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An overview of the different types and sizes of digital computers, including microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers. It covers the characteristics, components, and examples of each category, as well as their intended users and applications.
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The digital computers that are available nowadays
vary in their sizes and types.
The computers are broadly classified into four
categories based on their size and type
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Microcomputers are small, low-cost and single-user digital computer. They consist of CPU, input unit, output unit, storage unit and the software. Although microcomputers are stand-alone machines, they can be connected together to create a network of computers that can serve more than one user. IBM PC based on Pentium microprocessor and Apple Macintosh are some examples of microcomputers. Microcomputers include desktop computers, notebook computers or laptop, tablet computer, handheld computer, smart phones and netbook,
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Notebook Computers or Laptop resemble a notebook.
They are portable and have all the features of a desktop computer.
The advantage of the laptop is that it is small in size (can
be put inside a briefcase), can be carried anywhere, has a battery backup and has all the functionality of the desktop.
Laptops can be placed on the lap while working (hence the name).
Laptops are costlier than the desktop machines.
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Netbook These are smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost, and are designed for accessing web-based applications.
Starting with the earliest netbook in late 2007, they have gained significant popularity now.
Netbooks deliver the performance needed to enjoy popular activities like streaming videos or music, emailing, Web surfing or instant messaging.
The word netbook was created as a blend of Internet and note book.
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Handheld Computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is a small computer that can be held on the top of the palm. It is small in size.
Instead of the keyboard, PDA uses a pen or a stylus for input. PDAs do not have a disk drive.
They have a limited memory and are less powerful. PDAs can be connected to the Internet via a wireless connection.
Casio and Apple are some of the manufacturers of PDA. Over the last few years, PDAs have merged into mobile phones to create smart phones.
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Smart Phones are cellular phones that function both
as a phone and as a small PC.
They may use a stylus or a pen, or may have a small
keyboard.
They can be connected to the Internet wirelessly.
They are used to access the electronic-mail, download music, play games, etc. Blackberry, Apple, HTC, Nokia and LG are some of the manufacturers of smart phones.
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Mainframe computers are multi-user, multi-
programming and high performance computers.
They operate at a very high speed, have very large
storage capacity and can handle the workload of many users.
Mainframe computers are large and powerful
systems generally used in centralized databases.
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