10 Types of Computers

There are a lot of terms used to describe computers. Most of these words imply the size, expected
use or capability of the computer. While the term computer can apply to virtually any device that
has a microprocessor in it, most people think of a computer as a device that receives input from the
user through a mouse or keyboard, processes it in some fashion and displays the result on a screen.
1. PC
The personal computer (PC) defines a computer designed for general use by a single person. While
a Mac is 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.
2. 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.
3. Laptop
Also called notebooks, laptops are portable computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a
pointing device or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated package
slightly larger than an average hardcover book.
4. 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
touch screen 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.
5. Workstation
The fifth type of computer is a workstation. A workstation is simply a desktop computer that has a
more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special
group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.
6. Server
A computer that has been optimized to provide services to other computers over a network.
Servers usually have powerful processors, lots of memory and large hard drives. The next type of
computer can fill an entire room.
7. Mainframe
In the early days of computing, mainframes were huge computers that could fill an entire room or
even a whole floor! As the size of computers has diminished while the power has increased, the
term mainframe has fallen out of use in favor of enterprise server. You'll still hear the term used,
particularly in large companies to describe the huge machines processing millions of transactions
every day.
8. Minicomputer

Another term rarely used anymore, minicomputers fall in between microcomputers (PCs) and
mainframes (enterprise servers). Minicomputers are normally referred to as mid-range servers now.
9. Supercomputer
This type of computer usually costs hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Although
some supercomputers are single computer systems, most are comprised of multiple high
performance computers working in parallel as a single system. The best known supercomputers are
built by Cray Supercomputers.
10. Wearable Computer
The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. Essentially, common computer applications
(e-mail, database, multimedia, and 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.

Different types of computers

Hi everyone, I had been busy the past couple of days and did not have the time to write articles.
However, with the weekend approaching, I will be taking this opportunity to write a good many
articles. Something over the past few days inspired me to write about computers.
Now computers are a passion of mine and I thought it would be a good idea to write about them.
Also, being in the I.T. industry for a great many years, I feel obliged to write to my best extent on
computers.
Now, I am beginning a series of articles here similar to the financial series of articles that I would
be posting up soon.
Now, let us define computers: A computer is the most basic understanding is an electronic
device that processes data, converting it into information that is useful to people.
Even at this very moment, you are using a computer to read this article, and the history of
computers dates way back to the 17th century in what was known as Generation zero. If you are
wondering, we are currently in the fifth generation with artificial intelligence, quantum
computation, nanotechnology, etc;
Now, I will write on the history of computing which would be interesting to some people, and
fascinating to others in another article.
In this article, I am going to talk more about the different computers that are present in the
current world:
Desktop computers
Workstations
Notebook computers
Tablet computers
Handheld computers
Smart phones
Supercomputers
Mainframe computers
Minicomputers
Desktop computers
Different type of computers

The most common computer used in todays world are the desktop computers which were
specially built for personal use be it at home or work. These computers are everywhere, from
your office, to your house, schools, laboratories and even public places like a public library,
universities and so on. There is a great chance that you have accessed this website using a
desktop computer.
Todays computers are brilliant at task management than many years ago. Todays desktop
computers can be used to communicate, produce music, edit photographs and videos, play
sophisticated games, and much more.
As the name implies, a desktop computer is a full size computer that is too big to be carried
around. Nowadays, most desktop computers are equipped with two primary hardware solutions
the monitor and a casing inside which is stored the central processing unit (CPU), the
motherboard, the graphic card, storage devices, buses, power supply and so on.
A desktop computer is also equipped with a keyboard and mouse which are connected to their
appropriate ports at the back of the casing.
Workstations
A workstation is a specialized, single user computer that typically has more power and features
than a standard desktop computer. These machines are more popular in the lab of scientists,
engineers or even animators who require a system with greater than average speed and power
to perform sophisticated calculations, rendering, or high level tasks.
Workstations often have larger and higher resolution monitors, and accelerated graphics. In
relation to this, I would give you an example : - such as the Quadro series of graphic cards. They
are commonly used in workstations.
This higher specifications allow for advanced architectural engineering design, modeling
,animation and even video editing.
Notebook computers
Notebook computers as the name implies is approximately the size of an 8.5-11 inch notebook
and can easily fit inside a briefcase. Since most people including yourself would set this device
on your lap and use it conveniently in eateries, cafes, at the work place, in education institutions
and so on, hence the name laptop.
Notebook computers can operate on alternating current or special batteries. These special
device also weighs less than 8 pounds and some even lesser than three pounds.
Using a laptop is as simple as opening a book. Think of it as opening your notebook. Similarly,
when a laptop is opened, the upper lid will present a screen or lcd monitor. At the bottom is the
keyboard

and beneath the keyboard is the specialty hardware such as the motherboard, cpu, hard-disk
and so on.
The portability of laptops is one of the most major reasons for the increased use of laptops
nowadays. They are the mobile computers that can be carried anywhere and used conveniently.
Tablet PC
Different type of computers
Tablet PCs are some of the more newer developments in portable, full featured computers.
Tablet PCs just like a notebook offers the full range of functionalities except that they are lighter
and accepts input from pen/pointers known as a stylus.
Most interactions are done directly via the screen of the computer and some tablet PCs also
allow for input via the users voice. As you know, even phones these days accept voice
commands to get things done.
Tablet PCs can run specialized versions of standard programs and can be connected to a
network or to the internet. Certain and in most new models now a keyboard and a mouse can
be attached as well.
Tablet PCs are used mainly in the graphic design field where drawing on the tablet PCs can be
translated into digital drawings and be edited by various graphic editing tools.
Handheld PCs
Different type of 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 computers to exchange data. Most PDAs come with a pen
(stylus) that allows for handwriting recognition and some even have tiny built-in keyboards or
microphones for voice input.
A wireless connection (Wi-Fi) can be used to access the internet with a PDA. PDAs in the later
part of this century were converted into phones, cameras, music players and GPS.
The demands for PDA phones have been in the increase and of late have been mostly replaced
by smart-phones that are equipped with much functionality similar to a computer.

Smart phones
Different type of computers
Smart phones are handheld devices or mobile phones that have a processing unit attached to
act as a handheld computer cum phone.
These phones offer advanced features not typically found in normal cellular phones. These
phones come with additional features beyond the traditional SMS and calling features. Smart
phones these days allow you to surf the internet using your phone, take pictures, videos, listen to
music, conduct presentations, record voice, play games, e-mail, and many other additional
features.
Smart phones are also equipped with an operating system just like your desktop or laptop
computers are equipped with an operating system, Windows, Linux, etc;
Supercomputers
Different type of computers
Supercomputers are the most fastest, and expensive modern computer systems. They are
mostly used for intense processing and forecasting such as forecasting the weather, or super
high resolution graphics such as ray traced images.
Government processes such as immigration clearances, and all other high level functionalities
are handled by a supercomputer.
Supercomputers are also extensively used in the military to manage and calculate or even
analyze full range of information from coordinates to traffic control and even launching systems.
Today, the worlds fastest supercomputer was developed by IBM the IBM Roadrunner which
runs on 1.026 1.105 Pflops or petaflops and is placed in the Los Alamos National Laboratory,
New Mexico USA taking up a space of 6000 square feet.
Mainframe computers
Different type of computers
Mainframe computers are used in large organizations such as insurance companies and banks,
where many people frequently need to use the same data. In a traditional mainframe
environment, each user accesses the mainframes resources through a terminal (network
terminal).
There are two kinds of terminal, one is a dumb terminal which does not process or store data,
just basic I/O input output and the intelligent terminal which can perform processing operations
but these terminals normally do not have any storage.

Mainframes are large and powerful systems to handle the processing of thousands of users at
any one time. Most large organizations implement mainframes due to their flexibilities in which
department computers can be allocated a certain functionality that is related to the department in
response to all programs.
For instance, an airline company which wishes to sell tickets online through the internet will
require to connect their current website interface to a mainframe system.
You as the user would then connect to the website or the mainframe system to key in your ticket
purchase.
Minicomputers
Different type of computers
Minicomputers are small sized computers which have their capabilities between the range of a
personal desktop computer and a mainframe.
Minicomputers were replaced by the microcomputers which took over the reign of those mighty
minicomputers due to their greater processing power.
Today, mini and micro computers are replaced by much more powerful systems as you can see
from above.
Well, thats some bit on the various types of computers. The next time perhaps I will write an article on
the history of computers from Generation 0 Generation 5 (currently).

From
Classroom Interactions and Achievement
By Loyce Caruthers
http://www.mcrel.org/products/noteworthy/noteworthy/loycec.asp
Studies have found that students' perceptions of the classroom environment can
have a
direct impact not only on their achievement but also on their personal-social
behaviors
(Vasquz, 1988). Furthermore, depressed rates of student classroom participation
predict lowered achievement as early as the first three grades (Finn & Cox cited in
Cohen & Lotan, 1995). In the words of Scott-Jones and Clark (1986), "Academic
achievement is dependent on more than individual abilities and aspirations. The
social
environment in which learning takes place can enhance or diminish the behaviors
that
lead to achievement" (p. 523).
These examples clearly illustrate the complexities of teacher and student interactions
in
classrooms. A single teaching episode or an isolated interaction between the teacher
and a student or between a student and his or her peers can influence the student's
perceptions of the learning environment and his or her motivation to achieve. What a
student comes to expect from the teacher and peers is a consequence of behavior
based on the interactions between the student and teacher, as well as between the
student and his or her peers. That consequence may affect future behavior or life
options.
The power of expectations in the lives of children begins long before they come to
school. Through socialization in the home and community, children learn of
expectations for their lives. What they come to believe about themselves is a result
of
the messages from significant others such as parents and other adults. During the
past
two decades we have learned that teachers do, indeed, form expectations for
student
performance and that teacher expectations influence student performance (Baron,
Tom
& Cooper, 1985; Dusek, 1985).
The Communication of Expectations through Classroom Interactions
Expectations are assumptions or inferences that teachers (or parents and
administrators) may make about the academic achievement or future behavior of
their
students. The powerful influence of expectations in our lives was demonstrated by
Rosenthal and Jacobson (cited in Good & Brophy, 1987) who manipulated teacher
expectations for student achievement to see if these expectations would be fulfilled.
When teachers were told that randomly selected students had been identified as
"intellectual late bloomers," teacher behavior changed enough to have a significant
positive effect on student performance, both in the classroom and on achievement
tests.
Results were explained in terms of the powerful effects of the self-fulfilling prophecy
effects of teacher expectations.

The work of Rosenthal and Jacobson created controversy and interest in how
teachers
form expectations and how they are communicated to students. Despite the criticism
of
their work, it has been well documented that teacher expectations are communicated
to
students during teacher-student interactions (Dusek, 1985). Researchers (Good and
Brophy, 1987) studied the ways teachers communicate their expectations to high
achievers and low achievers. Their observations of classrooms revealed that
teachers
treat low achievers differently than they treat high achievers. The following behaviors
indicate differences toward students perceived to be low achievers:
providing general, often insincere praise;
providing them with less feedback;
demanding less effort;
interrupting low achievers more often;
seating them farther away from the teacher;
paying less attention to them;
calling on them less often;
waiting less time for them to respond to questions;
criticizing them more often for failure; and
smiling at them less or giving them fewer other nonverbal indicators of support.
(p. 10 )
Cooper (cited in Winfield, 1986) believes that these behavioral differences indicate
the
existence of sustaining expectation effects that would make learning by lowexpectation
students relatively more difficult. Cohen (cited in Cohen & Lotan, 1995) supports this
view, stating that "differences in classroom interactions can lead to differences in
learning outcomes--that is, those who talk more, learn more" (p. 100).