimedia, calendar/scheduler) are integrated into
watches, cell phones, visors and even clothing.
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Worksheet 1
Compare the features of the generations of computers.
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Worksheet 2
Differentiate between a single user system and a multi user
system.
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Worksheet 3
Matching the description with the correct types of computers.
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