Fundamentals of a Personal Computer (PC)

Fundamentals of a Personal Computer (PC)

• Identify the function of the PC.
• Explain the different types of computers.

Functions of a PC

•     Accepts data input from user
•     Stores data
•     Processes the input using instructions
•     Displays processed data on output device

Types of Computers

Type of computer

⇩

microcomputer   minicomputer   mainframe   supercomputer

Microcomputer

• Digital computer that work on a microprocessor.
• Used in home and office.
• performs task such as word processing, desktop publishing and account.



microcomputer

• Advantages

1. Small size
2. Low cost
3. Portability

• Disadvantage

1. Low processing speed

 Minicomputer

• Known as the mid-range server
• Medium sized multiprocessing and multi-user computer
• Used by small sized companies

minicomputer

• Advantag

1. Cater to multiple users
2.  Lower costs than mainframe

• Disadvantage

1. Large
2. Bulky

Mainframe

• Known as enterprise server.
• Occupies entire room or floors.
• Used for centralized computer.
• Serve distributed users and small servers in a computing network.
• Advantage

1.   Support any users and instructions.
2. Large memory.

• Disanvantage

1. Huge size.
2. Expensive

Supercomputer

• Fastest and expensive
• Used by application for molecular chemistry, nuclear research, weather reports, and advanced physics.



supercomputer

• Advantage

1. Speed

• Disadvantage

1. Generate a large amount of heat during operating.