Microcomputer – I :
Digital computer that works on a microprocessor
Used in homes and offices
Performs tasks such as word processing, desktop publishing, and accounting
Microcomputer – II :
Advantages :
Disadvantages :
Minicomputer – I :
Known as the mid-range server
Medium sized multiprocessing and multi-user computer
Used by small sized companies
Minicomputer – II :
Advantages :
Disadvantages :
Mainframe – I :
Known as enterprise servers
Occupies entire rooms or floors
Used for centralized computing
Serve distributed users and small servers in a computing network
Mainframe – II :
Advantages :
Disadvantages :
Supercomputer :
Fastest and expensive
Used by applications for molecular chemistry, nuclear research, weather reports, and advanced physics
Consists of several computers that work in parallel as a single system
Advantage :
Disadvantage :
Input Devices :
Used to enter data in computer
Different types are :
Output Devices :
Used to display or produce processed data
Monitors and printers used to display output
Different types of output devices are :
Storage Devices :
Used to store data in the computers
Different types of storage devices are :
Processing Devices :
Computer main function is to process data
Various types of processing devices are :
Communication Devices :
Establish communication between computer using different cables, interfaces and wireless devices
Various types of communication devices are :
Infrastructure :
Refers to main components and foundation on which computer functions
All the peripheral devices of the computer are attached
Various types of components are :
Basic Input Output System (BIOS) checks all peripheral devices, memory and hardware of the PC
Power on Self test (POST) is performed before the PC boots operating system
Functions performed by POST :
Personal Computer is an electronic machine that accepts data, processes it on the basis of some instructions and produces output
Personal Computer performs a wide range of functions like data processing, programming, playing audio, video and games
Different types of computer are, microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes and supercomputers
System case provides protective cover for all important components of PC and keeps system cool
LED displays on system case indicate operations going on inside PC
Different ports are located on back of system case
Power supply of PC converts alternating current to direct current
The motherboard is main part of a PC
Different types of I/O ports, serial, parallel, and USB
Storage devices store data in the PCs
Different types of storage devices, magnetic, optical, and solid-state Storage
Digital Audio Tapes (DAT) record and store music digitally
Different types of network cables, UTP, STP, coaxial, and fiber optic
BIOS runs a test called Power On Self Test when a PC turns on
