Nov 29, 2022
Different Types of Computers
What computer should I get my child? How much RAM does he/she need? Is Windows 8 safe or not? These questions are very common for parents who want to buy their kid’s computers. If you don’t know anything about computers, then you may be missing out on some essential information. The answer lies in understanding the various types of computers you can purchase. This article will walk you through each type and teach you how they differ from each other.
What is Computer?
A computing device is a machine that performs computation tasks. It is a digital machine that processes data into meaningful results based on instructions set by a human user. A computer can process large amounts of data at high speed, making it indispensable for many tasks such as storing a large amount of data, creating graphics, designing websites etc. The main parts used in a computer include the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, storage devices, display etc. With the help of these components, a computer can store, retrieve, manipulate and analyze data with the use of its programming language. A computer is also capable of performing complex mathematical calculations which cannot be done by humans alone.
Different Types Of Computers
Laptop
A laptop is a portable computer that has a battery and it runs on batteries. It is powered by internal rechargeable batteries and usually comes with an external power supply as well. They have limited processing capability but also come equipped with memory cards which allow you to save your data to a flash drive. Most laptops nowadays come with USB ports so you can easily connect external devices like keyboards, mice, and printers.
Desktop Computer
An all-in-one desktop computer includes all the features such as CPU, motherboard, hard disk drives, DVD burner, CD-ROM, Ethernet port, monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers (if applicable). All these components are connected using cables and sockets. They have higher processing capabilities than laptops and offer more storage space compared to notebooks. However, this makes them heavier and bulkier.
Mainframe computer.
A mainframe computer consists of multiple processors connected directly to one another via a backplane. Each processor handles a specific task. A typical mainframe would have hundreds of processors and thousands of memory chips.
Supercomputer
The term supercomputers were coined when IBM introduced their System 360 family of mainframes in the 1960s. Although there are several definitions relating to what exactly constitutes a supercomputer, most agree that a supercomputer must consist of at least 1,000 processor cores, 10 terabytes of RAM, and a minimum of 2 petabytes of persistent storage (e.g. hard disk drives).
Handheld computer
We define handheld computers as small form factor personal computers that can run applications without being connected to any fixed infrastructure or network. Some examples of handheld computers are PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), Smartphones/cellular phones & tablets.
Minicomputer.
A minicomputer is a central processing unit built with several microprocessors connected through some kind of bus structure and memory. This allows multiple microprocessors to work together to perform a single function. For example, two or more microprocessors could be used to solve a problem that would take billions of years to calculate on one microprocessor.
The Bottom Line.
There are many different types of computers, but you will only use three of them in your lifetime.
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