{"id":185,"date":"2020-11-27T14:43:25","date_gmt":"2020-11-27T19:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/chapter\/types-of-computers\/"},"modified":"2022-07-25T15:26:43","modified_gmt":"2022-07-25T19:26:43","slug":"types-of-computers","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/chapter\/types-of-computers\/","title":{"raw":"Topic B: Types of computers","rendered":"Topic B: Types of computers"},"content":{"raw":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.<\/p>\r\nhttps:\/\/media.bccampus.ca\/id\/0_8gnq9317?width=608&amp;height=70&amp;playerId=23449753\r\n<h1>Classification of Computers by Size<\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Supercomputers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Mainframe computers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Minicomputers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Supercomputers<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-177 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/jaguar-tunnel-201x300.jpg\" alt=\"A supercomputer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"311\" \/>\r\n\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"471\"]Supercomputer[\/pb_glossary] - a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of computation very quickly.\r\n\r\nSupercomputers are used for areas related to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Science<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Engineering<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Education<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Defence<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Aerospace<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSupercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require a great amount of computation.\r\n\r\nSupercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Weather forecasting<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Climate research<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Scientific simulation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Oil and gas exploration<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Quantum mechanics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Cryptanalysis<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Mainframe computers<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-440 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/New-IBM-Z10-Mainframe.jpg\" alt=\"A mainframe computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"260\" \/>\r\n\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"492\"]Mainframe computer[\/pb_glossary] - a high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs.\r\n\r\nMainframe computers are primarily used in :\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Institutions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Research<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Academics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Health care<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Libraries<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Large businesses<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Financial institutions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Stock brokerage firms<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Insurance agencies<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Census taking<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Industry and consumer statistics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Enterprise resource planning<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Transaction processing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>e-business and e-commerce<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Minicomputers<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-441 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Monitor-and-keyboard-for-48K-minicomputer.jpg\" alt=\"A minicomputer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"138\" \/>\r\n\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"489\"]Minicomputer[\/pb_glossary] - a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer.\r\n\r\nMinicomputers are used by small organizations.\r\n\r\n\"Minicomputer\" is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are often referred to as small or midsize servers (a [pb_glossary id=\"478\"]server[\/pb_glossary] is a central computer that provides information to other computers).\r\n<h2>Personal computers<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-442 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Personal-computer.png\" alt=\"A personal computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"156\" \/>\r\n\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"430\"]Personal computer[\/pb_glossary] (PC) - a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.\r\n\r\nA PC or microcomputer uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its central processing unit (CPU).\r\n\r\n\"Microcomputer\" is now primarily used to mean a PC, but it can refer to any kind of small computer, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable.\r\n<h3>Types of personal computers<\/h3>\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"511\"]Desktop computer[\/pb_glossary] - a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit).\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-443\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Desktop-computer.png\" alt=\"A desktop computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"170\" \/>\r\n\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"495\"]Laptop computer (or notebook)[\/pb_glossary] - A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user's lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a touchpad.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-444\" style=\"font-size: 18.6667px; orphans: 1;\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Laptop-computer.jpg\" alt=\"A laptop computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"129\" \/>\r\n\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"470\"]Tablet[\/pb_glossary] - A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-445\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Tablet-1.jpg\" alt=\"A tablet computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"156\" \/>\r\n\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"474\"]Smartphone[\/pb_glossary] - A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-446\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Smartphone.png\" alt=\"A smartphone.\" width=\"208\" height=\"139\" \/>","rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"kaltura_player\" title=\"Unit 6. Topic B: Types of computers\" src=\"https:\/\/api.ca.kaltura.com\/p\/148\/sp\/14800\/embedIframeJs\/uiconf_id\/23449753\/partner_id\/148?iframeembed=true&#38;playerId=kaltura_player&#38;entry_id=0_8gnq9317&#38;flashvars[leadWithHTML5]=true&#38;flashvars[streamerType]=auto&#38;flashvars[localizationCode]=en&#38;flashvars[sideBarContainer.plugin]=true&#38;flashvars[sideBarContainer.position]=left&#38;flashvars[sideBarContainer.clickToClose]=true&#38;flashvars[chapters.plugin]=true&#38;flashvars[chapters.layout]=vertical&#38;flashvars[chapters.thumbnailRotator]=false&#38;flashvars[streamSelector.plugin]=true&#38;flashvars[EmbedPlayer.SpinnerTarget]=videoHolder&#38;flashvars[dualScreen.plugin]=true&#38;flashvars[Kaltura.addCrossoriginToIframe]=true&#38;wid=0_7frvhgql\" width=\"608\" height=\"70\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" sandbox=\"allow-downloads allow-forms allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-pointer-lock allow-popups allow-modals allow-orientation-lock allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-presentation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h1>Classification of Computers by Size<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Supercomputers<\/li>\n<li>Mainframe computers<\/li>\n<li>Minicomputers<\/li>\n<li>Personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Supercomputers<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-177 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/jaguar-tunnel-201x300.jpg\" alt=\"A supercomputer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/jaguar-tunnel-201x300.jpg 201w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/jaguar-tunnel-65x97.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/jaguar-tunnel-225x336.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/jaguar-tunnel-350x523.jpg 350w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/jaguar-tunnel.jpg 685w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 208px) 100vw, 208px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_185_471\">Supercomputer<\/a> &#8211; a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of computation very quickly.<\/p>\n<p>Supercomputers are used for areas related to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Science<\/li>\n<li>Engineering<\/li>\n<li>Education<\/li>\n<li>Defence<\/li>\n<li>Aerospace<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Supercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require a great amount of computation.<\/p>\n<p>Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Weather forecasting<\/li>\n<li>Climate research<\/li>\n<li>Scientific simulation<\/li>\n<li>Oil and gas exploration<\/li>\n<li>Quantum mechanics<\/li>\n<li>Cryptanalysis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Mainframe computers<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-440 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/New-IBM-Z10-Mainframe.jpg\" alt=\"A mainframe computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"260\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_185_492\">Mainframe computer<\/a> &#8211; a high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs.<\/p>\n<p>Mainframe computers are primarily used in :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Institutions<\/li>\n<li>Research<\/li>\n<li>Academics<\/li>\n<li>Health care<\/li>\n<li>Libraries<\/li>\n<li>Large businesses<\/li>\n<li>Financial institutions<\/li>\n<li>Stock brokerage firms<\/li>\n<li>Insurance agencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Census taking<\/li>\n<li>Industry and consumer statistics<\/li>\n<li>Enterprise resource planning<\/li>\n<li>Transaction processing<\/li>\n<li>e-business and e-commerce<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Minicomputers<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-441 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Monitor-and-keyboard-for-48K-minicomputer.jpg\" alt=\"A minicomputer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"138\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_185_489\">Minicomputer<\/a> &#8211; a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer.<\/p>\n<p>Minicomputers are used by small organizations.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Minicomputer&#8221; is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are often referred to as small or midsize servers (a <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_185_478\">server<\/a> is a central computer that provides information to other computers).<\/p>\n<h2>Personal computers<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-442 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Personal-computer.png\" alt=\"A personal computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"156\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_185_430\">Personal computer<\/a> (PC) &#8211; a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.<\/p>\n<p>A PC or microcomputer uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its central processing unit (CPU).<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Microcomputer&#8221; is now primarily used to mean a PC, but it can refer to any kind of small computer, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable.<\/p>\n<h3>Types of personal computers<\/h3>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_185_511\">Desktop computer<\/a> &#8211; a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-443\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Desktop-computer.png\" alt=\"A desktop computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"170\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_185_495\">Laptop computer (or notebook)<\/a> &#8211; A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user&#8217;s lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a touchpad.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-444\" style=\"font-size: 18.6667px; orphans: 1;\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Laptop-computer.jpg\" alt=\"A laptop computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"129\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_185_470\">Tablet<\/a> &#8211; A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-445\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Tablet-1.jpg\" alt=\"A tablet computer.\" width=\"208\" height=\"156\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_185_474\">Smartphone<\/a> &#8211; A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-446\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/322\/2020\/11\/Smartphone.png\" alt=\"A smartphone.\" width=\"208\" height=\"139\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"glossary\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\" id=\"definition\">definition<\/span><template id=\"term_185_471\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_185_471\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of computation very quickly.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_185_492\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_185_492\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_185_489\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_185_489\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_185_478\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_185_478\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a central computer that provides information to other computers.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_185_430\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_185_430\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time. Also known as a PC or a microcomputer.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_185_511\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_185_511\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit).<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_185_495\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_185_495\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user's lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a touchpad. Also known as a notebook.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_185_470\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_185_470\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_185_474\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_185_474\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><\/div>","protected":false},"author":90,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-185","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":167,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/185\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":632,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/185\/revisions\/632"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/167"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/185\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=185"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=185"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/computerstudies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}