EVELYN HONE COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND COMMERCE

STUDENT ID 20004105

STUDENT NAME VICTORIA TOLOKO

PROGRAME PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

COURSE Application Package

ASSIGNMENT 2

NRC NUMBER 375823/73/1

LECTURERE Mrs Mumba R

DUE DATE 29 TH OCTOBER

QUESTION

Discuss the types of computers and highlight thier uses

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 We have four different types of computers which vary according to their size, power and
performance. Depending on the kind of task you want them to perform, a computer is usually
the best tool for you. However, it’s a common thing for people to buy computers without first
evaluating the extent of their needs, thus either overstraining the computer or underutilising it
for simple tasks.

We also have different users for these different types of computer's such as students these
electronic brains for learning and research, while advanced users like data analysts use
computers for processing complex permutations and analysis to derive meanings. As such,
computers are created for particular reasons and applications computer's are designed with
unique characteristics and specifications to suit tasks that vary from complex calculations and
permutations and solving complex weather problems, to processing simple tasks such as
Microsoft Word and browsing the internet, replying emails among others. So if you need a
computer, you should first consider the specificity of your needs before committing funds to
close a purchase. Here’s a list of types of computers and their functions.

1. Supercomputers

Extremely most powerful and fastest computer on EarthSupercomputers are the most powerful
machines ever developed, both in terms of performance and processing speed capability. They
are highly specialised and deal with a particular line of tasks and are confined to highly
reputable organisations such as NASA. NASA uses a supercomputer to perform research on
space explorations, launching and controlling space shuttles to different destinations in space.
Other than their size and degree of complexity, they are equally the most expensive and the
largest computers one can ever find. For instance, one single supercomputer can be stored in
areas as a large as an entire building fitted with large air-conditioning equipment. Below are
some functions of supercomputers:

they are used in industrial functions,space exploration, weather focast, and nuclear testing

2.Mainframe computers

Mainframe computers are cheaper than supercomputers and have a lower processing power as
well. Nevertheless, they are the second in the ranking of most powerful computers and find

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applications in firms dealing with vast amounts of data, such as government organisations and
large corporations. Due to their size and high heat dissipation capacity, they are usually stored
in large air-conditioned facilities. Below are some functions performed by mainframe

government data processing and banking and insurance

Government data processing

The government uses mainframe computers in processing census information and tax
computations. This is due to the vast sums of data it collects throughout the year for these
tasks, as well as the desired amount of accuracy necessary for planning.

Banking and insurance

Mainframe finds application in banks, insurance companies and institutions of higher learning
for storage of data and processing huge claims. They are also applied in larger organisations
dealing with millions of customers such as NGOs

3. Minicomputers

Minicomputers are far smaller than mainframe computers and supercomputers. They are
usually used for processing lesser amounts of data as well as performing simpler tasks
compared to the other two and are tailored for multiple users. However, there are task-
oriented; meaning they are specially designed to deal with particular tasks requiring both a high
degree of accuracy and computational thier function is to process monitoring and data
aquisationFor instance, they can be tailored for single departments in a company to perform
highly specific but involving tasks, such as processing payments and reconciling system process,
for instance monitoring the bottling process of soft drinks in the production line. Data
acquisition and feedback Minicomputers are widely used in research facilities for pooling data
to use in analysis and communication of findings to all departments involved in the study. For
instance, medical research facilities rely on computer analytical ability to deduce some diseases
and report results.

4. Microcomputers

As the name suggests, they are the smallest category. Laptops, desktop computers, gaming
consoles, netbooks, calculators, PDAs, car sound and navigation systems, and mobile phones
form part of the larger category. Their prevalence is also the highest compared to the other
types since they are both affordable and easily portable. The main microcomputer

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manufacturers include Apple, Dell, Toshiba, Samsung, and HP among others. Below are some
functions performed by machines in this category

Application processing

Most users owning laptops use it for processing human assistive applications such as Microsoft
Word, Adobe applications, browsing applications among others. Essentially, these applications
are both lighter and require fewer resources to run.

Studying

Most colleges and institutions of higher learning recommend that learners equip themselves
with laptops for research purposes and access to online libraries with a multivariate collection
of materials

Entertainment

and DJs employ the use of laptops as well as other PDAs for their entertainment activities. Also,
most phone users store music and video games for personal entertainment. There are different
types of computers, each designed for a specific role. While supercomputers have the most
desirable specifications for most users, microcomputers dominate the computer market
because of their affordability and portability. Therefore, before you consider buying a
computer, you need to perform a needs analysis to understand the extent of your
requirements, thus gaining value for your money.

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in conclusion we have so many other types of computer available and still bieng recreated but
we only have 4 main types that are mostly used by the society these days as technology keeps
increasing everyday the use of these computers is on demand ,as to make people's work easy,
fast and come out with good and interesting results

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REFERENCE

Tuko

google

Wikipedia