Personal Computer
Personal Computer
The most popular form of the computer in use today is probably the PC or the personal Computer. The PC can be used for various applications. In fact, there are million of PCs already used by individuals and organizations. The PC us small in size but capable enough to handle large tasks. It can perform a divers range of functions, from keeping track of household accounts to keeping records of the stores of a large manufacturing company.
Other Computer Systems
The PC is although the most popular computer system, there are other computer system too, which are categorized on the basis of size, cost; and performance.
Before we describe some of these computer systems. It is essential to understand the term, system. A system is a group of integrated parts that have a common purpose of achieving an objective. These parts or components of the PC system will be discussed in detail, later in the course. A popular system is the Mini-Computer, which is a small, general- Purpose computer. It can vary in size from a small desktop model to the size of a small filing cabinet. A typical mini system is more expensive than a PC and surpasses it in storage capacity and speed. While most PCs are oriented towards single users, mini systems are usually designed to simultaneously handle the needs of multiple users,, I.E. more than one person use a mini computer at the same time.
A mainframe is another form of a computer system that is generally more powerful than a typical mini system. Mainframe themselves may very widely in cost and capability. They are used in large organizations for large-scale jobs.
However, there is an overlap between the expensive Mini's and small Mainframe models in terms of cost and capability. Similarly, there is an overlap between the more powerful PC systems and the Mini Computer.
At the end of the size and capability scales are the Super Computers. There systems are the largest, fastest and the most expensive computers in the world. They are used for complex scientific and defense applications.