Types of Computers

Which of these is a description of an Embedded computer?

• A computer running software to manage network resources

• This device is sometimes called a microcontroller because it is used to control the functions of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, televisions and microwaves.

• communication requires line of sight, short distance only

• easy to use, intuitive, requires little training

Which of these is a description of a desktop computer?

• a personal computer that is designed to fit conveniently on top of a typical office desk

• software diagnostic disk, multimeter, cable tester, POST card

• adds reliability, faster network expansion, allows centralised backup

• easy to use, intuitive, requires little training

Which of these statements best describes a tablet computer?

• A portable computer that uses a touchscreen as its main input device

• A device that allows users to connect without wires, standards are agreed and it is easy to set up

• An input device used only for games playing and flight simulators.

• A device that creates large files, is difficult to use with background noise and is banned in some quiet areas

What would be suitable input or output devices for an embedded computer? (Tick all answers that you think apply)

• Keypad

• Touchscreen

• Button

• LED

Which statement best describes some of the key benefits of having a smartphone

• A devices that has Apps, Maps and Navigation, Search information on net, Entertainment, video, books, music, games, etc.

• a circuit board or card with a network connection.

• a technology that uses radio waves to provide network connectivity

• might break or need replacing, can only show 2 states such as on /off

Which statement best describes a mainframe computer?

• A computer that is used primarily by large organisations for critical applications

• fragile,more expensive, smaller screen, battery goes flat quickly

• automatic input device that recognises marks entered onto paper

• save space and portability where possible with small form factor devices

Which statement best describes the uses of a smartphone?

• Can be used for making/answering calls, access the internet/multimedia applications/ make payments

• Non-volatile. Data stored in these chips is unchangeable

• One computer cannot be used by user, easier spread of viruses

• More accurate than a mouse, and easier and more accurate to draw designs with

Which statement best describes the disadvantages of a desktop computer?

• It is heavy and bulky and not easily portable.

• This technology is widely used for mobile devices at home or in shops and offices

• Permanently part of a computer, can be used to store data.

• A printed circuit board attached to the motherboard that controls the output to a display screen

Which statement best describes the advantages of a desktop computer?

• It is generally more powerful, has more features and is cheaper than a laptop.

• One computer cannot be used by users. Easier for spreading viruses.

• The technology that allows the text on paper documents to be converted into text which is editable after scanning.

• A plug-in interface card that displays progress and error codes.

Which statement best describes the disadvantages of a mainframe computer?

• Very expensive, very large and requires greater skills to use

• Is used for phone calls, text to speech, recording music

• Is reliability. It is easy to expand the network and is portable.

• Is cheaper than a mainframe computer