The six major categories of computers are personal
computers, handheld computers, Internet appliances, mid-range servers, mainframes,
and supercomputers. These categories are based on differences in size, speed,
processing capabilities, and price.
A personal computer can perform all of its input,
processing, output, and storage activities by itself. Personal computers
include desktop computers and notebook computers.
A desktop computer is designed so the system unit,
input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a
desk or table. Variations of desktop computers include
·
Tower models (computers with tall and narrow
system units that can sit vertically on the floor),
·
All-in-one computers (less expensive computers
that combine the monitor and system unit into a single device), and
·
Workstations (more expensive and powerful
computers designed for work that requires intense calculation and graphics
capabilities).
A notebook computer is a portable personal computer small
enough fit on your lap. Notebook and desktop computers are used at home or in
the office to perform application software-related tasks or to access the
Internet.
A handheld computer is a small computer
that fits in your hand. Handheld computers can perform specific,
industry-related functions, or can be general-purpose. A PDA (personal digital
assistant) is a handheld computer that provides personal organizer functions,
such as a calendar, appointment book, and notepad.
An Internet appliance is a computer with limited
functionality whose main purpose is to connect to the Internet from home.
A mid-range server is more powerful and larger
than a workstation computer. Users typically access a mid-range server through
a personal computer or a terminal, which is a device with a monitor and a
keyboard that usually has no stand-alone processing power.
A mainframe is a large, expensive, very
powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users
simultaneously.
A supercomputer is the fastest, most
powerful, and most expensive category of computer.
Identify the
various types of computer users
Computer users can be divided into five
categories: home user, small office/home office users, mobile users, large
business users, and power users.
A home user
spends time on the computer for personal and business communications, budgeting
and personal financial management, entertainment, and Web access.
A small
office/home office (SOHO ) user includes
any company with fewer than 50 employees, as well as self-employed people that
work out of their home.
A mobile
user travels to and from a main office or school to conduct business,
communicate, or do homework.
A large
business user works for a company that has a large number of employees and
computers usually connected to a network.
The power user – such as an engineer, architect,
or desktop publisher – typically works with multimedia, which combines several
media elements into one application, and requires the capabilities of a
workstation or other powerful computer.
Understand
how a user can be a Web publisher
In addition to being a recipient of information,
Internet users have the ability to provide information to other connected users
around the world. Users can create a Web page with word processing software or
with Web page authoring software. Publishing a Web page is the process of
making it available on the Internet.
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