UNDERSTANDING THE
COMPUTER
LESSON 1
Objectives
01 To define what a computer is?
02 To identify the types and elements of computer system
03 To discover the latest types of computer & their function
Introduction
We all know that computers are essential
pieces of technology that we use to make
life easier and perform jobs faster.
icons made from www.freepik.com
Let’s Get to Know!
WHAT IS COMPUTER?
In technical terms, the computer is a device that
accepts information in the form of digitalized data,
and manipulates it for some results based on a
program of sequence of instruction on how the data
is to be processed.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT
TYPES OF COMPUTERS?
Computer is classified into two categories based on the size of computers and based
on data handling capabilities of the computer
Server
Different types of computers based on size
On the basis of size, computer can be divided into five
categories, such as:
1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Server
4. Workstation
5. Personal Computer (PC)
Supercomputer - the fastest, most powerful and most
expensive type of computer. They have
very high processing capacity, speed of
calculation, and can perform multiple task.
• These huge computers are used to
solve very complex science and
engineering problems.
• Supercomputers use lots of CPUs &
GPUs at the same time on one pro
blem.
SUMMIT Supercomputer
(June 8, 2018)
• 340 tons
• 5,600 sq ft. (2 tennis court)
• 30 years = 1 hour
(computation)
• 9,216 CPU & 27,648 GPU
FUGAKU Supercomputer
(Completed on March 9, 2021)
FUGAKU Supercomputer
• Drug discovery; personalized and preventative
medicines;
• Natural disaster simulations; (storm)
• Studies into the fundamental laws of the
universe.
• Researchers are even using Fugaku for
COVID-19 research into diagnostics,
therapeutics, and simulation showing
the spread of the virus.
Mainframe computer Also known as “Big Iron”
This type of computer is primarily used
for transaction servers, commercial
database, and applications that require
high reliability, security, and speed.
Mainframe computers are used mostly
by large corporations and organizations
for bulk data processing such as bank tr
ansactions, consumer statistics, and lar
ge databases.
Supercomputer Mainframe computer
Server Is a powerful computer system designed
to manage, store, and deliver data,
services, and resources to another
computer (known as clients) over a
network
Servers perform various function, such
as hosting websites, managing database,
handling email services, and supporting
large-scale application.
Mainframe computer vs. Server computer
Organization – Need Access Internet user - Almost Anyone
Workstation Is a computer or group of computer used
primarily by a single user to perform
professional or commercial work. These
type of computers have more
computational (processing) power than a
standard PC
They are primarily used for video editing,
playing high-graphic games, 3D
animation, etc.
Personal Computer Also known as “Microcomputer”
is a general-purpose computing device
designed for individual use.
It is intended to be operated directly by
an end-user to perform tasks such as
Word processing, internet browsing, ga
ming, multimedia consumption, and oth
er personal or professional activities.
Different types of computers based on data
handling capabilities
Based on data handling capabilities, computer can be
divided into three categories, such as
1. Analog
2. Digital
3. Hybrid
Analog computer a computer that operates with numbers
represented by directly measurable
quantities (such as voltages or rotations)
These computer also monitor real-world
conditions such as temperature, wind,
sound, and movement.
Digital computer
is a type of computer that processes
information in binary form (using 0s and
1s) and performs operations on that data
using mathematical manipulation.
Example of Digital computer
Desktop Computers
– is a personal computer (PC) in a setup wherein it is located in one desk or table
as opposed to the portable computers that the user can carry wherever he wants to do his p
ersonal computer.
Example of Digital computer
Nettop
– a new breed of desktop computers is introduced by Intel. It is a small, low-
power and relatively inexpensive desktop computer. Nettops are sometimes called
all-in-one PCs.
All-in-one PC-
ASUS
iMAC-Apple
Example of Digital computer
Tablet computer
Laptop Computer
Smartphone
Example of Digital computer
Wearable Computer
– also known as body-borne computers or
wearables, are miniature electronic devices that are
worn under, with, or on top of clothing.
Example of Digital computer
Microcontrollers
– are mini-computers that enable the user to store data
and execute simple commands and tasks.
- Many such systems are known as embedded systems.
Hybrid computer is made after combining analog and digital
computers. As a results, these computer
are fast like analog computers and have
memory and accuracy like digital
computers.
These computer are commonly used in spe
cialized applications requiring analog and
digital data processing.
FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS
OF A COMPUTER
Elements of a computer system can be defined
as fundamental components that work
together to perform computing tasks.
1. User
2. Hardware
3. Software
4. Data
5. Connectivity
6. Procedure
1. Users
The people who interact with the computer system. Users can range from
end-users who operate application software to IT professionals who
manage and maintain the system.
2. Hardware
refers to the physical structure of a computer system.
3. Software
The set of instructions, data, or programs used by a computer to perform tasks.
4. Data
includes text and numbers, sounds, images, and video that we input into the
computer for processing. Raw data are normal inputs entered into the
computer. The software that the user decides to operate on them determines
largely the resulting output.
5. Connectivity
means that a computer must be connected to other computers especially
through the internet. Using the internet, people can share and access data
and greatly expands one’s capability and reach.
6. Procedure
are step by step instructions to follow when using hardware, software, and
data. The procedures are normally written in manuals of hardware and
software manufactures. These are written by the computer specialists and
are shipped together with the computer product in printed or electronic
form.
Reference
‘www.shiksha.com/online-courses/articles/different-types-of-computers/
‘edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/what-is-a-computer/1/
‘www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analog%20computer
‘Essentials of computers – 3rd Edition by Jemma Development Group
‘Essentials of computers – 5th Edition by Jemma Development Group
Thank you
END of Presentation
Assignment No. 1
1. Research and name the top 5 of the world’s fastest supercomputers.
Describe their key specifications and what they are used for.
2. Explain the function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and how
it interacts with other computer components.
3. What are the differences between primary and secondary storage?
Provide examples of each type.
4. List five input devices and five output devices.
Describe the function of each.
