Personal Computers
A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.
i. desktop computers
Mobile Devices
Mobile devices, which are small enough to carry in a pocket, usually do not have disk drives.
A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.
A personal computer contains a processor, memory, and one or more input, output, and storage devices.
Personal computers also often contain a communications device.
Two popular architectures of personal computers are the PC and the Apple.
The term, PC-compatible, refers to any personal computer based on the original IBM personal computer design. Companies such as Dell, HP, and Toshiba sell PC-compatible computers. PC and PC-compatible computers usually use a Windows operating system.
Apple computers usually use a Macintosh operating system (MacOS).
Two types of personal computers
i. desktop computers
ii. notebook computers
Desktop Computers
Desktop Computers
A desktop computer is designed so that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table.
In many models, the system unit is a tall and narrow tower, which can sit on the floor vertically — if desktop space is limited.
Some desktop computers function as a server on a network.
Some desktop computers function as a server on a network.
Others, such as a gaming desktop computer and home theatre PC, target a specific audience.
The gaming desktop computer offers high-quality audio, video, and graphics with optimal performance for sophisticated single-user and networked or Internet multiplayer games.
A home theatre PC combines the features of a high-definition video/audio entertainment system with a desktop computer that is designed to be connected to a television and includes a Blu-ray Disc, digital video recorder, and digital cable television connectivity.
These high-end computers cost more than the basic desktop computer.
Another expensive, powerful desktop computer is the workstation, which is geared for work that requires intense calculations and graphics capabilities.
These high-end computers cost more than the basic desktop computer.
Another expensive, powerful desktop computer is the workstation, which is geared for work that requires intense calculations and graphics capabilities.
An architect uses a workstation to design buildings and homes.
A graphic artist uses a workstation to create computer-animated special effects for full-length motion pictures and video games.
Notebook Computers
Notebook Computers
A notebook computer, also called a laptop computer, is a portable, personal computer often designed to fit on your lap.
Notebook computers are thin and lightweight, yet they can be as powerful as the average desktop computer.
A netbook, which is a type of notebook computer, is smaller, lighter, and often not as powerful as a traditional notebook computer.
Some notebook computers have touch screens, allowing you to interact with the device by touching the screen, usually with the tip of a finger.
The Notebook is a type of Personal Computer; it is also a mobile computer.
Most notebook computers can operate on batteries or a power supply or both.
The Notebook is a type of Personal Computer; it is also a mobile computer.
Most notebook computers can operate on batteries or a power supply or both.
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
A mobile computer is a personal computer you can carry from place to place.
A mobile computer is a personal computer you can carry from place to place.
Similarly, a mobile device is a computing device small enough to hold in your hand.
Tablet PCs
Tablet computer, is a special type of notebook computer that you can interact with by touching the screen with your finger or a digital pen.
A digital pen looks like a small ink pen but uses pressure instead of ink.
Users write or draw on a Tablet PC by pressing a finger or digital pen on the screen, and issue instructions by tapping on the screen.
Some Tablet PCs also support voice input so that users can speak into the computer.
Tablet PCs are useful especially for taking notes in lectures, at meetings, conferences, and other forums where the standard notebook computer is not practical.
Tablet PCs are useful especially for taking notes in lectures, at meetings, conferences, and other forums where the standard notebook computer is not practical.
Mobile Devices
Mobile devices, which are small enough to carry in a pocket, usually do not have disk drives.
Instead, these devices store programs and data permanently on special memory inside the system unit or on small storage media such as memory cards.
You can connect a mobile device to a personal computer to exchange information between the computer and the mobile device.
Some mobile devices are Internet-enabled, meaning they can connect to the Internet wirelessly.
Some mobile devices are Internet-enabled, meaning they can connect to the Internet wirelessly.
With an Internet-enabled device, users can chat, send e-mail and instant messages, and access the Web.
Popular types of mobile devices are smart phones and PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portable media players, and digital cameras.
E-Book Readers: An e-book reader (short for electronic book reader), or e-reader, is a handheld device that is used primarily for reading e-books.
An e-book, or digital book, is an electronic version of a printed book, readable on computers and other digital devices.
Embedded Computers
An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product.
An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product.
The following list identifies a variety of everyday products that contain embedded computers.
• Consumer Electronics: mobile and digital telephones, digital televisions, cameras, video recorders, DVD players and recorders.
• Home Automation Devices: thermostats, sprinkling systems, security monitoring systems, appliances, lights.
• Automobiles: anti-lock brakes, engine control modules, airbag controller, cruise control
• Process Controllers and Robotics: remote monitoring systems, power monitors, machine controllers, medical devices.
• Computer Devices and Office Machines: keyboards, printers.
Because embedded computers are components in larger products, they usually are small and have limited hardware.
• Consumer Electronics: mobile and digital telephones, digital televisions, cameras, video recorders, DVD players and recorders.
• Home Automation Devices: thermostats, sprinkling systems, security monitoring systems, appliances, lights.
• Automobiles: anti-lock brakes, engine control modules, airbag controller, cruise control
• Process Controllers and Robotics: remote monitoring systems, power monitors, machine controllers, medical devices.
• Computer Devices and Office Machines: keyboards, printers.
Because embedded computers are components in larger products, they usually are small and have limited hardware.
These computers perform various functions, depending on the requirements of the product in which they reside.
Embedded computers in printers, for example, monitor the amount of paper in the tray, check the ink or toner level, signal if a paper jam has occurred, and so on.
