Lecture 01 & 02 - what is computer & its types
- 2. What is Computer • A computer is not an acronym and sometimes abbreviated as comp or 'puter. The term "computer" was originally given to humans who performed numerical calculations using mechanical calculators, such as the abacus and slide rule. The term was later given to a mechanical device as they began replacing the human computers. Today's computers are electronic devices that accept data (input), process that data, produce output, and then store (storage) the results. • Computer is an electronic device that is designed to work with Information. The term computer is derived from the Latin term ‘computare’, this means to calculate. Computer can not do anything without a Program.it represents the decimal numbers through a string of binary digits. The Word 'Computer‘ usually refers to the Center Processor Unit plus Internal memory.
- 3. Types of Computer • Desktop computers Desktop computers are designed for use at a desk or table. They are typically larger and more powerful than other types of personal computers. Desktop computers are made up of separate components. The main component, called the system unit, is usually a rectangular case that sits on or underneath a desk. Other components, such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard, connect to the system unit.
- 4. Types of Computer Laptops and netbooks • Laptops are lightweight mobile PCs with a thin screen. Laptops can operate on batteries, so you can take them anywhere. Unlike desktops, laptops combine the CPU, screen, and keyboard in a single case. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use. • Netbooks (also referred to as mini notebooks), are small, affordable laptops that are designed to perform a limited number of tasks. They're usually less powerful than laptops, so they're used mainly to browse the web and check e-mail.
- 5. Types of Computer Smartphones • Smartphones are mobile phones that have some of the same capabilities as a computer. You can use a smartphone to make telephone calls, access the Internet, organize contact information, send e-mail and text messages, play games, and take pictures. Smartphones usually have a keyboard and a large screen.
- 6. Types of Computer Handheld computers • Handheld computers, also called personal digital assistants (PDAs), are battery-powered computers small enough to carry almost anywhere. Although not as powerful as desktops or laptops, handheld computers are useful for scheduling appointments, storing addresses and phone numbers, and playing games. Some have more advanced capabilities, such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet. Instead of keyboards, handheld computers have touch screens that you use with your finger or a stylus (a pen- shaped pointing tool).
- 7. Types of Computer Tablet PCs • Tablet PCs are mobile PCs that combine features of laptops and handheld computers. Like laptops, they're powerful and have a built-in screen. Like handheld computers, they allow you to write notes or draw pictures on the screen, usually with a tablet pen instead of a stylus. They can also convert your handwriting into typed text. Some Tablet PCs are “convertibles” with a screen that swivels and unfolds to reveal a keyboard underneath.
- 8. Types of Computer Super Computers • The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are the supercomputers. These are specialized and task specific computers used by large organizations. These computers are used for research and exploration purposes, like NASA uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling them and for space exploration purpose. • The supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size. It can be accommodated in large air- conditioned rooms; some super computers can span an entire building. “In 1964, Seymour cray designed the first supercomputer CDC 6600”
- 9. Types of Computer Uses of Supercomputer • In Pakistan and other countries Supercomputers are used by Educational Institutes like NUST (Pakistan) for research purposes. Pakistan Atomic Energy commission & Heavy Industry Taxila uses supercomputers for Research purposes. Space Exploration • Supercomputers are used to study the origin of the universe, the dark-matters. For these studies scientist use IBM’s powerful supercomputer “Roadrunner” at National Laboratory Los Alamos. Earthquake studies • Supercomputers are used to study the Earthquakes phenomenon. Besides that supercomputers are used for natural resources exploration, like natural gas, petroleum, coal, etc.
- 10. Types of Computer Uses of Supercomputer (Cont) Weather Forecasting • Supercomputers are used for weather forecasting, and to study the nature and extent of Hurricanes, Rainfalls, windstorms, etc. Nuclear weapons testing • Supercomputers are used to run weapon simulation that can test the Range, accuracy & impact of Nuclear weapons. Popular Supercomputers • IBM’s Sequoia, in United States • Fujitsu’s K Computer in Japan • IBM’s Mira in United States • IBM’s SuperMUC in Germany • NUDT Tianhe-1A in China
- 11. Types of Computer Servers Computers • Servers are a step under supercomputers, because they don't focus on trying to solve one very complex problem, but try to solve many similar smaller ones. An example of a server would be the computers that Wikipedia stores its encyclopedia on. Those computers have to go and find the page you're looking for and send it to you. In itself it's not a big task, but it becomes a job for a server when the computers have to go and find lots of pages for a lot of people and send them to the right place. Some servers, like the ones Google uses for something like Google Documents, have applications on them instead of just files, like Wikipedia. • A server is a central computer that contains collections of data and programs. Also called a network server, this system allows all connected users to share and store electronic data and applications. Two important types of servers are file servers and application servers.
- 12. Types of Computer Mainframe computer • Although Mainframes are not as powerful as supercomputers, but certainly they are quite expensive nonetheless, and many large firms & government organizations uses Mainframes to run their business operations. The Mainframe computers can be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms because of its size. Super-computers are the fastest computers with large data storage capacity, Mainframes can also process & store large amount of data. Banks educational institutions & insurance companies use mainframe computers to store data about their customers, students & insurance policy holders. Fujitsu’s ICL VME Hitachi’s Z800
- 13. Types of Computer Game consoles A game console is a specialized kind of computer that is used for playing video games. Although they are not as fully featured as desktop computers, many newer consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii & PS3,4, allow you to perform nongaming tasks like browsing the Web.