1.3 computer system types
Desktop:
A computer suitable for use at an ordinary desk. They are bulky and not so easy to move.
Individual components (e.g., expansions cards) can be updated over time.
Desktops are versatile, they allow the user to carry out a range of activities, including
document creation, data manipulation, game playing, design and communication facilities
for personal or business purposes.
Tablet/ Laptop:
A portable type of computer. Many modern laptops can also fold back, effectively turning
them into a tablet with a screen based virtual keyboard.
They can perform many of the functions of the traditional PC, but the screen size can be
restrictive, especially if several documents need to be open at the same time. Because it can
be transported through public spaces, loss or theft is more likely.
Smartphone:
Smartphone can be used to run a range of applications including email, social media, videos,
and music. However, they can negatively affect social interaction e.g., by using them and
ignoring people around you) and reduce spatial awareness when being used.
Security is another issue as they can be easily lost or stolen. Security software for phones is
not as secure as other computer systems so sensitive data should not be held on
smartphones.
Embedded system:
An embedded system is when a smaller computer system is installed within a larger device,
such as a washing machine, traffic light or car. Embedded systems have a dedicated purpose
and often and often run in real-time.
The internet of things (IOT) describes a global network of connected objects that were
previously ‘dumb’ such as smart bulbs, smart plugs and thermosets.
Mainframe:
Mainframes are huge and very powerful computers that are reliable. Mainframes are used
to process large amounts of data and can be used to solve scientific and engineering
problems and that require complex calculations with large datasets. (e.g., weather
forecasting or scientific simulations)
Mainframes are reliable and secure because they have large backup capabilities.
Mainframes are very expensive and require teams of experts to oversee them, and so are
used only by organisations that need to process very large amount of data quickly such as
banks and airlines.
Quantum:
These are still experimental and in development. They work with quantum bits (qubits)
which unlike binary are not limited to just two states (0 or 1). Qubits represent atomic
particles, which can be in several different states at the same times.
A fully working quantum computer would potentially be able to process data and perform
calculations millions of times faster than currently available computers.
Desktop:
A computer suitable for use at an ordinary desk. They are bulky and not so easy to move.
Individual components (e.g., expansions cards) can be updated over time.
Desktops are versatile, they allow the user to carry out a range of activities, including
document creation, data manipulation, game playing, design and communication facilities
for personal or business purposes.
Tablet/ Laptop:
A portable type of computer. Many modern laptops can also fold back, effectively turning
them into a tablet with a screen based virtual keyboard.
They can perform many of the functions of the traditional PC, but the screen size can be
restrictive, especially if several documents need to be open at the same time. Because it can
be transported through public spaces, loss or theft is more likely.
Smartphone:
Smartphone can be used to run a range of applications including email, social media, videos,
and music. However, they can negatively affect social interaction e.g., by using them and
ignoring people around you) and reduce spatial awareness when being used.
Security is another issue as they can be easily lost or stolen. Security software for phones is
not as secure as other computer systems so sensitive data should not be held on
smartphones.
Embedded system:
An embedded system is when a smaller computer system is installed within a larger device,
such as a washing machine, traffic light or car. Embedded systems have a dedicated purpose
and often and often run in real-time.
The internet of things (IOT) describes a global network of connected objects that were
previously ‘dumb’ such as smart bulbs, smart plugs and thermosets.
Mainframe:
Mainframes are huge and very powerful computers that are reliable. Mainframes are used
to process large amounts of data and can be used to solve scientific and engineering
problems and that require complex calculations with large datasets. (e.g., weather
forecasting or scientific simulations)
Mainframes are reliable and secure because they have large backup capabilities.
Mainframes are very expensive and require teams of experts to oversee them, and so are
used only by organisations that need to process very large amount of data quickly such as
banks and airlines.
Quantum:
These are still experimental and in development. They work with quantum bits (qubits)
which unlike binary are not limited to just two states (0 or 1). Qubits represent atomic
particles, which can be in several different states at the same times.
A fully working quantum computer would potentially be able to process data and perform
calculations millions of times faster than currently available computers.
