There are many types of computers.
When we talk about computers we tend to think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer. But computers can come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the shops, or use a calculator, even smart phones are all types of computer.
Desktop Computers
Most of us use desktop computers at work, home, school, or the library. They can be small, medium, or large in style, and usually sit on a desk. Once you add a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse, you have what is generally known as a desktop computer.
Most types desktop computers can be upgraded and new parts can added to speed them up and make them more powerful. The main benefit of desktop computers is the cost. If you compare a Laptop and a Desktop computer with the same features, you will nearly always find that the desktop computer is a lot cheaper.
All-in-one desktop computers have a built-in monitor to save space..
Laptop Computers
A laptop computer
An other type of computer that you would have heard about is a laptop computer, or laptops or net-books as they are often referred to. Laptops are battery or mains-powered personal computers that are more portable computers, so you can take them almost anywhere.
With a laptop type computer, it is more difficult to upgrade and a lot of the parts are integrated on the same circuit board. This means you cannot modifi them as much as a desktop. But in most cases it is possible to add more RAM or a bigger hard drive.
A laptop computer is sometimes called a notebook computer because of its size although a lot of net book computers do not have a DVD drive .
A server room
Servers
A server is a large computer or group of interconnected computers that "serves up" information to other computers on a network. Most large businesses use file servers that their employees can access to store and share files. A server can look like a regular desktop computer, or it can be much larger and fill a complete room or large building.
Servers also serve play a huge role in making the Internet work.Servers are where web pages are stored. When you click on a link, a web server delivers the page you requested.
A server is a large computer or group of interconnected computers that "serves up" information to other computers on a network. Most large businesses use file servers that their employees can access to store and share files. A server can look like a regular desktop computer, or it can be much larger and fill a complete room or large building.
Servers also serve play a huge role in making the Internet work.Servers are where web pages are stored. When you click on a link, a web server delivers the page you requested.
Other Types of Computers
Other Types of Computers
There is lots of everyday equipment that are basically specialised computers, even though we don't always think of them as computers. Here are some examples:
The iPad, is a type of tablet computer
There is lots of everyday equipment that are basically specialised computers, even though we don't always think of them as computers. Here are some examples:
The iPad, is a type of tablet computer
- Tablets : These use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. Since they don't require a keyboard or mouse, tablet computers are even more portable than laptops. The iPad is Apples version of a tablet computer.
- Game Consoles: A game console is a specialised kind of computer that is used for playing video games. Although they are not as fully-featured as a desktop computer, many newer consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii, allow you to do non-gaming tasks like browsing the internet.
- Mobile Phones: Most new mobile phones can do a lot of things a computer can do, such as browsing the internet or playing games. These phones are often called smartphones.
PCs and Macs
Personal computers come in two main "styles": PC and Mac. Both styles are fully functional, but they do have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.
Personal computers come in two main "styles": PC and Mac. Both styles are fully functional, but they do have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.
- PC: This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other companies began to create similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.
- Mac: The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold personal computer with a Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs are made by one company, Apple Inc., and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system.