Assignment

1: What is computer?

A computer is a device that accepts information (in the form of digitilized data) and manipulates it for some result based on a program or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed.

2: Explain a few of the different ways in which computer can be categorized?

 

 Mainframe Computers

Used by large organizations, these computers tend to be considerably physically bigger than other computers, and their primary uses involve complex mathematical operations in bulk quantities. You can find these in meteorological institutes, statistical institutes, etcetera.

The term "mainframe" refers, broadly, to any computer that works as the head of many other smaller, usually more precise, computers.

Super Computers

Similar to Mainframe Computers, these are computers that handle huge amounts of work and a great number of heavy calculations simultaneously. Used on big engineering projects, economic forecasts, etc..

Minicomputers

These are mainly used by business to maintain several accounts and finances in general. They can handle the workload of a 100 or more different users at the same time.

Microcomputers, Personal Computer, PCs

These are the most commonly known computers, and are meant for public use. Among microcomputers, the best known model is the Desktop Computer, which usually comprises a C.P.U, a monitor and peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, speakers and so on.

Besides Desktop PCs, these are some of the other types of microcomputers commonly used:

• Tablet PCs
• Laptops
• Notebooks
• Netbooks
• Hand-held Computers
• Work Stations

 

3: List six types of computers that are designed for use by a single person?

1. Desktop
A PC that is not designed for portability is a desktop computer. The expectation with desktop systems are that you will set the computer up in a permanent location. Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost than their portable brethren.

2. Laptop
Also called notebooks, laptops are portable computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, processor, memoryand hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly larger than an average hardcover book.

3. PDA
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are tightly integrated computers that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. These computers usually do not have keyboards but rely on touchscreen technology for user input. PDAs are typically smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a reasonable battery life. A slightly larger and heavier version of the PDA is the handheld computer.


4. Wearable Computer
The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. Essentially, common computer applications (e-mail, database, multimedia, calendar/scheduler) are integrated into watches, cell phones, visors and even clothing! For more information see these articles on computer clothing, smart watches and fabric PCs.




 5. Personal Computer PC
The personal computer (PC) defines a computer designed for general use by a single person. While a Macis a PC, most people relate the term with systems that run the Windows operating system. PCs were first known as microcomputers because they were a complete computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in use by most businesses.

6. Palmtop
A palmtop or handheld PC is a very small microcomputer that also sacrifices power for small size and portability. These devices typically look more like a tiny laptop than a PDA, with a flip-up screen and small keyboard. They may use Windows CE or similar operating system for handheld devices.

4) Describe the two common designed for desktop computers?

Two common designs for desktop computer are
1 horizontally oriented system unit

2 vertically oriented tower

 

 

5) How much do notebook computers typically weigh?

  

 

6. Notebook Computers

 

These amazing devices generally weight less than eight pounds, and some even weight less than three pounds.

 

 

 

6) List four types of computer that are designed for use by organizations, and are commonly used by multiple people at the same time?

1 Mini computer

2 Macro computer

3 Mainframe

4 Supercomputer

7) Why are mainframe systems usually limited in the number of tasks they perform?

 By limiting the number of tasks the system must perform, administrators preserve as much power as possible for required operations.

8) What is the most popular use for home computers?

Many people use their PC for tasks Such as

-Communication

-Work

-School Work

-Personal Finances

9) How are computer technologies used by the military?

 For control and deployment of weapons(missiles), for remote control of unmanned recon vehicles, in conjunction with satellites for spying and tracking purposes, and also obviously for secure(think encrypted) communications.

10) How are computer technologies being used to train surgeons?

Surgeons now can use robotic surgical devices to perform delicate operations, and even to conduct surgeries remotely. New virtual-reality technologies are being used to train new surgeons in cutting-edge techniques, without cutting an actual patient.

11) How are analog computers different from digital computer?

The difference between an analog and digital computer is the type of data they process. Analog computers process measured data. A speedometer in your car is a common type of analog device. A digital computer processed discrete data (digits). In this case 0 and 1. Digital computers are most common. PC's, MAC's are digital computers. A big difference is an analog computer's output can vary even if the input is identical. A digital computer can be very precise. For instance, a gas pump might tell you that you pumped in 5 gallons of gas but you could have gotten 4.99 gallons or 5.01 gallons. If you asked a digital computer to add 5 and 6 together, you will always get 11. By the way. A gas pump is actually a hybrid computer. Although it processes measured data, that is how much fluid has passed through the gas hose, the data displayed to you, the amount of gas and how much you owe is in a digital format.
An Analog computer uses continuous variables for mathematical operations and utilizes mechanical or electrical energy.

12) What is the workstation? Write down its features?

 Workstation is a specialized, single user computer that typically has more power and features than a standard desktop PC .

Features:

 Workstations often have large, high-resolution monitors and accelerated graphics, handling capabilities etc

13) How does a dumb terminal differ from an intelligent terminal?

 A dumb terminal has no processor. A server or mainframe does the computation for it. A "smart" terminal, or a personal computer, has a processor and does its own processing. It can also submit jobs to be processed by a server or mainframe, but it can stand alone as a non-connected (yet still "intelligent") machine.

A personal computer, such as a Dell desktop, an iBook, an Ubuntu Linux box, or any computer with a central processing unit (CPU) is a "smart" terminal.

14) What is a mid-range computer? Why is it called so?

Midrange computers, or midrange systems, are a class of computer systems which fall in between mainframe computers and microcomputers. 

It is frequently used for middle level organization. because it lies between mainframe and mini so it is called midrange computer.

15) How is computer technology used in education?

Computers are important in education because they force us to reconsider how people learn, how they are empowered, and what the nature of learning and useful information is. We cannot avoid the presence of computers in our schools because they are forcing educators to re-evaluate the very nature of what and how we teach.