Types of Computers Esay

Overview A computing device is an electronic twirl that receives (input) info, unconscious processes that in pee-peeation, stores selective learning and produces results (output). computing device enkindle be categorize according to their data representation that is functionality, base on their purpose or found on their physical sizing. Its the classifications that engender about types of computers.There atomic physical body 18 four types of computers that is, little computer, miniskirtcomputer, primal processor computer and super computer. 1. 2 Justifications Understanding the types of computers will be reformative in de confinesining whether its qualified for the intended purpose. For drill if its a simple task for an individual or sm every in all organization whence the private computer will be much suited than a main frame computer which serve out sized organization. 1. 3 In brief In this essay we limn what a computer is in expand in terms of the in put, process and output.The features, purposes, functioning, subclasifications and cost of the four types of computers argon in any case discussed. 3. 0 TYPES OF COMPUTERS 2. 1 Defining A Computer According to Saleemi (2009), A computer whitethorn be de moving inate as a machine which accepts data from an input device performs arithmetical and logical operations in accordance with a pre learnd programme and at last transfers the processed data to an output device. The commentary of computer cig art be viewed loosely in three major(ip) cases as illustpaced below Input Process take Data and instruction manual Execution and transshipment center training (All computers move perform the functions of inputting, storing, touch on, controlling, styling and outputting data and information (Ravichdndran, 2001 pg2). It industrial plant upon the input data using the issued operating instructions, this sum that the computer weednot do any serviceable job on its own so its a cl ever fool. The term GIGO is besides oftenly practice to explain this model that is the computer can only proceeding as per the instructions wanes issued, hence if instructions sets conform to the resolving power of the problem at hand then it will do it even accelerated and accurately.But if instructions set do not conform to the solving of the problem then the computer also moulds it in the same manner of the instructions set. Hence drivel in Garbage Out (GIGO). There be varieties of computers with a variety of their operational characteristics. The computer can be classified in legion(predicate) useful ways depending on the fair game of whoever is doing the classification. 2. 2 Four types of computers comp bed The four major categories of computers based on their physical size argon small computers, mini computers, central bear upon unit computers and super computers.These categories are based on the differences in size, speed, touch capabilities and price of compu ters. collectible to rapidly changing engineering science, the categories cannot be defined precisely. For example the speed used to define a mainframe today may be used to define mini computers next year. Some characteristics may carrefour categories still they frequently are used and should be to a lower placestood. Mainframe computers They are close to(prenominal) expensive of all computers and very over titanic in size and offer the uttermost computing power (Saleemi 2009).They are by and large used in large net puddles of computers with the mainframe macrocosm the node point of the cyberspace. littler computer or terminals are then affiliated done and through satellites so that data could be centralized at mavin place will data processing could be performed via the satellites. A good example is the airline reservation system. The airlines pee-pee a mainframe computer at their interrogative office where information of all the flights is stored. nice computers installed at the booking offices are attached to the central data bank so that up to date information of all flights is always available.According to Saleemi (2009) important characteristics include * These are big general purpose computers exposed 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 aim languages. * They can bet on large subdue of terminals. * Their processing speed is up to some(prenominal) billions of instructions per second. They have a large online secondary storage capability and can support a large number of and variety of peripheral device the like magnetic tapes drives, hard disk drives, opthalmic display UNITS, printers and telecommunication terminals. * They usually have high speed cache storehouse 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 except small than the mainframe computers.Due to advanced circuit engineering some mini computers are roughly the size of micro computers. They support bonnie internal and backing storage, that is their storage electrical capacity both internal and external are comparatively higher than the micro computers but lower than the main frames (Saleemi 2009). These computers support some(prenominal) drug users at a time, that is some(prenominal) work stations or terminals are machine-accessible to one central minicomputer whose resources (e. g. C. P. U time, storage media, memory and so forth are shared among the users connected.If central computers and terminals ate entanglemented (WAN) then telecommunication associate are used for a network within the same locality, on the former(a) hand, the cables are used in connecting the terminals and the host computer. The freshr network configur ation is know 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 shared printer (usually line printer). Mini computers are used primarily in medium scale logical argument functions. In employment they are being used for invoicing stock control, payroll, sales abstract etc. small 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 desktop, in the flesh(predicate) or stand all systems. Their design is based on large scale Integrated Circuitry (LSIC) that confines several physical components per small element sky size I. C (integrated circuit), hence the size dramatically reduced. Their internal memory is littler than the mini computers and main frame computers. They support particular backing storage media. They ar e 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 also 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. both popular series of micro computers are the personal computer (PC) and apple Macintosh. Micro computers nowadays come in change sizes Desktop computer Largest and designed to equate entirely on or under a desk or table. * Laptop /notebook computer 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 organizer 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 galore(postnominal) installations super computers are used for limited classes of computations. These computers are often used in numerical application like prevail forecast, large matrix calculations such as those required for linear programming to solve problem in economic 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 seek agencies, military defense system, national digest forecast agencies, nuclear energy research, and vegetable oil exploration etc. 4. CONCLUSION 3. 1 Summary This essay has comprehensively discussed what a computer is in terms of input, process and output. The superio rity 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 abetter _or_ abettor has also been discussed. 3. 2 Insights The development of computers from mainframe to micro computers and super computers is evident from the essay. Its also worth noting that the advancement of micro computers will continued to diminish the wideness of the mainframe / mini computers. . 3 Recommendations precondition that computers facilitate more accurate and faster processing of data developers of computers should invest more in research and development. This will check up on that the computers available in the market for personal or SME use have not only enhanced capabilities but also affordable costs. REFERENCE LIST 1. Saleemi, N. A. (2009). Information Technology Simplified. Nairobi Saleemi Publications. 2. Rauchandran, D. (2001). Introduction to Computers and Communication. unseasone d Delphi Tata McGraw Hill.