Different Types Of Computers Flashcards
(22 cards)
Classification of computers: The general model of a computer
Information processing cycle:
How a computer processes information comprising of communication, input, storage, memory and output
Important parts of IPO
Input: This refers to the methods used to enter data into the computer.
Processing: All tasks in a computer are processed by the central processing unit. The CPU is like the human brain and is responsible for controlling the hardware devices of the computer
Output: Once the in put has been processed, it is then converted into a format to be presented to the user.
Storage: Storage devices are used to store the input from the user or the processed information from the CPU. Data can be stored in different ways, namely temporary storage or random access memory(RAM), or permanent storage.
Communication: The internal and external hardware devices are connected to the computer via connecting cables. Data is sent from the device to the computer via the cables. The CPU receives information from the device, processes it and then communicates information to output devices or the storage device.
Types of computers
Dedicated device: refers to devices that ate designed to perform a single task.
Multipurpose device: Refers to devices that can perform multiple functions at the same time.
Dedicated devices:
These are devices that were developed to perform a specific task only. They are also reffered to as embedded devices, as the computer is built into a device or appliance or software for these devices.
Examples
Automatic teller machines(ATMs)
Embedded devices, smart appliances
Multipurpose devices
These are the comouyers that we are familiar wugh. They are made up of hardware and sofware such as operating systems and applications. They are also portable and easy to use. They are designed so that you can upgrade the software and certain hardware componets.
Examples
Laptops
Smartphones
Portable computers
These are devices that can be carried around with you. They have batteries that can be recharged, so they don’t have to be fixed to an electrical outlet.
Examples
Laptop
Tablets
Netbooks
Non- portable computers
These are computers that cannot be moved around easily. They require a constant power source from an electrical outlet
Examples
Servers
Mainframe computers
Desktop computers
Client server computing
Refers to the process of a client computer requesting resources from a server computer and the server computer delivering those resources.
Examples
The world wide web: using a web browser to access web pages stored on a server.
ATMs and online banking applications
Online multi-player gaming
Accessing online email applications
Logging in to social media applications
Cloud computing
Refers to the delivery of computer services or resources over the internet
Types of clouds
Private cloud: this is services provided to and owned by an organisation.
Community cloud: Resources or services are provided to a community or multiple organisations.
Public cloud: Services are provided over the internet
Hybrid cloud: a combination of private and public clouds
Cloud service providers
Amazon Web services
Microsoft Azure
Google cloud platform
IBM Cloud
China’s Alibaba cloud
Cloud-based serves and suites
Software as a Service(SaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Cloud within Business environment :Tasks
Sharing of files within an organisation.
Collaboration on projects
Accessing the same software using any computer.
Use of the latest software and resources witjout having to purchase expensive software.
Work on a global level, dealing with emplyees and clients
Having a flexible schedule with the ability to work from anywhere
Afvantages of cloud computing
Reduced costs on resources software and infrastructure.
Easy to back up as data is stored in the cloud.
Software is always up to date.
Disadvantages of Cloud computing
Service providers have lock in periods so you cannot switch providers until the contract ends.
There is limited control of resources as they are not ownes by you.
Security can be a problem since all the information is stored online and runs the risk of being hacked.
Shared documents
Refer to rhe documents that can be shared using cloud based applications. This sharing of documents allow online collaboration between people.
Different user rights
Owner: this is usually the manager of the project. This person has the highest level of access and can add team members and viewers.
Team members: these are people that work on the project. They add or edit content and also leave comments
Viewers: These are people that only have rights to view content, they cannot make changes.
