Basic concepts of personal Computers
Computers are good at problem solving and therefore there
are many types of computers out there. Its important when choosing a
computer to know what you will use it for and the place you are going
to put it. This will guide you in choosing each of its components and knowing
their characteristics as well as deciding in advance whether there is space for
a desktop computer or a laptop computer.
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates
information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.
You probably already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send
email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or
create spreadsheets, presentations, and
even videos. In summary, a computer is a set of electronic circuits that allow
for data to be manipulated in binary form, in bits.
Types of Computers
It’s important to know that any machine capable of
manipulating binary information can be considered a computer. However, the term
"computer" is sometimes confused with the term personal computer
(PC), which is the type of computer that is most commonly found on the market.
This article deals mainly with personal computers but most
of the principles that you will learn apply to all types of computers.
A mainframe is the largest and most expensive of these
computer types, capable of storing vast quantities of information and serving
many terminals. Mainframes are used by large enterprises such as banks,
insurance companies and government departments.
A mini computer, which is smaller, less expensive and less
powerful than a mainframe, can usually perform similar processes to a mainframe
but on a smaller scale. It is none-the-less capable of serving a considerable
number of terminals. Mini computers are used by medium to large enterprises.
Microcomputers (desktop, laptop, notebook, palm top
computers) or Modern PCs can be very powerful and capable of running many
different applications but are considerably smaller, cheaper and less powerful
than either mainframe or mini computers. A desktop model is usually
significantly cheaper than a laptop but laptops do have the advantage of
portability. Both types are capable of being networked to other computers or
used as stand-alone units. It was introduced in the late 1970’s, have a main
memory capacity rising from 8MB to 32MB of RAM. IBM dominates the computer
market although it ids getting a lot of competition from Compaq, Gateway 2000
and other manufacturers. The IBM PC was introduced in the early 1980’s and
followed by the IBM PC XT. Due to the fact that the IBM was marketing both the
main frames and the mini, it tended to slow down the growth of computers so as to
give the mainframe and the minis an equal chance in the market.
There has been much growth in the Microcomputers field
especially in the last ten years.
A network computer, while similar to a standard PC, is
slightly cheaper as it does not have its own hard disk. Instead, it is linked
as part of a network to a computer called a server, which holds all the
applications used by the network computers connected to it. This is intended to
reduce the cost of software support.
Network computers are used in education and business but because they
are not stand-alone they are not used in the home.
By the end of our tutorials, we will show you some of the most important things you need to know about
computers, including how to set up your computer, how to interact with
the desktop and operating system, and what kinds of computers are
available. We'll also introduce you to some basic troubleshooting
strategies you can use if your computer isn't working correctly.
I believe that you probably already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, databases, Internet, and even videos. We shall also look at the current trends of tablets, mobile phone apps and smartphones.
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