*COMPUTERS* (MARIA NONA V. SISON)

THIS WEEK WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF COMPUTERS

Computers are electronic devices that help people perform different task, it is a device that stores, retrieves, and processes information and can be programmed with instruction. also, it is a programmable machine that inputs, processes and outputs data. In general, it is a device that uses digital technology to process and manipulate information.

Computers have six (6) types.

Microcomputers

Workstation

Minicomputers

Mainframe Computers

Supercomputers

Wearable Computer

• Microcomputer is similar with personal computer (PC), it is a computer that depends in a microprocessor. It has two classification:
  

Personal Computer or PC

A small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for individual user. It is based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip.

Portable Computer

A computer designed to be moved from one place to another (in other words, it is a computer that is portable). These includes laptops or notebooks, sub-notebooks, tablet computer and personal digital computer.

Types of Portable Computer

1. Laptop/ Notebook Computer
   Laptop computers have similar computing power to personal computers, but are much lighter and portable. It has a removable, chargeable battery pack so that the user does not always require a mains electricity supply for its use.
   

2. Sub-notebook Computer
A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than full-sized notebook computer. It has smaller keyboard and scree, but are otherwise equivalent to notebook computers.

3. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
These are handheld computers that were originally designed as personal organizers, but became much more versatile over the years. PDA's are also known as pocket computers or palmtop computers.

4. Tablet PC
Tablet PC is a notebook or slate-shaped mobile computer. its touch screen or digitizing tablet technology allows the user to operate the computer with a stylus, digital pen or a finger tip, instead of a keyboard or mouse.

• Workstation
  A desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.
  
• Mainframe Computers
  A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands of users simultaneously. In some ways, mainframe computers are more powerful that supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs.
  
• Supercomputers
  The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations.The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe computer is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently.
  
• Wearable Computers
  The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. Essentially,m common computer applications (e-mail, database, multimedia, calendar/scheduler) are integrated into watches, cellphones, visors, and even clothing.