Explain the different types of computer and also define the components of a computer system
Answers
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to manipulate symbols. Its principal characteristics are:
It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.
It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).
It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.
Therefore computers can perform complex and repetitive procedures quickly, precisely and reliably. Modern computers are electronic and digital. The actual machinery (wires, transistors, and circuits) is called hardware; the instructions and data are called software. All general-purpose computers require the following hardware components:
Central processing unit (CPU): The heart of the computer, this is the component that actually executes instructions organized in programs ("software") which tell the computer what to do.
Memory (fast, expensive, short-term memory): Enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data, programs, and intermediate results.
Mass storage device (slower, cheaper, long-term memory): Allows a computer to permanently retain large amounts of data and programs between jobs. Common mass storage devices include disk drives and tape drives.
Input device: Usually a keyboard and mouse, the input device is the conduit through which data and instructions enter a computer.
Output device: A display screen, printer, or other device that lets you see what the computer has accomplished.
In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic components to work together efficiently. For example, every computer requires a bus that transmits data from one part of the computer to another.
II, Computer sizes and power
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is considerable overlap:
Personal computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor.
Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and, in general, a higher-quality monitor.
Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of supporting up to hundreds of users simultaneously.
Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
Supercomputer and Mainframe
Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computers currently available. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting). Perhaps the best known supercomputer manufacturer is Cray Research.
Mainframe was a term originally referring to the cabinet containing the central processor unit or "main frame" of a room-filling Stone Age batch machine. After the emergence of smaller "minicomputer" designs in the early 1970s, the traditional big iron machines were described as "mainframe computers" and eventually just as mainframes. Nowadays a Mainframe is a very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe. The distinction between small mainframes and minicomputers is vague, depending really on how the manufacturer wants to market its machines.
Minicomputer
It is a midsize computer. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from up to 200 users simultaneously.
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Components of Computer:
There are 5 basis components of computer, which helps computer system to run properly without any interruption. A computer system is designed in such a way that, every byte of information inputted should be processed properly, Such that user should get the required output. A computer system data transferring is very fast and efficient, so it takes a time less than a second to process and show the output.
Types of computer:
i) Micro computer
ii) Macro computer
iii) Mini computer
iv) Mainframe computer
v) Supercomputer
5 Basics components of computer:
i) Input Unit
Data and instructions should be first enter in the computer system to get the task done. Without entering any input in the computer system, computer cannot do any task and any function.
Eg: If we move our "mouse" from one position to other, then the data in the form of input is sent to the computer unit and processor. Processor processes the information and gives us the result. To know, where we are browsing, there is inbuilt function of mouse, this helps users to know where the mouse cursor is.
Suppose you click on start menu in computer using your mouse, then the information in the form of binary code is sent to the processor. Processor gives the output on the monitor. And, hence we can see our start menu.
- Input units reads the data provided from external environment.
- This data in the form of binary code is sent to the computer unit.
- Computer unit processes the information and provides the necessary output to the user.
ii) Output unit
The output unit is reverse of the input unit. When the processor sends the output to the output unit. Then the output unit converts the information provided by computer system from binary language to humans language. In this process, data is sent in external environment like monitor and sound.
Eg: When input units send the request of opening any webpage to computer system, computer system loads the webpage in memory and it is later provided to output unit. And hence, output unit like monitor can provide us the webpage interface.
- It accepts the information provided by computer system in binary codes.
- But, we humans can't understand that language, So, Output unit converts the information from binary language to Humans language.
- Output unit includes Monitor, Sound system etc.
iii) Storage unit
When the data and instructions are entered in the computer system using input system, the computer stores that data before processing it and giving it to processor. When the computer processes our data and instructions, then it provides this data to the output unit. But, the provided data is also stored in somewhere in the computer system; To perform this all works and functions, Storage unit of a computer system has been designed.
- Storing the data and information in memory provided to output unit as a history.
- Processing the files required to output unit while using programs, applications and games from storage devices.
iv) Central processing unit (CPU)
CPU is the most important component of the computer system. It controls the all internal and external devices and their functions. Parts like motherboard, ram, storage device, processors are present in this CPU. CPU performs all the Arithmetic and Logical operations of computer. In short, The control Unit and the Arithmetic and Logic unit of a computer system joined together is called as "Central Processing Unit".
- Arithmetic logical unit and Logical unit are the important components of this system.
- Architecture of computer is designed in this CPU, such that, only supported devices can perform the operations. Like CPU designed by IBM cannot be used to run Mac OS.
v) Arithmetic and Logic unit (ALU)
All calculations, comparisons, processing and tasks are done in ALU. It consists of circuits in which arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication etc are performed. While processing the data, ALU receives the data from the temporary storage. In temporary storage, their is a function called as "register". This register is very high speed memory which controls all the functions and provides the data to the ALU.
- ALU is an important component of CPU.
- ALU receives the data for processing from the temporary storage from the files called as "registers".
- All processing and computations are done by the ALU.
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