CHAPTER -1

COMPUTER
SYSTEM
(PART – 3)
CONTENTS
TYPES OF DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Based on their configuration i.e., their size, speed and capability, Digital
computers can be categorized as follows :

➢ Embedded Computers
➢ Microcomputers/Personal Computers (PCs)
➢ Minicomputers
➢ Mainframe Computers
➢ Super Computers
➢ Self-destructing Computer
EMBEDDED COMPUTERS
These computers are in the form of tiny chips embedded within the
circuitry of appliances, such as televisions, washing machines and wrist
watches. These computers are typically preprogrammed for a specific
task, such as tuning to a particular television frequency or keeping
accurate time.
 MICRO COMPUTERS
• A microcomputer is a computer whose CPU is a microprocessor. These are normally single-microprocessor, single-user
systems designed for performing basic operations like educational, training, small business applications, playing games etc.
These are mainly used in offices, homes, schools, shops, stores etc. Microcomputers are the fastest growing segment of the
computer industry. IBM PCs, Apple Mac, IBM PS/2 are some popular computers of this range.
• Microcomputers can further be categorized as :
➢ Mobile/Handheld Computers
➢ Portable Computers
➢ Desktop Computers
➢ Workstations
MOBILE / HANDHELD COMPUTERS
These computers can be held in hands but have limited capabilities as compared to their bigger
counterparts. Some examples are :
➢ Smartphone : It is basically a mobile phone that provides additional features to perform day-
to-day tasks. These features include sending mails and accessing the internet. In smartphones you
find a built-in camera, music player etc.You can perform all the tasks of a desktop computer with
smartphone.
➢ Per s onal D i gi tal A s s i s t ant ( P DA) :
It is a lightweight, handheld computer designed to be used as a personal organizer. A typical PDA
does not contain a conventional keyboard ; instead, it relies on recognition of handwritten input
through the use of stylus ( a special type of pen used to write text and select options on the LCD
screen). PDAs are envisioned as notepads, appointment schedulers and wireless communicators for
sending and receiving data, faxes and e-mail messages.
PORTABLE COMPUTERS
Bigger than mobile computers, these computers can be easily carried in a briefcase,
purse or pockets. For example, Laptops, Tablets etc. These days the difference
between mobile computers and portable PCs is getting more and more narrower.
➢ Laptops : A laptop is portable computer that is integrated with a display screen,
keyboard, trackball, processor and memory. The entire machinery of a laptop
runs on a rechargeable battery. You can carry a laptop anywhere; therefore, you
do not have to stick at one place to work on a computer. Laptops are more
expensive than personal computers and they are generally used by those who
travel frequently.
➢ Ta bl et :
A Tablet is a kind of microcomputer which offers a host of new features to the IT-
savvy world. With its electromagnetic pen, touch screen and software that
recognizes letters written on a screen, tablet can be called as notepad of the 21st
century. The pen can act as a mouse when moving over a tablet. When the pen
touches the screen, it acts as an ink pen and the user can write directly on the
screen.
 DESKTOP COMPUTERS
These computers can fit on the top of a desk. It is primarily used in an
office or home. Based on their configuration they can range from home
computers, to small business computers to big utility computers. It can
be used independently of any other computer; therefore , this computer
is also called Personal Computer (PC).
WORKSTATION

Workstations are similar to personal computers but have greater memory and more
extensive mathematical abilities, and they are connected to other workstations or
personal computers to exchange data. They are typically found in scientific,
industrial and business environments that require high levels of computational
abilities.
MINI COMPUTERS
Minicomputers are more powerful computers than microcomputers in terms of
processing power and capabilities. These are small digital computers, which normally
process and store less data than mainframe but more than a microcomputer.
Minicomputer systems provide faster operating speeds and larger storage capacities
than microcomputer systems. They are sometimes called mid-range computers, and are
designed to meet the computing needs for several people simultaneously in a small to
medium size business environment. They are used in industries, research organizations,
colleges and universities.
Examples are : PDP-11, VAX, 7500 MAGNUM etc.
 MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS
Mainframe computers are designed to handle huge volumes of data and information. Mainframe is
very large in size and is an expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds or even
thousands of users simultaneously. Mainframe executes many programs concurrently and
supports many simultaneous execution of programs. These are very large and expensive
computers that have great processing speeds and very large storage capacity and memory as
compared to minicomputers. These computers even possess and work with more than one
processor at the same time. Thus, we can say that these are multiuser, multiprocessor systems.
For mainframe computers very sophisticated operating systems are needed to control and
supervise their operation.
Examples are : ICL 39, CDC 6600, VAX 8842, IBM 3090/600, IBM4381.
SUPER COMPUTERS
Super computers are the most powerful computers among digital computers. These consist of
several processors running together thereby making them immensely faster and powerful.
These computers are capable of handling huge amount of calculations that are beyond human-
capabilities. Super computers can process trillions of instructions per second . Some of today’s
super computers have the computing capability equal to that of 40,000 micro computers.
Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require
immense amount of mathematical calculations. For example, the time consuming calculations
that are used to create weather predictions are normally done by supercomputers. Other areas
where supercomputers are used include conducting fluid dynamic calculations, creating
animated graphics and conducting nuclear researches.
Examples are : CRAY X-MP-14, CDC-205, ETA GF-10, FUJITSU VP-400, NEC SX-2, PARAM, PACE.
SELF-DESTRUCTING COMPUTER
In an effort to limit the amount of data that computer thieves can retrieve from stolen
computers, a device is being developed that can locate and, if necessary, destroy a
computer’s hard drive. Cyber Group Network (CGN) Corp. developed the first self-
destructing computer. The name of the device is c-4 chip. Once a computer equipped
with c-4 chip is discovered missing or stolen, the computer’s owner will be able to call
a toll-free number that will be available 24x7. This phone service will give the owner
four options: track the computer, track the computer and retrieve the data from its
hard drive, track the computer and destroy the hard drive and motherboard, or notify
the authorities.