There are many types of computers categorized by size and processing power. Desktops are designed for individual use and have a tower, keyboard, mouse and monitor. Laptops are portable with integrated components and run on batteries. Netbooks are smaller laptops with less power. Tablets use touchscreens and apps. Mobile devices include phones and can access the internet, apps, cameras and more. Servers store network files and data. Mainframes process large amounts of data for thousands simultaneously. Supercomputers perform quadrillions of calculations and are used for research. Wearable computers integrate technology into watches and clothing. Embedded computers are single-chip systems installed in devices. Future computers may be more integrated with glasses and highly engineered materials.

1. Types of
Computers
Computer Technology
(S1 Obj 1-1)

2. Introduction
 There are many different types of
computers available today.
 They are categorized into different types
depending on their size and processing
power,
 What are the categories?

3. Desktop / PC
 A computer that is
designed to meet the
needs of one individual
 Has a central processing
unit housed in a metal
case (often called a
tower) along with a
keyboard, mouse and
monitor
 Intended for use at one
single location

4. Desktops are used for:
 Desktops are used for running applications
(full scale, complex software) including:
 Office Software—Word processing,
spreadsheets, presentations, and databases
 Engineering designing software—CAD/CAM
and other designing software for homes,
kitchens, airplanes and more…
 Photo and Video editing
 Music—creating, playing and storing
 Internet—Entertainment and information

5. Advantages and Disadvantages
 Easy to upgrade
 Vast range of
software available
 Easy to mix and
match; customize to
meet your needs.
 Can be used
continually for long
periods of time
 Not easily portable
 Requires large
amount of desk
space
 Needs a fan to
prevent overheating
 Must be plugged in
to power outlet

6. Laptop Computer
 Also known as a notebook
 A portable computer that
integrates a monitor,
keyboard, touchpad, pointing
stick, and speakers into one
single unit
 Runs on a rechargeable
battery
 People choose to use a laptop
because of it’s portability and
the ability to run most of the
same applications that are run
on a desktop computer.

7. Netbook
 Smaller portable
computer that is more
lightweight and has less
processing power than a
laptop
 Can still run word
processing and
spreadsheet applications.
 More netbooks are sold
today than notebooks,
however, sales of
netbooks have declined
since the introduction of
tablets

8. Advantages and Disadvantages
of Notebooks and Netbooks
 Portable
 Lightweight
 Runs on a
rechargeable
battery
 Runs the same
software as a
Desktop PC
 More expensive than
a comparable PC
 Easily damaged if
dropped
 Difficult to repair/
upgrade

9. Tablets
 Mini, flat mobile computer that
uses a touch-sensitive screen for
input and navigation.
 Uses application software called
an App: a small, specialized
program downloaded onto
mobile devices.
 Uses: To access apps, e-mail,
Internet, minor editing of
documents, play games and
more… without lugging around a
larger computer.

10. Advantages and Disadvantages
of Tablets
 Small and lightweight
 Long battery life
 Powers up immediately
(no boot process)
 Tablets can run ‘lite’
versions of office software
 With Internet access, it
can access your data
from anywhere
 Small screen
 Keyboard is small and
difficult to use
 Easily damaged, not
easily upgraded
 Expensive Internet
Access plans

11. Mobile Device
 A small, pocket-sized computing
device with a touch screen and
memory card for data storage.
 Also known as a handheld.
 There are many kinds of mobile devices.
 They run apps
 Uses:
 Personal organization
 Internet access
 Phone
 GPS
 Camera
 Media player for audio and videos.

12. Advantages and Disadvantages
of Mobile Devices
 You can carry it with you
(in your pocket)
 Fingertip access to the
Internet, e-mail and data
 Use of phone to contact
others
 Helps with organization
 GPS, phone, texting,
face-time and more…
 Expensive monthly access
plans
 Reception is poor in some
areas
 Safety (use while driving or
walking)
 Social (limits association
interactions)
 Distraction at work/school
 Easy to lose or damage

13. Server
 A computer that provides
users with access to files and
printers on a network
 Has a large processors and
many hard drives
 Where network documents
and web pages are stored
 Used in schools, doctors
offices, small companies
 Makes it possible to access
documents on any network
computer in the building

14. Mainframe
 A Large, powerful
computer that carries out
different tasks for
thousands of people at
the same time
 Mainframes can process
large volumes of data
quickly and securely.
 They must be operated by trained specialists
and kept in air-conditioned rooms away from
the office or factory floor.

15. Mainframes are used for:
 Utility Companies (Gas and Electricity
suppliers)--for billing
 Banks –for managing your accounts
 Insurance Companies—managing
policies
 Airlines—reservations and ticket
processing
 Police—crime detection

16. Supercomputer
 The fastest and most expensive computers
in the world at the time it is created
 They perform quadrillions of complex
calculations in a very short time

17. Supercomputers are used
for:
 Weather forecasting
 Space exploration
 Scientific research
 Military weapons
research
 Pharmaceuticals
and Drug testing

18. Supercomputers continued…
 Generate lots of heat;
air-conditioning required
 Miles of cables connect
the computer to
peripherals
 Requires its own
electricity generator
 Need special filters
installed to keep the
atmosphere free of dust
particles
 Can tackle huge real
world calculations
that would be too
time consuming to
be completed by an
individual or any
other type of
computer
 Speed and accuracy
of calculations

19. Supercomputers
Click below to watch a video about supercomputers. Please keep in mind that the list of top 10
supercomputers in the world constantly changes as new supercomputers are created and older
supercomputers are updated.

20. So how fast is a Petaflop?
This short 2 minute video explains!

21. Wearable Computers
 Electronic devices that
are integrated into
watches, wristbands,
belts, glasses, or even
clothing!
 Advantages:
 Constant interaction
between the device
and the user
 Hands are free—Not
necessary to stop what
your are doing to use
the device.

22. Wearable Computers Uses:
 Military
 Health and Fitness
 Commerce
 Navigation
 Gaming

23. Nike Fuel Band &
Nike Plus Shoes

24. Embedded Computers
 A single chip that
contains all of the
elements essential for
any computer
 RAM / ROM
 CPU
 Input / Output
 Clock

25. Embedded Computers
Continued…
 Computer chips are now cheap enough
to install in everyday items.
 Telephones
 Televisions
 Microwaves
 Washing machines
 Cars

26. Project Glass:
Google Glasses

27. If Time Permits…
Computers of the Future
Corning—Highly Engineered Glass…