TYPES OF COMPUTERSComputer Technology

Mrs. Seale

PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC)Designed for general use by a single person.PCMac

DESKTOP MICROCOMPUTERSet up in a permanent location More power, storage, and

versatilityLess cost

LAPTOP COMPUTERPortable computerIntegrates

MonitorKeyboardMouseProcessorMemoryHard Drive

Battery-OperatedAlso called

notebook

NETBOOKSmaller than traditional laptopCheaper than laptopLess powerful

WORKSTATIONDesktop computer with

enhanced capabilitiesUsed for performing special

tasks3D GraphicsGame Development Sound Editing

SUPERCOMPUTER Multiple high performance computers

working in parallel as a single system. Used for highly calculation-intensive

tasks Quantum PhysicsWeather ForecastingClimate researchMolecular ModelingPhysical Simulations

MAINFRAME (ENTERPRISE SERVER) Fill and entire room or a whole floor Simultaneously processes data for

hundreds or thousands of users Needs to be reliable, secure, and

centralized

SERVER Optimized to provide services to other

computers Uses a LAN (local area network). Powerful Processors Lots of Memory Large Hard Drives

PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA)

Flash Memory Touchscreen Technology Used as an appointment

book, address book, calculator, and notepad

Can be synchronized with personal microcomputer.