[email protected].

ph-ALS
What Will You Learn from This Module?
After studying this module, you should be able to:
 identify the different types of computers and their applications in daily life;
 categorize computers on the basis of data handling capabilities and size.
 you will also learn about the advantages of using computers and their characteristics and
applications.
 enumerate the different characteristics of computers;
 give examples of:
analogue computers;
digital computers;
hybrid computers; and
micro or personal computers.

Let’s See What You Already Know

Before studying this module, take this simple test first to determine what you already know about the
topics to be discussed.
A. Encircle the letter of the correct answer to each of the following.
1. What am I?

A. Desktop
B. Smart phone
C. Mainframe computer/server
2. What am I?

A. Desktop
B. Mainframe/server
C. Laptop
3. This computer is used by touching with your finger?
A. Laptop
B. Tablet
C. Desktop
4. Which one of these is the most expensive?
A. Desktop
B. Laptop
C. Note book computer
5. What is a computer?
1
 A. Application to work on.
B. Machine programmed to manipulate symbols.
C. Operating system that we use frequently.
6. Which computer is the most powerful?
A. Super computer
B. Mini computer
C. Work station
7. Which is the fastest and most powerful computer system?
A. Mainframe
B. Super computer
C. Mini computer
8. PDA stands for:
A. Personal Diagram Assistant
B. Personal Data Accountant
C. Personal Digital assistant
9. Identify the 2 types of microcomputers from the list below:
A. Laptop and smartphones
B. Smartphones and tablets
C. Desktop and laptop
10. Micro computers are also called:
A. Hand held Computers
B. Micro controllers
C. Personal computers

Well how was it? Do you think you fared well?

Compare your answers with those in the answer key on pages and to find out.
If your answers are correct, very good! This shows that you already know much about the topics in
this module.

TYPES OF COMPUTER
Lesson

Let’s Learn
Do you remember what computer is? What is computer? How does it work? Read on to find out.

2
 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 pre-recorded 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.
Let’s Review
1. What is computer?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________
2. What are principal characteristics of computers?
1. ________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________
3. What is computer hardware? Software?

3
_________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________ 4.
Which part of a computer are considered as hardware components? Write them down on the blanks
provided below.
a) _______________________
b) _______________________
c) _______________________
d) _______________________
e) _______________________

Let’s Read
What are the different types of computer? Read on to find out.

Types of Computer
We can categorize computer in two ways: on the basis of data handling capabilities and size.

On the basis of data handling capabilities, the computer is of three types:

Analogue Computer
Digital Computer
Hybrid Computer

1.Analogue Computer

Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data. Analogue data is continuous data that
changes continuously and cannot have discrete values. We can say that analogue computers are
used where we don't need exact values always such as speed, temperature, pressure and current.
Analogue computers directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it into
numbers and codes. They measure the continuous changes in physical quantity and generally render

4
output as a reading on a dial or scale. Speedometer and mercury thermometer are examples of
analogue computers.
What are the advantages of using computers?
Advantages of using analogue computers:
It allows real-time operations and computation at the same time and continuous representation of all
data within the rage of the analogue machine.
In some applications, it allows performing calculations without taking the help of transducers for
converting the inputs or outputs to digital electronic form and vice versa.
The programmer can scale the problem for the dynamic range of the analogue computer. It provides
insight into the problem and helps understand the errors and their effects.
Types of analogue computers:
Slide Rules: It is one of the simplest types of mechanical analogue computers. It was developed to
perform basic mathematical calculations. It is made of two rods. To perform the calculation, the
hashed rod is slid to line up with the markings on another rod.
Differential Analysers: It was developed to perform differential calculations. It performs integration
using wheel-and-disc mechanisms to solve differential calculations.
Castle Clock: It was invented by Al-Jarazi. It was able to save programming instructions. Its height
was around 11 feet and it was provided with the display of time, the zodiac, and the solar and lunar
orbits. This device also could allow users to set the length of the day as per the current season.
Electronic Analogue Computer: In this type of analogue computer, electrical signals flow through
capacitors and resistors to simulate physical phenomena. Here, the mechanical interaction of
components does not take place. The voltage of the electrical signal generates the appropriate
displays.
2.Digital Computer

Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It accepts
the raw data as input in the form of digits or binary numbers (0 and 1) and processes it with programs
stored in its memory to produce the output. All modern computers like laptops, desktops including
smartphones that we use at home or office are digital computers.
Advantages of digital computers:
It allows you to store a large amount of information and to retrieve it easily whenever you need it.
You can easily add new features to digital systems more easily.

5
Different applications can be used in digital systems just by changing the program without making any
changes in hardware
The cost of hardware is less due to the advancement in the IC technology.
It offers high speed as the data is processed digitally.
It is highly reliable as it uses error correction codes.
Reproducibility of results is higher as the output is not affected by noise, temperature, humidity, and
other properties of its components.
3.Hybrid Computer

Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like an
analogue computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can process both
continuous and discrete data. It accepts analogue signals and convert them into digital form before
processing. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analogue and digital data is
processed. For example, a processor is used in petrol pumps that converts the measurements of fuel
flow into quantity and price. Similarly, they are used in airplanes, hospitals, and scientific applications.
Advantages of using hybrid computers:
Its computing speed is very high due to the all-parallel configuration of the analogue subsystem.
It produces precise and quick results that are more accurate and useful.
It has the ability to solve and manage big equation in real-time.
It helps in the on-line data processing.

Let’s Review
A.What are the three types of computer on the basis of handling capabilities?
1. ____________________________
2. ____________________________
3. ____________________________

B.Match the analogue computers in column A with the kind of application it can be used for in column.
Write only the letters of the correct answer on the blank before each number.

6
 Column A Column B
____1. Electronic Analogue Computer A. It was developed to
perform differential calculations. It
performs integration using wheel-and-
disc mechanisms to solve differential
calculations.
____2. Slide Rules
B. In this type of analogue computer,
electrical signals flow through
capacitors and resistors to simulate
____3. Differential Analysers physical phenomena.

C. This device also could allow users

to set the length of the day as per the
current season.

____4. Castle Clock D. To perform the calculation, the

hashed rod is slid to line up with the
markings on another rod.

Let’s Learn
What are the 5 types of computer on the basis of size? Read on to find out.
On the basis of size, the computer can be of five types:
1) Supercomputer

Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process huge
amount of data. A supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has
thousands of interconnected processors.
Supercomputers are particularly used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather
forecasting, scientific simulations and nuclear energy research. The first supercomputer was
developed by Roger Cray in 1976.

Characteristics or applications of supercomputers:

It has the ability to decrypt your password to enhance protection for security reasons.
It produces excellent results in animations.
7
It is used for virtual testing of nuclear weapons and critical medical tests.
It can study and understand climate patterns and forecast weather conditions. It can run in NOAA's
system (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) that can execute any type of simple and
logical data.
It helps in designing the flight simulators for pilots at the beginner level for their training.
It helps in extracting useful information from data storage centres or cloud system. For example, in
insurance companies.
It has played a vital role in managing the online currency world such as stock market and bitcoin.
It helps in the diagnosis of various critical diseases and in producing accurate results in brain injuries,
strokes, etc.
It helps in scientific research areas by accurately analysing data obtained from exploring the solar
system, satellites, and movement of Earth.
It also used in a smog control system where it predicts the level of fog and other
pollutants in the atmosphere.
2) Mainframe computer

Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.

They can support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different
processes simultaneously. These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big
organizations like banking and telecom sectors, which need to manage and process a high volume of
data that requires integer operations such as indexing, comparisons, etc.

Characteristics of Mainframe Computers:

It can process huge amount of data, e.g. millions of transactions in a second in the banking sector.
It has a very long life. It can run smoothly for up to 50 years after proper installation.
It gives excellent performance with large scale memory management.
It has the ability to share or distribute its workload among other processors and input/output terminals.
There are fewer chances of error or bugs during processing in mainframe computers. If any error
occurs it can fix it quickly without affecting the performance.
It has the ability to protect the stored data and other ongoing exchange of information and data.

Applications of mainframe computers:

8
In health care, it enabled hospitals to maintain a record of their millions of patients in order to contact
them for treatment or related to their appointment, medicine updates or disease updates.
In the field of defence, it allows the defence departments to share a large amount of sensitive
information with other branches of defence.
In the field of education, it helps big universities to store, manage and retrieve data related to their
courses, admissions, students, teachers, employees and affiliated schools and colleges.
In the retail sector, the retail companies that have a huge customer base and branches use
mainframe computers to handle and execute information related to their inventory management,
customer management, and huge transactions in a short duration.
3) Mini frame or Minicomputer

It is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two or more processors and can support 4
to 200 users at one time. Miniframe computers are used in institutes and departments for tasks such
as billing, accounting and inventory management. A minicomputer lies between the mainframe and
microcomputer as it is smaller than mainframe but larger than a microcomputer.

Characteristics of miniframe or minicomputer:

It is light weight that makes it easy to carry and fit anywhere.
It is less expensive than mainframe computers.
It is very fast compared to its size.
It remains charged for a long time.
It does not require a controlled operational environment.

Applications of minicomputers:
A minicomputer is mainly used to perform three primary functions, which are as follows:
Process control: It was used for process control in manufacturing. It mainly performs two primary
functions that are collecting data and feedback. If any abnormality occurs in the process, it is detected
by the minicomputer and necessary adjustments are made accordingly.
9
Data management: It is an excellent device for small organizations to collect, store and share data.
Local hospitals and hotels can use it to maintain the records of their patients and customers
respectively.
Communications Portal: It can also play the role of a communication device in larger systems by
serving as a portal between a human operator and a central processor or computer.
4) Workstation

Workstation is a single user computer that is designed for technical or scientific applications. It

has a faster microprocessor, a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapters. It
generally performs a specific job with great expertise; accordingly, they are of different types such
as graphics workstation, music workstation and engineering design workstation.

Characteristics of workstation computer:

It is a high-performance computer system designed for a single user for business or professional use.
It has larger storage capacity, better graphics, and more powerful CPU than a personal computer.
It can handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation and editing.
Any computer that has the following five features, can be termed as a workstation or can be used as
a workstation.
Multiple Processor Cores: It has more processor cores than simple laptops or computers.

ECC RAM: It is provided with Error-correcting code memory that can fix memory errors before they
affect the system's performance.

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): It refers to multiple internal hard drives to store or
process data. RAID can be of different types, for example, there can be multiple drives to process
data or mirrored drives where if one drive does not work than other starts functioning.

SSD: It is better than conventional hard-disk drives. It does not have moving parts, so the chances of
physical failure are very less.

10
Optimized, Higher end GPU: It reduces the load on CPU. E.g., CPU has to do less work while
processing the screen output.
5) Microcomputer or Personal computer

Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-purpose computer that is

designed for individual use. It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage
area, input unit and output unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of microcomputers.
They are suitable for personal work that may be making an assignment, watching a movie, or at office
for office work.
Characteristics of a microcomputer:
It is the smallest in size among all types of computers.
A limited number of software can be used.
It is designed for personal work and applications. Only one user can work at a time.
It is less expansive and easy to use.
It does not require the user to have special skills or training to use it.
Generally, comes with single semiconductor chip.
It is capable of multitasking such as printing, scanning, browsing, watching videos, etc.

Personal computer:

It can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. In price,
personal computers range anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over five thousand pounds. All
are based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one
chip. Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and
11
for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the most popular use for
personal computers is for playing games and recently for surfing the Internet.
Let’s Think About This
Personal computers first appeared in the late 1970s. One of the first and most popular personal
computers was the Apple II, introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer. During the late 1970s and early
1980s, new models and competing operating systems seemed to appear daily. Then, in 1981, IBM
entered the fray with its first personal computer, known as the IBM PC. The IBM PC quickly became
the personal computer of choice, and most other personal computer manufacturers fell by the
wayside. P.C. is short for personal computer or IBM PC. One of the few companies to survive IBM's
onslaught was Apple Computer, which remains a major player in the personal computer marketplace.
Other companies adjusted to IBM's dominance by building IBM clones, computers that were internally
almost the same as the IBM PC, but that cost less. Because IBM clones used the same
microprocessors as IBM PCs, they were capable of running the same software. Over the years, IBM
has lost much of its influence in directing the evolution of PCs. Therefore after the release of the first
PC by IBM the term PC increasingly came to mean IBM or IBM-compatible personal computers, to
the exclusion of other types of personal computers, such as Macintoshes. In recent years, the term
PC has become more and more difficult to pin down. In general, though, it applies to any personal
computer based on an Intel microprocessor, or on an Intel-compatible microprocessor. For nearly
every other component, including the operating system, there are several options, all of which fall
under the rubric of PC

Today, the world of personal computers is basically divided between Apple Macintoshes and PCs.
The principal characteristics of personal computers are that they are single-user systems and are
based on microprocessors. However, although personal computers are designed as single-user
systems, it is common to link them together to form a network. In terms of power, there is great
variety. At the high end, the distinction between personal computers and workstations has faded.
High-end models of the Macintosh and PC offer the same computing power and graphics capability
as low-end workstations by Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and DEC.
Let’s Study and Analyse
What are the different types of Personal Computer? Read on to find out.

Personal Computer Types

Actual personal computers can be generally classified by size and chassis / case. The chassis or
case is the metal frame that serves as the structural support for electronic components. Every
computer system requires at least one chassis to house the circuit boards and wiring. The chassis
also contains slots for expansion boards. If you want to insert more boards than there are slots, you
will need an expansion chassis, which provides additional slots. There are two basic flavors of chassis
designs–desktop models and tower models–but there are many variations on these two basic types.
Then come the portable computers that are computers small enough to carry. Portable computers
include notebook and subnotebook computers, hand-held computers, palmtops, and PDAs.

12
Tower model
The term refers to a computer in which the power supply, motherboard, and mass storage devices are
stacked on top of each other in a cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these
components are housed in a more compact box. The main advantage of tower models is that there
are fewer space constraints, which makes installation of additional storage devices easier.

Desktop model
A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with the monitor sitting on top of the
computer. Desktop model computers are broad and low, whereas tower model computers are narrow
and tall. Because of their shape, desktop model computers are generally limited to three internal
mass storage devices. Desktop models designed to be very small are sometimes referred to
as slimline models.

Notebook computer
An extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds
and are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase. Aside from size, the principal difference between a
notebook computer and a personal computer is the display screen. Notebook computers use a variety
of techniques, known as flat-panel technologies, to produce a lightweight and non-bulky display
screen. The quality of notebook display screens varies considerably. In terms of computing power,
modern notebook computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same
CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives. However, all this power in a small package is expensive.
Notebook computers cost about twice as much as equivalent regular-sized computers. Notebook
computers come with battery packs that enable you to run them without plugging them in. However,
the batteries need to be recharged every few hours.

Laptop computer

13
A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit on your lap. Nowadays, laptop computers
are more frequently called notebook computers.

Subnotebook computer
A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized notebook computer. Typically,
subnotebook computers have a smaller keyboard and screen, but are otherwise equivalent to
notebook computers.

Hand-held computer
A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one’s hand. Although extremely convenient to
carry, handheld computers have not replaced notebook computers because of their small keyboards
and screens. The most popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to
provide PIM (personal information manager) functions, such as a calendar and address book. Some
manufacturers are trying to solve the small keyboard problem by replacing the keyboard with an
electronic pen. However, these pen-based devices rely on handwriting recognition technologies,
which are still in their infancy. Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops and pocket
computers.
Palmtop

14
A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size computers, palmtops are
severely limited, but they are practical for certain functions such as phone books and calendars.
Palmtops that use a pen rather than a keyboard for input are often called hand-held computers or
PDAs. Because of their small size, most palmtop computers do not include disk drives. However,
many contain PCMCIA slots in which you can insert disk drives, modems, memory, and other
devices. Palmtops are also called PDAs, hand-held computers and pocket computers.
PDA

Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, and
networking features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, and personal
organizer. Unlike portable computers, most PDAs are pen-based, using a stylus rather than a
keyboard for input. This means that they also incorporate handwriting recognition features. Some
PDAs can also react to voice input by using voice recognition technologies. The field of PDA was
pioneered by Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton Message Pad in 1993. Shortly
thereafter, several other manufacturers offered similar products. To date, PDAs have had only modest
success in the marketplace, due to their high price tags and limited applications. However, many
experts believe that PDAs will eventually become common gadgets.
PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.

Let’s Review (page 15)

1. How many types of computers are there on the basis of size?
__________________________
What are their names? Identify the characteristics or applications of these computers.
1) ______________________________-
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________
2) ______________________________-
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________
3) ______________________________-
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________
15
 4) ______________________________-
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________
5) ______________________________-
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_____

Well this is the end of the module! Congratulations for finishing it.Do you like it? Do you learn anything
useful from it?

Let’s Remember

 A computer is a machine that can be programmed to manipulate symbols.

 We can categorize computer in two ways: on the basis of data handling capabilities and size.
 On the basis of data handling capabilities, the computer is of three types:
a. Analogue Computer
b. Digital Computer
c. Hybrid Computer
 Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed.
 Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data.
 Analogue data is continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values.
 Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital computer.
 On the basis of size, the computer can be of five types:
a. Supercomputer
b. Mainframe computer
c. Miniframe or mini computer
d. Workstation
e. Micro computer or personal computer
 Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process huge
amount of data.
 Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
They can support multiple programs at the same time.
 Mini frame or Minicomputer is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two or more
processors and can support 4 to 200 users at one time.
 Workstation is a single user computer that is designed for technical or scientific applications. It
has a faster microprocessor, a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapters.
 Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-purpose computer that is
designed for individual use. It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory,
storage area, input unit and output unit.

16
What Have You Learned?
To find out how much you have learned from this module, answer the following questions briefly.
1.) What are the different types of computer? Name them.
A .On the basis of data handling capabilities:
1) ____________________________________
2) ____________________________________
3) __________________________________
B. On the basis of size:
1) __________________________________________
2) __________________________________________
3) __________________________________________
4) __________________________________________
5) __________________________________________
C. Give six types of Microcomputer or personal computer.
1) _________________________________
2) _________________________________
3) _________________________________
4) _________________________________
5) _________________________________
6) _________________________________

2.) Answer in one word

a. A computer that are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They
can support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different processes
simultaneously.
___________________________
b. A computer that directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it into
numbers and codes.
___________________________
c. A computer that that is designed for technical or scientific applications. It has a faster
microprocessor, a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapters. It generally performs a
specific job with great expertise.
______________________________
d. A computer that consists of two or more processors and can support 4 to 200 users at one time.
_____________________________
e. A computer that can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has thousands of interconnected
processors.

17
_____________________________
f. A computer that has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage area, input
unit and output unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of microcomputers. They are
suitable for personal work that may be making an assignment, watching a movie, or at office for office
work.
________________________________
g. A computer that has features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like an
analogue computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can process both
continuous and discrete data.
____________________________________
h. A computer that perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It accepts the raw data
as input in the form of digits or binary numbers (0 and 1) and processes it with programs stored in its
memory to produce the output.
___________________________________
3.) Identify the types of computer. Match the image of computers on the left to the correct definition on
the right. Write only the letters of the correct answer on the blank before each number.

______1. A. Work Station

B. Analogue Computer
______2.

C. Mainframe Computer

______3. D. Mini Computer

E. Micro Computer

______4.
F. Super Computer

______5.

18
Answer Key
Let’s See What You Already Know (page 1 and 2)
1. A
2. B
3. B
4. C
5. B
6. A
7. B
8. C
9. B
10. C

Let’s Review (page 3)

1. What is computer?
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to manipulate symbols.
2. What are principal characteristics of computers?
1. It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.
2. It can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions (a program).
3. It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.
3. What is computer hardware? Software?
The actual machinery (wires, transistors, and circuits) is called hardware
the instructions and data are called software
4. Which part of a computer are considered as hardware components? Write them down on the
blanks provided below.
1) Central processing unit (CPU
2) Memory
3) Mass storage device
4) Input device
5) Output device

Let’s Review (page 6)

A .What are the three types of computer on the basis of handling capabilities?
19
 1) analogue computers
2) digital computers
3) hybrid computers

B. Match the analogue computers in column A with the kind of application it can be used for in
column. Write only the letters of the correct answer on the blank before each number.
1) B
2) D
3) A
4) C

Let’s Review (page 14-15)

1. How many types of computers are there on the basis of size?
There are Five types of computers on the basis of size.
What are their names? Identify the characteristics or applications of these computers.
1.) Super Computer
It has the ability to decrypt your password to enhance protection for security reasons.
It produces excellent results in animations.
It is used for virtual testing of nuclear weapons and critical medical tests.
It can study and understand climate patterns and forecast weather conditions. It can run in NOAA's
system (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) that can execute any type of simple and
logical data.
It helps in designing the flight simulators for pilots at the beginner level for their training.
It helps in extracting useful information from data storage centres or cloud system. For example, in
insurance companies.
It has played a vital role in managing the online currency world such as stock market and bit coin.
It helps in the diagnosis of various critical diseases and in producing accurate results in brain injuries,
strokes, etc.
It helps in scientific research areas by accurately analysing data obtained from exploring the solar
system, satellites, and movement of Earth.
It also used in a smog control system where it predicts the level of fog and other pollutants in the
atmosphere.
2.) Main frame Computer
Characteristics I
It can process huge amount of data, e.g. millions of transactions in a second in the banking sector.
It has a very long life. It can run smoothly for up to 50 years after proper installation.

20
It gives excellent performance with large scale memory management.
It has the ability to share or distribute its workload among other processors and input/output terminals.
It has the ability to protect the stored data and other ongoing exchange of information and data.
Applications
In health care, field of defence, field of education, retail sector
3.) Mini Frame or Mini computer
It is light weight that makes it easy to carry and fit anywhere.
It is less expensive than mainframe computers.
It is very fast compared to its size.
It remains charged for a long time.
It does not require a controlled operational environment.
Applications
Process control, Data management, Communications Portal
4.) Workstation
Characteristics
It is a high-performance computer system designed for a single user for business or professional use.
It has larger storage capacity, better graphics, and more powerful CPU than a personal computer.
It can handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation and editing.
5) Microcomputer or Personal computer
Characteristics
It is the smallest in size among all types of computers.
A limited number of software can be used.
It is designed for personal work and applications. Only one user can work at a time.
It is less expansive and easy to use.
It does not require the user to have special skills or training to use it.
It is capable of multitasking such as printing, scanning, browsing, watching videos, etc.

What Have You Learned? (Page 16-17)

To find out how much you have learned from this module, answer the following questions briefly.
1.) What are the different types of computer? Name them.
A.On the basis of data handling capabilities:

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 1) Analogue computer
2) Digital computer
3) Hybrid computer
B. On the basis of size:
1) Super computer
2) Mainframe computer
3) Miniframe computer or mini computer
4) Work station
5) Micro computer or personal computer

C. Give six types of Microcomputer or personal computer.

Tower model
Desktop model
Notebook computer
Laptop computer
Subnotebook computer
Handheld computer
Palmtop computer
PDA
2.) Answer in one word
a. Main frame computer
b. Analogue computer
c. Work station
d. Mini frame or mini computer
e. Super computers
f. micro computer or personal computer.
g. Hybrid computer
h. digital computers

3.) Identify the types of computer. Match the image of computers on the left to the correct definition on
the right. Write only the letters of the correct answer on the blank before each number.
1.F
2.A
3.E
4.D
5.C

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