Types of computers

Types of computers

Objectives

• Classify computers as personal computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers and supercomputer. 

• Describe the different types of portable computers (laptop, notebooks, tablets, phones etc.) 

Supercomputers

• Largest computers

• Most powerful computers

• Most expensive computers

• Also known as monsters

Example of supercomputer

• IBM BLUE GENE P Supercomputer

• Used in a Science and Research Lab

What are supercomputers used for?

• Science simulation

• Science research and development (energy, space exploration, medicine, etc)

Multiple Choice

Which is a supercomputer?

Multiple Choice

Complex science research is usually done using

• Microcomputers

• Supercomputers

• Minicomputers

• Mainframe computers

Mainframe Computers

• Very large and powerful computers

• They are very expensive (after supercomputers)

• They are very fast

• They have large storage capacity

• They may have more than a hundred persons using them at one time

Where are mainframe computers used? They are found in large organizations like

• Banks

• Insurance companies

• large corporations

• 
  

• 
  

Example of Mainframe computer

IBM Z13 Mainframe (left)

IBM LinuxOne Rockhopper Mainframe (right)

Multiple Choice

Which is more powerful?

• Mainframe

• Supercomputer

Multiple Choice

The most expensive computer

• Mainframe

• Desktop PC

• Supercomputer

Multiple Choice

Which is a Mainframe computer?

Minicomputers

They are not used much anymore. Their cost, storage and processing power came between those of the PC and and the mainframe. They were used in small manufacturing plants and businesses. They allowed for multiple users at the same time by using terminals made up of keyboard and screen and wires that connect them to the computer system. 

Personal Computer or PC

• Also called Microcomputers

• Comes in various shapes, sizes and colours

• PCS are designed to be used by one person at a time.

• Have a system unit, keyboard, mouse and display screen

• Performs a wide variety of tasks

Personal Computers

• The personal computer category has expanded widely to include numerous devices that are used for personal use.

• Consider some examples

Laptops

A portable computer with a flat screen that can easily e carried around.

Tablets and Smart phones

Computers that can easily be carried around

Multiple Choice

The term PC stands for

• Private company

• Personal Contact

• Personal Computer

• Private Computer

Multiple Choice

A computer that has become outdated

• Supercomputer

• Minicomputer

• Microcomputer

Multiple Choice

A computer so small it can fit in your hand.

• Minicomputer

• Microcomputer

• Desktop PC

• Smart phone

Multiple Choice

The largest, fastest, most powerful computer

• Supercomputer

• Mainframe

• Desktop PC

• Smart Phone

Multiple Choice

Which is NOT a personal computer?

• Desktop PC

• Laptop

• Mainframe

• Tablet

Summary

• What are the different types of computers?

• One of your friends told you he would like to buy a Supercomputer. What would you tell him?

• Which type of computer is suitable to have at your home?

• What are some examples of personal computers that are available today?