"Chapter Two "Computer Types

Chapter Two
Computer Types
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2-1 Microcomputers - Personal Computers
Microcomputers sit on, beside or under a desk. They process data quickly
and are designed for one user. The cost is relatively low, depending on the
type, model and features. These computers are found in small businesses,
schools and homes. The size of the components that can be used in or with a
computer have decreased significantly as well as becoming more cost effective,
There are many different types of programs that can be used with a
microcomputer, there are generally two types of microcomputers: the PC
(personal computer) based on the original IBM machine, or the Macintosh
designed by Apple.
Microsoft Office is available for both the PC and Apple machines. The
software works exactly the same on either machine. The majority of companies
use PCs to handle their work requirements. This may primarily be due to the
wide variety of software programs available to the PC machine and the relative
lower cost of a PC as compared to an Apple machine.
2-2 supercomputer
A supercomputer is considered to be the fastest type of computer
available. It is very expensive due to the amount of information that needs to
be processed on a daily basis. The first supercomputer was created in 1958
with tremendous advancement in technology over the past years.
Supercomputers generally have specialized software programs installed and are
typically used for scientific and engineering tasks such as forecasting weather,
nuclear energy research, resource exploration, or animation. Supercomputers
put all its power into running and performing calculations on a few programs
as quickly as it can. Typically, it can handle very large databases and perform a
huge number of calculations very quickly.
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2-3 Mainframe
Mainframe computers are large enough to fill an entire room and require
a large capital investment. They can simultaneously handle hundreds of
different programs and users without sacrificing performance. They process
large volumes of data at an incredible speed. Mainframes are commonly found
in government agencies or large organizations, e.g., telephone companies,
credit card companies, airlines, or universities. For instance, you access a
mainframe computer whenever you use your bankcard at an Automated Teller
Machine (ATM). Mainframe computers can sometimes be called centralized
systems as they control the flow of data to and from computers or terminals.