Types of Computers Esay

Overview A computing gismo is an electronic device that receives (input) data, summonses that data, stores data and produces results ( fruit). computing device so-and-so be classified according to their data representation that is functionality, establish on their purpose or base on their physical size of it. Its the classifications that bring about types of electronic electronic ready reckoners.There be four types of electronic computers that is, micro computer, minicomputer, primary(prenominal)frame computer and super computer. 1. 2 Justifications Understanding the types of computers go out be helpful in determining whether its suitable for the intended purpose. For example if its a simple task for an individual or small organization accordingly the microcomputer volition be more suitable than a of import frame computer which serve large organization. 1. 3 In legal brief In this seek we define what a computer is in power point in terms of the input, process and output.The features, purposes, functioning, subclasifications and costs of the four types of computers be as well as discussed. 3. 0 TYPES OF COMPUTERS 2. 1 Defining A Computer According to Saleemi (2009), A computer may be defined as a railroad car which accepts data from an input device performs arithmetical and logical operations in accordance with a predefined program and finally transfers the processed data to an output device. The definition of computer advise be viewed broadly in one-third major cases as illustrated below Input Process Output info and instruction manual Execution and storageInformation (All computers can perform the functions of inputting, storing, processing, controlling, styling and outputting data and information (Ravichdndran, 2001 pg2). It full treatment upon the input data using the issued instructions, this means that the computer can non do all characterful job on its own hence its a clever fool. The term GIGO is also oftenly apply to e xplain this notion that is the computer can only work as per the instructions sets issued, hence if instructions sets conform to the solving of the problem at hand then it ordain do it even hot and accurately.But if instructions set do not conform to the solving of the problem then the computer also solves it in the same manner of the instructions set. Hence drool in Garbage Out (GIGO). There argon varieties of computers with a variety of their operational characteristics. The computer can be classified in many useful ship canal depending on the objective of whoever is doing the classification. 2. 2 Four types of computers comp atomic cast 18d The four major categories of computers based on their physical size argon micro computers, mini computers, aboriginal processor computers and super computers.These categories are based on the differences in size, recreate, processing capabilities and cost of computers. Due to rapidly changing technology, the categories cannot be defi ned precisely. For example the speed used to define a mainframe computer today may be used to define mini computers next year. Some characteristics may converging categories still they frequently are used and should be understood. Mainframe computers They are intimately expensive of all computers and very queen-sized in size and offer the maximum computing power (Saleemi 2009).They are generally used in large communicates of computers with the mainframe being the node point of the network. littler computer or terminals are then attached through satellites so that data could be centralized at one place will data processing could be performed via the satellites. A good example is the air passage reservation system. The airlines return a mainframe computer at their enquiry office where information of all the flights is stored. Small computers installed at the booking offices are attached to the central data bank so that up to interpret information of all flights is always avai lable.According to Saleemi (2009) important characteristics include * These are big general purpose computers capable of handling all kinds of problems whether scientific or commercial. * They can accept and transfer data from input/output devices at the rate of millions of bytes per second. * They accept all types high level languages. * They can give large number of terminals. * Their processing speed is up to several(prenominal) billions of instructions per second. They have a large online secondary storage capability and can shop at a large number of and variety of peripheral device like magnetic tapes drives, hard disk drives, visual display UNITS, printers and telecommunication terminals. * They usually have high speed cache remembering which enables them to process applications faster than mini or micro computer. Mini computers The mini computers are medium sized computers. They are physically bigger than the micro computers just now smaller than the mainframe computers.D ue to advanced circuit technology some mini computers are al virtually the size of micro computers. They support average inborn and backing storage, that is their storage capacity both internal and external are comparatively higher than the micro computers but lower than the main frames (Saleemi 2009). These computers support several users at a time, that is several work stations or terminals are connected to one central minicomputer whose resources (e. g. C. P. U time, storage media, memory etc) are shared among the users connected.If central computers and terminals ate networked (WAN) then telecommunication associate are used for a network within the same locality, on the other hand, the cables are used in connecting the terminals and the host computer. The later network configuration is known as local area network (LAN). At the workstation the information is output through the terminal screen or a printer. Sometimes the output can be at the central computer e. g. through a shar ed printer (usually line printer). Mini computers are used mainly in medium scale business functions. In business they are being used for invoicing stock control, payroll, sales synopsis etc.Micro computers According to Saleemi (2009), These are computers of advanced technology that become available in late 1970s. They are the most common form of computers in most offices today as desk efflorescence, personal or stand alone systems. Their purpose is based on large scale Integrated Circuitry (LSIC) that confines several physical components per small element thumb size I. C (integrated circuit), hence the size dramatically reduced. Their internal memory is smaller than the mini computers and main frame computers. They support limited backing storage media. They are cheaper than the mini and mainframe computers.Where the micro computers are used as terminals, that is connected to the central computer for enhanced processing beyond its capabilities then communication facilities are als o to be provided. In small business the micro computers are used in several Min functions that require information to be produced e. g. purchasing, sales, marketing, production, accounting, in word processing for the production of business documents etc. devil popular series of micro computers are the personal computer (PC) and apple Macintosh. Micro computers nowadays come in varied sizes Desktop computer Largest and designed to fit entirely on or under a desk or table. * Laptop /notebook computers second largest and designed such that can be placed on users laps. * Palm top computers smaller and designed so that can be placed on users hand. * PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) its also hand held and provides personal arranger functions such as calendar, appointments etc. Super computers Super computers are the largest, fastest, most expensive computers ever made. They are sometimes referred to as monster computers and have the processing speed of trillion of instructions per second.In many installations super computers are used for limited classes of computations. These computers are often used in numerical application like weather forecast, large matrix calculations such as those required for linear programming to solve problem in scotch program or some military statistics. A small number of super computers are built each year for use in applications requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations as in large government query agencies, military defense system, national weather forecast agencies, nuclear force research, and petroleum exploration etc. 4. CONCLUSION 3. 1 Summary This essay has comprehensively discussed what a computer is in terms of input, process and output. The superiority of the super computers over all the other computers has also been captured. Subclasification of the micro computer thus desktop, laptop, palmtop and personal digital assistant has also been discussed. 3. 2 Insights The information of computers from mai nframe to micro computers and super computers is evident from the essay. Its also worthy noting that the advancement of micro computers will continued to diminish the importance of the mainframe / mini computers. . 3 Recommendations Given that computers facilitate more accurate and faster processing of data developers of computers should invest more in research and development. This will ensure that the computers available in the market for personal or SME use have not only enhanced capabilities but also low-cost costs. REFERENCE LIST 1. Saleemi, N. A. (2009). Information Technology Simplified. Nairobi Saleemi Publications. 2. Rauchandran, D. (2001). Introduction to Computers and Communication. natural Delphi Tata McGraw Hill.