04 Computer Applications

College of Engineering and Information
Technology
Department of Medical Instrumentation
Techniques Engineering
Computer Application Lectures
Year 1
Lecture 4
by: Ahmed Al-Quzweeni
AlShaab University
College of Engineering and Information Computer Applications Lectures
Technology Year 1
Department of Medical Instrumentation Lecture 4 Computers …
Techniques Engineering by Dr. Ahmed Al-Quzweeni
CHAPTER 4. COMPUTERS TYPES AND HARDWARE

4.1 COMPUTER CLASSIFICATION
There are different classes of computer available these days. The functionality and data
processing of each type of computer is different and output results as well.
However, computers can be classified according to the size and capacity into:
1. Supercomputers
2. Mainframes
3. Minicomputers
4. Microcomputers
4.1.1 SUPERCOMPUTERS
A supercomputer is a computer with great speed and memory. This kind of computer can do
jobs faster than any other computer of its generation. They are usually thousands of times
faster than ordinary personal computers made at that time. Supercomputers can do arithmetic
jobs very fast, so they are used for weather forecasting, code-breaking, genetic-analysis and
other jobs that need many calculations.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Quzweeni
Figure 4.1 NASA Supercomputers
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4.1.2 MAINFRAMES
Mainframes (also called "big iron") are powerful computers used for large information
processing jobs. They are mainly used by government institutions and large companies for
tasks such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and
financial transaction processing. Mainframe computers are specially used as servers on the
World Wide Web (WWW). They are distinct from supercomputers.
The term originally referred to the large cabinets that housed the central processing unit and
main memory of early computers. Later the term was used to distinguish very big computers
from less powerful ones ("minicomputers" or "personal computers").
Figure 4.2 IBM Mainframe
4.1.3 MINICOMPUTERS
A minicomputer is a type of computer that possesses most of the features and capabilities of
a large computer but is smaller in physical size.
A minicomputer fills the space between the mainframe and microcomputer, and is smaller than
the former but larger than the latter. It also has a computer terminal to operate the computer.
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Minicomputers are mainly used as small or mid-range servers operating business and scientific
applications. However, the use of the term minicomputer has diminished and has merged with
servers.
A minicomputer may also be called a mid-range computer.
In general, a minicomputer is a multi-threaded system (several processes at a time) capable of
supporting from one to up to 200 users simultaneously: these computers are currently used to
store large databases, multi-user applications, and the automation industry.
4.1.4 MICROCOMPUTERS
Microcomputers became the most common type of computer in the late 20th century. The term
“microcomputer” was introduced with the advent of systems based on single-chip
microprocessors.
These computers include:
4.1.4.1 TOWER AND DESKTOP

A case put under or on a desk. The display may be optional, depending on use. The case size
may vary, depending on the required expansion slots. Very small computers of this kind may
be integrated into the monitor.
Figure 4.3 Tower and Desktop Computers
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4.1.4.2 RACK MOUNTING COMPUTERS

The cases of these computers fit into 19-inch racks, and maybe space-optimized and very flat.
A dedicated display, keyboard, and mouse may not exist, but a KVM (Keyboard, Video,
Mouse) switch or built-in remote control (via LAN or other means) can be used to gain console
access. Many servers are rackmount computers and data centers may have dozens or hundreds
of racks with hundreds or thousands of rackmount computers acting as servers.
(a) (b) (c)

Figure 4.4 (a) 19" Rack (b) KVM "opened" (c) KVM "closed"
4.1.4.3 IN-CAR COMPUTERS (CARPUTERS)

Built into automobiles, for entertainment, navigation, etc.
(a) (b)
Figure 4.5 Carputer (a) Android based (b) Windows based
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4.1.4.4 LAPTOPS AND NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS

Portable and all in one case.
Figure 4.6 Microsoft surface pro 7 and Dell XPS
4.1.4.5 TABLET COMPUTER

Like laptops, but with a touch-screen, entirely replacing the physical keyboard.
Figure 4.7 Different tablet types
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4.1.4.6 SMARTPHONES, SMARTBOOKS, AND PALMTOP COMPUTERS

Small handheld personal computers with limited hardware specifications.
Figure 4.8 Smartbook
4.1.4.7 PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATOR

Like small handhelds, but specialized in mathematical work.
Figure 4.9 Programmable calculator
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4.1.4.8 VIDEO GAME CONSOLES

Fixed computers built specifically for entertainment purposes.
Figure 4.10 PS5 and Xbox X
4.1.4.9 HANDHELD GAME CONSOLES

The same as game consoles, but small and portable.
Steam Deck AYN Odin Pro Nintendo Switch OLED

Figure 4.11 Different Handheld Game Consoles
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4.2 COMPUTER HARDWARE

Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing
unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data
storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard.
4.2.1.1 CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

A central processing unit (CPU), also called a central processor,
main processor or just processor, is the electronic circuitry that
executes instructions comprising a computer program. The CPU
performs basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O)
operations specified by the instructions in the program
Figure 4.12 Intel
Processor
4.2.1.2 RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

Random-access memory (or simply RAM) is the information storage in a computer that is
used to store running programmes and data for the programmes. Data (information) in the
RAM can be read and written quickly in any order. Normally, the random-access memory is
in the form of computer chips. Usually, the contents of RAM are accessible faster than other
types of information storage. However, RAM is volatile, which means that every time the
computer is turned off, all the data in the RAM is lost. The alternative to this, Non-volatile
random-access memory (NVRAM), keeps its data without using power, is more expensive but
works slower, so it is used in smaller amounts.
There are different types of RAMs, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) is the majority
in computers. Modern computers use several types of DRAMs. Before 2002, most computers
used single data rate (SDR) RAM. Most computers made since then use either double data rate
(DDR), DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4 RAM.
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Figure 4.13 Different types of DDR RAMs

Figure 4.14 DDR RAM DIMM VS SODIMM
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4.2.1.3 STORAGE SYSTEM

Computer data storage is the name for a number of components of a computer. The main
purpose of these components is to store data. The central processing unit is then able to fetch
and change the data. In most computers, there is a computer memory hierarchy: Memory that
is "closer" to the CPU is usually faster to access, but it is also smaller; data that is stored in
this kind of memory usually needs electrical power to keep the data.
Memory that is farther away is usually slower to access, but also bigger. Classical storage
media of this kind of data include hard drives and USB flash drives. Some media offer even
more capacity, but accessing them is very slow. Examples for such media are DVD drives.
Modern CPUs have registers that can store data, they also often have several levels of cache.
Finally, there is the main memory the CPU can access. These three are usually referred to as
Primary data storage.
Secondary storage is usually not directly accessible by the CPU, and data needs to be
transferred to primary storage to be available. Secondary storage includes hard drives and non-
volatile random-access memory. Tertiary storage is used for archival and backup; very often
it is copied to secondary storage before use. Software is sometimes distributed by tertiary
media such as CD-ROM.
(a) Different types of Hard Drives (b) SSD vs HDD hard drive
Figure 4.15 Example of secondary storage (hard drive)
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4.2.1.4 GRAPHICS CARD

Video card, graphics card or graphics accelerator is a special circuit board that controls
what is shown on a computer monitor and calculates 3D images and graphics.
A video card can be used to display a two-dimensional (2D) image like a desktop, or a three-
dimensional (3D) image like a computer game. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programmes
are often used by architects, engineers and designers to create 3D models on their computers.
If a computer has a very fast video card, the user can create very detailed 3D models.
Most computers have a basic video and graphics capabilities built-in to the computer's
motherboard. These "integrated" video chips are not as fast as in separate or "discrete" video
cards. Normally, they are fast enough for basic computer use and old or simple computer
games on lower graphic settings. If a computer user wants faster and/or more detailed graphics,
a video card can be installed.
Figure 4.16 NVIDIA T400 Graphics Card
Video cards have their own processor (called a Graphics Processing Unit or GPU). The GPU
is distinct from the main computer processor (CPU). The CPU's job is to process the
calculations needed to make the computer function. The GPU's job is to handle graphics
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calculations. 3D graphics calculations take a lot of CPU power, so having a video card to
handle the graphics calculations lets the CPU work on other things like running computer
programs.
Video cards also have their own memory, separate from the main computer memory. It is
usually much faster than main computer memory, too. This helps the GPU do its graphics
calculations even faster. Most video cards also can make one computer use more than one
computer monitor at one time.
4.2.1.5 SOUND CARD

A sound card (or audio card) is the part of the computer hardware that controls the input and
output of the sound signals. A sound card is what is known as an expansion card. This means
that the card can be added to the motherboard.
Nowadays, most of the audio cards are integrated with the motherboard. That means they are
built into a mainboard and cannot be removed. In other words, it is not an expansion card
anymore. They only offer line-in, speaker, and microphone connections. For most users this is
enough. When thinking of computer architecture, the integrated circuit sound cards occupy
less space and thus became very popular and practical, especially for laptop computers.
Figure 4.17 PCI-E 5 Port Sound Card
4.2.1.6 MOTHER BOARD

The motherboard, also known as a mainboard, is the main circuit board in any electronic
system. It's what holds together all the components needed for an electronic system to function.
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Although there may be other circuit boards attached to the motherboard, the motherboard is
the largest.
Figure 4.18 MSI IPC Motherboard
4.2.1.7 COMPUTER MOUSE

A computer mouse is a hand-held pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion
relative to a surface. This motion is typically translated into the motion of a pointer on a
display, which allows a smooth control of the graphical user interface of a computer. Mouse
can be joined computer to a computer using a wire or wireless.
4.2.1.8 COMPUTER KEYBOARD

A computer keyboard is an input device that allows a person to enter letters, numbers, and
other symbols (together, these are called characters) into a computer. It is one of the most used
input devices for computers. Using a keyboard is often called typing.
A keyboard contains many mechanical switches or push-buttons called "keys". When one of
these are pushed, an electrical circuit is closed, and the keyboard sends a signal to the computer
that tells it what letter, number or symbol it would like to be shown on the screen. The
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computer then shows the character on the screen, usually at the place where the flashing text
cursor is.
Besides entering characters, computer keyboards also have special keys that change the
symbol (such as shift or caps lock) or give the computer special commands (such as the arrow
keys, CTRL and ALT). Different computer operating systems use different special keys, or
use them differently. Special commands can also be activated through combinations of keys,
called keyboard shortcuts. Some of the most common shortcuts on Windows programs are:
Ctrl + C, to copy some text or a picture; Ctrl + V, to paste what was copied; and Ctrl + F, to
find a certain word on a document or web page.
A keyboard can be joined to a computer using a wire, but can also be wireless (like those that
use Bluetooth).
4.2.1.9 COMPUTER MONITOR

A computer monitor is an electronic device that shows pictures for computers. Monitors often
look like smaller televisions. The main difference between a monitor and a television is that a
monitor does not have a television tuner to change channels. Monitors often have higher
display resolution than televisions. A high display resolution makes it easier to see smaller
letters and fine graphics.
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College of Engineering and Information

CHAPTER 4. COMPUTERS TYPES AND HARDWARE

Figure 4.1 NASA Supercomputers

Figure 4.2 IBM Mainframe

4.1.4.1 TOWER AND DESKTOP

Figure 4.3 Tower and Desktop Computers

4.1.4.2 RACK MOUNTING COMPUTERS

(a) (b) (c)

4.1.4.3 IN-CAR COMPUTERS (CARPUTERS)

Built into automobiles, for entertainment, navigation, etc.

4.1.4.4 LAPTOPS AND NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS

Figure 4.6 Microsoft surface pro 7 and Dell XPS

4.1.4.5 TABLET COMPUTER

Figure 4.7 Different tablet types

4.1.4.6 SMARTPHONES, SMARTBOOKS, AND PALMTOP COMPUTERS

Figure 4.8 Smartbook

4.1.4.7 PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATOR

Figure 4.9 Programmable calculator

4.1.4.8 VIDEO GAME CONSOLES

Figure 4.10 PS5 and Xbox X

4.1.4.9 HANDHELD GAME CONSOLES

Steam Deck AYN Odin Pro Nintendo Switch OLED

4.2 COMPUTER HARDWARE

4.2.1.1 CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

4.2.1.2 RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

Figure 4.13 Different types of DDR RAMs

Figure 4.14 DDR RAM DIMM VS SODIMM

4.2.1.3 STORAGE SYSTEM

4.2.1.4 GRAPHICS CARD

Figure 4.16 NVIDIA T400 Graphics Card

4.2.1.5 SOUND CARD

Figure 4.17 PCI-E 5 Port Sound Card

4.2.1.6 MOTHER BOARD

Figure 4.18 MSI IPC Motherboard

4.2.1.7 COMPUTER MOUSE

can be joined computer to a computer using a wire or wireless.

4.2.1.8 COMPUTER KEYBOARD

4.2.1.9 COMPUTER MONITOR

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