Computer System

and Business
Computer System
COMPUTERS AND COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
• A computer is a programmable device that can automatically
perform a sequence of calculations or other operations on
data without human aid. It can store, retrieve, and process
data according to internal instructions.
• The term "computer" is usually synonymous with digital
computer, and computers for business are exclusively digital.
Types of Computer Systems
• The main types of computer systems used in business, from
largest to smallest, are supercomputers, mainframes,
minicomputers (also known as mid-range), and personal
computers. Let's look into each type and how it's used:
• Supercomputers
• Mainframes
• Minicomputers
• Personal Computers (PCs)
Supercomputers
• These are the big boys, massively powerful
and very expensive, meant for large scale
functioning, with prices ranging from
$500,000 to over $100 million.
• They can process billions and trillions of bits
of data per second for hundreds of users.
• They are often used for modeling and
simulations, such as crashing virtual cars for
testing purposes, oil and gas exploration,
and aircraft design.
• They can also be used to run aspects of a
cloud-based company, such as Facebook or
Google.
Mainframes
• Next in size and power, mainframes
have been around since the early
1950s and they were initially used by
the government.
• They're not as big as they used to be,
maybe the size of a refrigerator versus
taking up an entire room.
• Pricing starts somewhere around
$100,000. Mainframes can store large
amounts of data, process bulk
transactions (think of an ATM
network), and support thousands of
users.
Minicomputers
• Minicomputers, now known as mid-range
computers, flourished in the time between
the rise of mainframes and the introduction
of the personal computer.
• As the name implies, they were more
powerful than the first PCs and less
expensive and less powerful than
mainframes.
• Today, most mid-range computers are used
as network servers, parsing out data and
applications to users across a company
network.
• This category is definitely shrinking as
personal computers become more powerful.
Personal Computers (PCs)
• Personal computers have been
around since the late 1970s.
• They come in many forms now.
• Desktops, laptops, tablets, and even
smartphones are all essentially PCs.
• PCs can be used for running
personal productivity software, like
Microsoft Office; they can be used
to access the Internet; and they can
also be used for specialty software,
like accounting programs.
Computer system basics
• The most common type of business computer is
a PC (personal computer).
• PCs are made by different companies but all use the same
underlying technology. 
• Business computer systems are available as:
• Desktops, consisting of a base unit, monitor, keyboard and
mouse. They are designed to be set up and used in one place.
• 'All-in-ones', as above, but with the monitor also housing the
computer itself (Apple iMacs are the most common example).
Again, designed to be set up and used in one place.
• Laptops, portable computers that can be used on the move.
Features of a business computer system
• The business computer market is cut-throat, which keeps
prices generally low.
• As long as you avoid entry-level business computer systems,
you can be fairly confident that your new computer will be up
to running typical business software.
• It's wise to pay attention to these key features of a
business computer system:
• Processor
• Also called the central processing unit (CPU), this is the
computer chip that does all the hard work.
• A dual or quad core chip is effectively two or four CPUs in one.
This makes your computer more effective when it runs several
programs at once.
• Make sure your new business computers have at least a dual
core processor running at a minimum of 2.5GHz.
• Memory
• Random access memory (RAM) is where a business computer
stores data it uses frequently.
• RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB). For general business tasks ?
such as word processing and internet usage ? 8GB is the
minimum you'll need, but 16GB will offer far more future-
proofing.
• Hard drive
• The hard drive (HD or HDD) is used for longer-term storage of files. HD
capacity is also measured in GB.
• Most companies encourage employees to save their work centrally, either
onto a network server or cloud storage.
• This means that your individual business computer systems probably don't
need massive hard drives. A good minimum is 250GB, although many
systems will come with more as standard.
• Some higher-end laptops now use a solid state drive (SSD) instead of a hard
drive. SSDs are faster and more reliable, because they have no moving
parts.
• If you have the choice, it is usually better to opt for a smaller SSD over a
large HD.
• Monitor
• Desktop computers usually come with a flat screen monitor. For laptops,
it's a good idea to buy separate external monitors for use in the office.
• Cheap monitors are adequate, but basic. Spending a little more on larger
screens can make employees more productive.
• Look for a 21-inch or larger screen with a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080
pixels (this is also called 'full HD'). 
Learn more about screen size and resolution .
Uses for Computers
• Computers Are Used for Communication
• Computers Are Used for Marketing
• Computers Are Used for Accounting
• Computers Are Used for Storage
• Computers Are Used to Produce Documents
• Computers Are Used for Educational Purposes
• Computers Are Used for Research
BUSINESS USAGE OF COMPUTERS
• Today, computers are used to process data in all aspects of a
business enterprise: product design and development,
manufacturing, inventory control and distribution, quality
control, sales and marketing, service data, accounting, and
personnel management.
• The most common business uses of a computer system are
database management, financial management and
accounting, and word processing.
• Companies use database management systems to keep track
of changing information in databases on such subjects as
clients, vendors, employees, inventory, supplies, product
orders, and service requests.