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UNIT 2: Understanding Basic Computer Concepts

Introduction to CSS
UNIT 2: Understanding Basic Computer Concepts
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

•Differentiate the different types of computers;


•Enumerate the three fundamental elements of a computer;
•Identify the different storage, processing, and Input/Output devices of a
computer,
•Describe each of the components of the system unit; and
•Differentiate the hand tools and equipment used in computer servicing.

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
1. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its
software and hardware.

A. Application software C. Graphical User Interface


B. Computer Operating System D. Micro Computer

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
1. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its
software and hardware.

A. Application software C. Graphical User Interface


B. Computer Operating System D. Micro Computer

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
2. It is a type of computer that features both analogue and digital
computer?

A. Analogue Computer C. Hybrid Computer


B. Digital Computer D. Micro Computer

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
2. It is a type of computer that features both analogue and digital
computer?

A. Analogue Computer C. Hybrid Computer


B. Digital Computer D. Micro Computer

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
3. It is a general-purpose computer that is designed for individual use. It is
also known as personal computer

A. Mainframe C. Minicomputer
B. Microcomputer D. Workstation

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
3. It is a general-purpose computer that is designed for individual use. It is
also known as personal computer

A. Mainframe C. Minicomputer
B. Microcomputer D. Workstation

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
4. It is a part of computer performs the calculations needed by a system and
can vary in speed? They are referred to as computer’s brain.

A. Central Processing Unit C. Random Access Memory


B. Hard Disk Drive D. Video Card

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
4. It is a part of computer performs the calculations needed by a system and
can vary in speed? They are referred to as computer’s brain.

A. Central Processing Unit C. Random Access Memory


B. Hard Disk Drive D. Video Card

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
5. It is a part of a computer is also called the display card, graphics card or
graphics adapter?

A. Central processing Unit C. Random Access Memory


B. Hard Disk Drive D. Video Card

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST
5. It is a part of a computer is also called the display card, graphics card or
graphics adapter?

A. Central processing Unit C. Random Access Memory


B. Hard Disk Drive D. Video Card

Introduction to CSS
PRE-TEST

Introduction to CSS
UNIT 2: Understanding Basic Computer Concepts

LESSON 1: Understanding the Computer


LESSON 2: Basic Hardware Components of Computer Systems
LESSON 3: Hand Tools and Equipment

Introduction to CSS
LESSON 1: Understanding the Computer

Introduction
TOPIC 1: The Computer
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
TOPIC 3: Fundamental Elements of a Computer

Introduction to CSS
Introduction

We all know that computers are essential pieces of technology that we use to
make life easier and perform jobs faster.
A computer increases our productivity, connects us to the internet, lets us talk
with people across the world, helps us store a lot of information, and even
make money!
In this lesson, we will start with the basics.
We want to understand how the computer works, how many types of
computers are there, what are the functions of the computer, and more!

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

What is a Computer?
In technical terms, the computer is a device that
accepts information in the form of digitalized data, and
manipulates it for some result based on a program or
sequence of instructions on how the data is to be
processed.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that collects
information, stores it, processes it according to user
instructions, and then returns the result.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

What is a Computer?
A computer is a programmable electronic device that
performs arithmetic and logical operations automatically
using a set of instructions provided by the user.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

History of Computers
When we study the many aspects of computing and
computers, it is important to know about the history of
computers.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Charles Babbage, (born December 26,


1791, London, England—died October 18,
1871, London), English mathematician
and inventor who is credited with having
conceived the first automatic digital
computer.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Charles Babbage designed an Analytical Engine which was a


general computer. It helps us understand the growth and
progress of technology through the times. It is also an
important topic for competitive and banking exams.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


1. Abacus
Abacus was invented by the Chinese around 4000 years
ago. It’s a wooden rack with metal rods with beads attached
to them. The abacus operator moves the beads according to
certain guidelines to complete arithmetic computations.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


1. Abacus

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


2. Napier’s Bone
John Napier devised Napier’s Bones, a manually operated
calculating apparatus. For calculating, this instrument used
9 separate ivory strips (bones) marked with numerals to
multiply and divide. It was also the first machine to
calculate using the decimal point system.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


2. Napier’s Bone

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


3. Pascaline
Pascaline was invented in 1642 by Blaise Pascal, a French
mathematician and philosopher. It is thought to be the first
mechanical and automated calculator. It was a wooden box
with gears and wheels inside.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


3. Pascaline

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


4. Stepped Reckoner or Leibniz wheel
In 1673, a German mathematician-philosopher named
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz improved on Pascal’s invention
to create this apparatus. It was a digital mechanical
calculator known as the stepped reckoner because it used
fluted drums instead of gears.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


4. Stepped Reckoner or Leibniz wheel

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


5. Difference Engine
In the early 1820s, Charles Babbage created the Difference
Engine. It was a mechanical computer that could do basic
computations. It was a steam-powered calculating machine
used to solve numerical tables such as logarithmic tables.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


5. Difference Engine

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


6. Analytical Engine
Charles Babbage created another calculating machine, the
Analytical Engine, in 1830. It was a mechanical computer
that took input from punch cards. It was capable of solving
any mathematical problem and storing data in an indefinite
memory.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


6. Analytical Engine

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


7. Tabulating machine
An American Statistician – Herman Hollerith invented this
machine in the year 1890. Tabulating Machine was a punch
card-based mechanical tabulator. It could compute statistics
and record or sort data or information. Hollerith began
manufacturing these machines in his company, which
ultimately became International Business Machines (IBM)
in 1924. Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


7. Tabulating machine

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


8. Differential Analyzer
Vannevar Bush introduced the first electrical computer, the
Differential Analyzer, in 1930. This machine is made up of
vacuum tubes that switch electrical impulses in order to do
calculations. It was capable of performing 25 calculations in
a matter of minutes.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


8. Differential Analyzer

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


9. Mark I
Howard Aiken planned to build a machine in 1937 that
could conduct massive calculations or calculations using
enormous numbers. The Mark I computer was constructed
in 1944 as a collaboration between IBM and Harvard.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

Early Computing Devices


9. Mark I

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

History of Computers Generation


The word ‘computer’ has a very interesting origin. It was
first used in the 16th century for a person who used to
compute, i.e. do calculations. The word was used in the
same sense as a noun until the 20th century. Women were
hired as human computers to carry out all forms of
calculations and computations.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer

History of Computers Generation


By the last part of the 19th century, the word was also used
to describe machines that did calculations. The modern-day
use of the word is generally to describe programmable
digital devices that run on electricity.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Early History of Computer
Since the evolution of humans, devices have been used for
calculations for thousands of years. One of the earliest and most
well-known devices was an abacus. Then in 1822, the father of
computers, Charles Babbage began developing what would be the
first mechanical computer. And then in 1833 he actually designed an
Analytical Engine which was a general-purpose computer. It
contained an ALU, some basic flow chart principles and the concept
of integrated memory.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Early History of Computer
Then more than a century later in the history of computers,
we got our first electronic computer for general purpose. It
was the ENIAC, which stands for Electronic Numerical
Integrator and Computer. The inventors of this computer
were John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Generations of Computers
In the history of computers, we often refer to the
advancements of modern computers as the
generation of computers. We are currently on the fifth
generation of computers. So let us look at the important
features of these five generations of computers.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Generations of Computers
1st Generation: This was from the period of 1940 to 1955. This was
when machine language was developed for the use of computers.
They used vacuum tubes for the circuitry. For the purpose of
memory, they used magnetic drums. These machines were
complicated, large, and expensive. They were mostly reliant on batch
operating systems and punch cards. As output and input devices,
magnetic tape and paper tape were implemented. For example,
ENIAC, UNIVAC-1, EDVAC, and so on.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Generations of Computers
2nd Generation: The years 1957-1963 were referred to as the
“second generation of computers” at the time. In second-generation
computers, COBOL and FORTRAN are employed as assembly
languages and programming languages. Here they advanced from
vacuum tubes to transistors. This made the computers smaller, faster
and more energy-efficient. And they advanced from binary to
assembly languages. For instance, IBM 1620, IBM 7094, CDC 1604,
CDC 3600, and so forth.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Generations of Computers
3rd Generation: The hallmark of this period (1964-1971) was the
development of the integrated circuit. A single integrated circuit (IC)
is made up of many transistors, which increases the power of a
computer while simultaneously lowering its cost. These computers
were quicker, smaller, more reliable, and less expensive than their
predecessors. High-level programming languages such as
FORTRON-II to IV, COBOL, and PASCAL PL/1 were utilized. For
example, the IBM-360 series, the Honeywell-6000 series, and the
IBM-370/168.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Generations of Computers
4th Generation: The invention of the microprocessors brought
along the fourth generation of computers. The years 1971-1980 were
dominated by fourth generation computers. C, C++ and Java were
the programming languages utilized in this generation of computers.
For instance, the STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1, CRAY-X-MP, and
Apple II. This was when we started producing computers for home
use.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Generations of Computers
5th Generation: These computers have been utilized since 1980 and
continue to be used now. This is the present and the future of the
computer world. The defining aspect of this generation is artificial
intelligence. The use of parallel processing and superconductors are
making this a reality and provide a lot of scope for the future. Fifth-
generation computers use ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration)
technology. These are the most recent and sophisticated computers.
C, C++, Java,.Net, and more programming languages are used. For
instance, IBM, Pentium, Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, Ultrabook, and
so on.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
The naive understanding of computation had to be overcome
before the true power of computing could be realized. The
inventors who worked tirelessly to bring the computer into the
world had to realize that what they were creating was more than
just a number cruncher or a calculator. They had to address all
of the difficulties associated with inventing such a machine,
implementing the design, and actually building the thing. The
history of the computer is the history of these difficulties being
solved.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
19th Century
1801 – Joseph Marie Jacquard, a weaver and businessman
from France, devised a loom that employed punched
wooden cards to automatically weave cloth designs.
1822 – Charles Babbage, a mathematician, invented the
steam-powered calculating machine capable of calculating
number tables. The “Difference Engine” idea failed owing
to a lack of technology at the time.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
19th Century
1848 – The world’s first computer program was written by
Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician. Lovelace also
includes a step-by-step tutorial on how to compute
Bernoulli numbers using Babbage’s machine.
1890 – Herman Hollerith, an inventor, creates the punch
card technique used to calculate the 1880 U.S. census. He
would go on to start the corporation that would become
IBM. Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Early 20th Century
1930 – Differential Analyzer was the first large-scale
automatic general-purpose mechanical analogue
computer invented and built by Vannevar Bush.
1936 – Alan Turing had an idea for a universal machine,
which he called the Turing machine, that could compute
anything that could be computed.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Early 20th Century
1939 – Hewlett-Packard was discovered in a garage in Palo
Alto, California by Bill Hewlett and David Packard.
1941 – Konrad Zuse, a German inventor and engineer,
completed his Z3 machine, the world’s first digital
computer. However, the machine was destroyed during a
World War II bombing strike on Berlin.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Early 20th Century
1941 – J.V. Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry devise a
computer capable of solving 29 equations at the same time. The first
time a computer can store data in its primary memory.
1945 – University of Pennsylvania academics John Mauchly and J.
Presper Eckert create an Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Calculator (ENIAC). It was Turing-complete and capable of solving
“a vast class of numerical problems” by reprogramming, earning it
the title of “Grandfather of computers.”
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Early 20th Century
1946 – The UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer) was the first
general-purpose electronic digital computer designed in the United
States for corporate applications.
1949 – The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator
(EDSAC), developed by a team at the University of Cambridge, is
the “first practical stored-program computer.”
1950 – The Standards Eastern Automatic Computer (SEAC) was
built in Washington, DC, and it was the first stored-program
computer completed in the United States.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1953 – Grace Hopper, a computer scientist, creates the first computer
language, which becomes known as COBOL, which stands
for COmmon, Business-Oriented Language. It allowed a computer
user to offer the computer instructions in English-like words rather
than numbers.
1954 – John Backus and a team of IBM programmers created the
FORTRAN programming language, an acronym
for FORmula TRANslation. In addition, IBM developed the 650.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1958 – The integrated circuit, sometimes known as the computer
chip, was created by Jack Kirby and Robert Noyce.
1962 – Atlas, the computer, makes its appearance. It was the fastest
computer in the world at the time, and it pioneered the concept of
“virtual memory.”
1964 – Douglas Engelbart proposes a modern computer prototype
that combines a mouse and a graphical user interface (GUI).

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1969 – Bell Labs developers, led by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie,
revealed UNIX, an operating system developed in the C programming
language that addressed program compatibility difficulties.
1970 – The Intel 1103, the first Dynamic Access Memory (DRAM) chip,
is unveiled by Intel.
1971 – The floppy disc was invented by Alan Shugart and a team of IBM
engineers. In the same year, Xerox developed the first laser printer, which
not only produced billions of dollars but also heralded the beginning of a
new age in computer printing.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1973 – Robert Metcalfe, a member of Xerox’s research department,
created Ethernet, which is used to connect many computers and other
gear.
1974 – Personal computers were introduced into the market. The
first were the Altair Scelbi & Mark-8, IBM 5100, and Radio Shack’s
TRS-80.
1975 – Popular Electronics magazine touted the Altair 8800 as the
world’s first minicomputer kit in January. Paul Allen and Bill Gates
offer to build software in the BASIC language for the Altair.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1976 – Apple Computers is founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak,
who expose the world to the Apple I, the first computer with a single-
circuit board.
1977 – At the first West Coast Computer Faire, Jobs and Wozniak
announce the Apple II. It has colour graphics and a cassette drive for
storing music.
1978 – The first computerized spreadsheet program, VisiCalc, is
introduced.
1979 – WordStar, a word processing tool from MicroPro International, is
released. Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1981 – IBM unveils the Acorn, their first personal computer, which
has an Intel CPU, two floppy drives, and a colour display. The MS-
DOS operating system from Microsoft is used by Acorn.
1983 – The CD-ROM, which could carry 550 megabytes of pre-
recorded data, hit the market. This year also saw the release of the
Gavilan SC, the first portable computer with a flip-form design and
the first to be offered as a “laptop.”

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1984 – Apple launched Macintosh during the Superbowl XVIII
commercial. It was priced at $2,500
1985 – Microsoft introduces Windows, which enables multitasking
via a graphical user interface. In addition, the programming language
C++ has been released.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1990 – Tim Berners-Lee, an English programmer and scientist,
creates HyperText Markup Language, widely known as HTML. He
also coined the term “WorldWideWeb.” It includes the first browser,
a server, HTML, and URLs.
1993 – The Pentium CPU improves the usage of graphics and music
on personal computers.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1995 – Microsoft’s Windows 95 operating system was released. A
$300 million promotional campaign was launched to get the news
out. Sun Microsystems introduces Java 1.0, followed by Netscape
Communications’ JavaScript.
1996 – At Stanford University, Sergey Brin and Larry Page created
the Google search engine.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
Late 20th Century
1998 – Apple introduces the iMac, an all-in-one Macintosh desktop
computer. These PCs cost $1,300 and came with a 4GB hard drive,
32MB RAM, a CD-ROM, and a 15-inch monitor.
1999 – Wi-Fi, an abbreviation for “wireless fidelity,” is created,
originally covering a range of up to 300 feet.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
21st Century
2000 – The USB flash drive is first introduced in 2000.
They were speedier and had more storage space than other
storage media options when used for data storage.
2001 – Apple releases Mac OS X, later renamed OS X and
eventually simply macOS, as the successor to its
conventional Mac Operating System.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
21st Century
2003 – Customers could purchase AMD’s Athlon 64, the
first 64-bit CPU for consumer computers.
2004 – Facebook began as a social networking website.
2005 – Google acquires Android, a mobile phone OS based
on Linux.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
21st Century
2006 – Apple’s MacBook Pro was available. The Pro was the
company’s first dual-core, Intel-based mobile computer.
Amazon Web Services, including Amazon Elastic Cloud 2 (EC2) and
Amazon Simple Storage Service, were also launched (S3)
2007 – The first iPhone was produced by Apple, bringing many
computer operations into the palm of our hands. Amazon also
released the Kindle, one of the first electronic reading systems, in
2007.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 1: The Computer
Brief History of Computers
21st Century
2009 – Microsoft released Windows 7.
2011 – Google introduces the Chromebook, which runs Google
Chrome OS.
2014 – The University of Michigan Micro Mote (M3), the world’s
smallest computer, was constructed.
2015 – Apple introduces the Apple Watch. Windows 10 was also
released by Microsoft.
2016 – The world’s first reprogrammable quantum computer is built.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers

1. Analog Computers – Analog computers are built with various


components such as gears and levers, with no electrical components. One
advantage of analogue computation is that designing and building an
analogue computer to tackle a specific problem can be quite
straightforward.
Analog computers are designed to process analog data. Analog data is
continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete
values. We can say that analog computers are used where we don't need
exact values always such as speed, temperature, pressure and current.
Speedometer and mercury thermometer are examples of analog
computers.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
1. Analog Computers

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
2. Digital Computers – Information in digital computers is represented in
discrete form, typically as sequences of 0s and 1s (binary digits, or bits). A
digital computer is a system or gadget that can process any type of
information in a matter of seconds.
It is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed.
It accepts the raw data as input in the form of digits or binary
numbers (0 and 1) and processes it with programs stored in its
memory to produce the output. All modern computers like laptops,
desktops including smartphones that we use at home or office are digital
computers. Digital computers are categorized into many different
types. They are as follows:
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Digital Computer
a. Supercomputer - Most powerful and most advance in terms of
performance and data processing. It is also the biggest and fastest
computers. They are designed to process huge amount of data. A
supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has
thousands of interconnected processors.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
a. Supercomputer - Supercomputers are enormous systems that are
purpose-built to solve complicated scientific, industrial problems and
engineering applications such as Quantum mechanics, weather
forecasting, oil and gas exploration, molecular modelling, physical/
scientific simulations, aerodynamics, nuclear fusion/energy research,
and cryptoanalysis are all done on supercomputers. The first
supercomputer was developed by Roger Cray in 1976.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
a. Supercomputer
Ex. IBM’s Mira in United States. IBM’s Sequoia in United States

Fujitsu K Computer in Japan


Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers

Types of Digital Computer


b. Mainframe computer - Large and expensive computer designed
to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They can
support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can
execute different processes simultaneously. These features of
mainframe computers make them ideal for big organizations like
banking and telecom sectors, which need to manage and process
high volume of data. Mainframe computers can handle, process, and
store large amount of data. These are commonly stored in large air-
conditioned rooms because of its big size.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
b. Mainframe computer - It is a computer that is generally utilized
by large enterprises for mission-critical activities such as massive
data processing. Mainframe computers were distinguished by
massive storage capacities, quick components, and powerful
computational capabilities. Because they were complicated systems,
they were managed by a team of systems programmers who had sole
access to the computer. These machines are now referred to as
servers rather than mainframes.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
b. Mainframe computer
Ex. Fujitsu’s ICL VME, Hitachi’s Z800

Fujitsu ICL VME Introduction to CSS


TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Digital Computer
c. Miniframe or Minicomputer – Also known as midrange
computers. A midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two
or more processors and can support 4 to 200 users at one time.
Miniframe computers, which were relatively small and affordable,
are used in institutes and departments for tasks such as billing,
accounting and inventory management. A minicomputer lies between
the mainframe and microcomputer as it is smaller than mainframe
but larger than a microcomputer.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
c. Miniframe or Minicomputer – A minicomputer is a type of
computer that has many of the same features and capabilities as a
larger computer but is smaller in size. Minicomputers can support
many users because of its multi-processing system.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
c. Miniframe or Minicomputer
Ex. K-202, IBM Midrange computers, SDS-92

K-202 Introduction to CSS


TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Digital Computer
d. Workstation - refers to an individual computer, or group of
computers, used by a single user to perform work. It has a faster
microprocessor, a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic
adapters. It generally performs a specific job with great expertise and
is also intended for serious academic or professional computation.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
d. Workstation

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Digital Computer
e. Embedded processors – These are miniature computers that
control electrical and mechanical processes with basic
microprocessors. Embedded processors are often simple in design,
have limited processing capability and I/O capabilities, and need
little power. Ordinary microprocessors and microcontrollers are the
two primary types of embedded processors. Embedded processors
are employed in systems that do not require the computing capability
of traditional devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers,
or workstations.
Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Digital Computer
f. Microcomputers – A microcomputer is a small computer that is
based on a microprocessor integrated circuit, often known as a chip.
It is a general-purpose computer that is designed for individual use.
A microcomputer is a system that incorporates at a minimum a
microprocessor as a central processing unit, program memory, data
memory, storage area and input-output system (I/O). A
microcomputer is now commonly referred to as a personal computer
(PC).

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
f. Microcomputers – Most widely used and fastest growing type of
computer. Desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones
are types of microcomputers. They are suitable for personal work
that may be making an assignment, watching a movie, or at office
for office work.
Microcomputers are categorized into many different types. They are
as follows:

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Desktop Computer or Personal Computer (PC) - A desktop
computer is a personal computer designed for regular use at a
single location on or near a desk or table due to its size and power
requirements. It is not very expensive and is suited to the needs of
a single user at home, small business units, and organization.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Desktop Computer or Personal Computer (PC)

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Notebook Computer or Laptop - is a small, portable computer
and have all the features of a desktop computer. The advantage of
the laptop is that it is small in size, so it can be carried anywhere.
Notebook computers use a variety of techniques, known as flat-
panel technologies, to produce a lightweight and non-bulky
display screen. Laptops Computers are higher in cost than the
desktop computers.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Notebook Computer or Laptop

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Netbook - These are smaller notebooks optimized for low weight
and low cost, and are designed for accessing web-based
applications. Netbooks deliver the performance needed to enjoy
popular activities like streaming videos ort music, e-mailing, web
surfing or instant messaging.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Netbook

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Tablet - A tablet is a wireless, portable personal computer with a
touchscreen interface. The tablet form factor is typically smaller
than a notebook computer, but larger than a smartphone.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Tablet

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Handheld Computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) - It
is a small computer that can be held on the top of the palm. It is
small in size. PDA uses a pen or a stylus for input, instead of the
keyboard. They have a limited memory and are less powerful.
PDAs can be connected to the internet via wireless connection.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Handheld Computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Smart Phones - are mobile phone with highly advanced features.
A typical smartphone has a high-resolution touch screen display,
WiFi connectivity, Web browsing capabilities, and the ability to
accept sophisticated applications. The majority of these devices
run on any of these popular mobile operating systems: Android,
Symbian, iOS, BlackBerry OS and Windows Mobile.

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
Types of Microcomputer
 Smart Phones

Introduction to CSS
TOPIC 3: Fundamental Elements of a Computer

Introduction to CSS

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