Lecture – 10 to 12 Introduction

to Computers / Computer Skills

 Contents

• Personal Computers
• Types of Personal Computers
• Desktop Computers
• Workstations
• Notebook Computers
• Tablet PCs
• Handheld Computers
• Smart Phones

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 Personal Computers
• The computers which are designed to be used by a single person at a time are
known as Personal Computers (PCs).

• PCs are also called micro computers.

• Micro computers are so called because they contain a microprocessor (µP) as

its CPU.

• Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy

physically small amounts of space.

• These are the computers which we see all around us in offices, homes,
schools, colleges and universities.

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 Types of Personal Computers
• There are six primary types of personal computers:

1. Desktop Computers
2. Workstations
3. Notebook computers
4. Tablet PCs
5. Handheld Computers
6. Smart Phones

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Desktop Computers

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 Desktop Computers
• The most common type of personal computer is the desktop
computer.

• A PC that is designed to sit on (or under) a desk or table.

• These are the systems you see all around you, in schools, homes,
and offices.

• Today's desktop computers are far more powerful than those of

just a few years ago.
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 Desktop Computers

• Not only do these machines enable people to do their jobs with

greater ease and efficiency, but they can be used to communicate,
produce music, edit photographs and videos, play sophisticated
games, and much more.

• Used by everyone from preschoolers to nuclear physicists.

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 Desktop Computers
• The main component of a desktop PC is the system unit.

• There are two common designs for desktop computers.

• Horizontally oriented system unit, which usually lies flat on the

top of the user’s desk. Many users place their monitor on top of
the system unit.

• Vertically oriented tower models have become the more

popular style of desktop system.
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Desktop Computers - Horizontally oriented

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Desktop Computers - Vertically oriented

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Workstations

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 Workstations
• A workstation is a specialized, single-user computer that typically
has more power and features than a standard desktop PC.

• These machines are popular among scientists, engineers, and

animators who need a system with greater-than-average speed
and the power to perform sophisticated tasks.

• Workstations often have large, high-resolution monitors and

accelerated graphics handling capabilities, making them suitable
for advanced architectural or engineering design, modeling,
animation, and video editing.
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Notebook Computers

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 Notebook Computers
• Notebook computers, as their name implies, approximate the shape of
an 8.5-by-11-inch notebook and easily fit inside a briefcase.

• Because people frequently set these devices on their lap, they are also
called laptop computers.

• Notebook computers can operate on alternating current or special

batteries.

• These amazing devices generally weight less than eight pounds, and
some even weight less than three pounds! During use, the computer’s
lid is raised to reveal a thin monitor and a keyboard.

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 Notebook Computers
• When not in use, the device folds up for easy storage.

• Notebooks are fully functional microcomputers; the people who

use them need the power of a full-size desktop computer
wherever they go.

• Because of their portability, notebook PCs fall into a category of

devices called mobile computers—systems small enough to be
carried by their user.

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Tablet PCs

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Tablet PCs

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 Tablet PCs
• The tablet PC is the newest development in portable, full-featured computers.

• Tablet PCs offer all the functionality of a notebook PC, but they are lighter and can
accept input from a special pen—called a stylus or a digital pen—that is used to
tap or write directly on the screen.

• Many tablet PCs also have a built-in microphone and special software that accepts
input from the user's voice.

• A few models even have a fold-out keyboard, so they can be transformed into a
standard notebook PC.

• Some models also can be connected to a keyboard and a full-size monitor.

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Handheld Computers

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Handheld Computers

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 Handheld Computers
• Handheld personal computers are computing devices small enough to
fit in your hand.

• A popular type of handheld computer is the Personal Digital

Assistant (PDA).

• A PDA is no larger than a small appointment book and is normally

used for special applications, such as taking notes, displaying
telephone numbers and addresses, and keeping track of dates or
agendas.

• Many PDAs can be connected to larger computers to exchange data.

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 Handheld Computers

• Many PDAs let the user access the Internet through a wireless connection.

• And several models offer features such as

• Cellular telephones
• Cameras
• Music players
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

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Smart Phones

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Smart Phones

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Smart Phones

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 Smart Phones
• Smart phones can be considered as computers.

• They are different than mobile phones.

• Because these phones offer advanced features not typically found in cellular
phones, they are sometimes called as smart phones.

• These features can include Web and e-mail access, special software such as
personal organizers, or special hardware such as digital cameras or music players.

• Some models even break in half to reveal a miniature keyboard.

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