Introduction to Computers Dr. Basel Mahafzah

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Introduction to ComputersDr. Basel Mahafzah
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What are computers?

• Computers are electronic devices that can follow
  instructions to accept input, process the input
  and then produce information.

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Four Kinds of Computers

• Microcomputers

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Four Kinds of Computers

• Microcomputers
• Minicomputers

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Four Kinds of Computers

• Microcomputers
• Minicomputers
• Mainframe computers

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Four Kinds of Computers

• Microcomputers
• Minicomputers
• Mainframe computers
• Supercomputers

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Microcomputer

• Generally employs a microprocessor, computer on
  a chip and are desktop sized or less
• Two main types
• Desktop
• Portable

Increasing Use of Microcomputers
350
300
Microcomputers (in millions)
250
200
1996
1998
1995 1997
Source Intel Corporation
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Desktop Computers

• Small enough for a desktop, but not easily
  portable
• Personal computers (PCs) run general purpose
  software and are employed by a wide spectrum of
  users

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Desktop Computers

• Workstations are powerful machines, running more
  advanced software, for technical, scientific, or
  data-intensive tasks
• These distinctions, however, are blurring

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Portable Computers

• Easily transported from one place to another

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Portable Computers

• Four categories
• Laptops
• Notebooks
• Sub-notebooks
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)

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Minicomputers

• Desk-sized
• More processing speed and storage capacity than
  microcomputers
• General data processing needs at small companies
• Larger companies use them for specific purposes

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Mainframe Computers

• Larger machines with special wiring and
  environmental controls
• Faster processing and greater storage than
  minicomputers
• Typical machine in large organizations

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Supercomputers

• The most powerful of the four categories
• Used by very large organizations, particularly
  for very math-intensive types of tasks