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Unit 6. Basic computer terminologies Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.
Supercomputers– a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of computation very quickly. Supercomputers are used for areas related to:
Supercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require a great amount of computation. Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:
Mainframe computers– a high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs. Mainframe computers are primarily used in :
Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:
Minicomputers– a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer. Minicomputers are used by small organizations. “Minicomputer” is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are often referred to as small or midsize servers (a is a central computer that provides information to other computers). Personal computers(PC) – a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time. A PC or microcomputer uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its central processing unit (CPU). “Microcomputer” is now primarily used to mean a PC, but it can refer to any kind of small computer, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable. Types of personal computers– a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit). Laptop computer (or notebook) – A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user’s lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a touchpad. – A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop. – A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer. a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of computation very quickly. a high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs. a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer. a central computer that provides information to other computers. a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time. Also known as a PC or a microcomputer. a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit). a portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user's lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a touchpad. Also known as a notebook. a wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop. a mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer. |