LO1 - Types Of Computer System: Flashcards
What are the advantages of Desktop Computer Systems?
1) Ability for components to be upgraded over time,
2) Very versatile - can carry out a range of activities.
3) Offer the highest level of computer power / performance compared to laptops.
What are the disadvantages of Desktop Computer Systems?
1) Only suitable for use at stationary desks,
2) Their form factor is large, bulky, and heavy,
3) Can be obstructive and loud to the user.
What are the advantages of Tablets / Laptops?
1) Completely portable systems due to internal battery,
2) Can be folded back, creating an effective screen-based virtual interface for pens etc,
3) Can perform many of the same functions are desktop systems.
What are the disadvantages of Tablets / Laptops?
1) Restrictive screen sizes due to compact form factor,
2) Significant performance reduction compared to desktop systems,
3) Downgraded hardware architecture,
4) Passively cooled - can overheat / ineffective cooling,
5) Required to be recharged from a wall socket.
What are the advantages of Smartphones?
1) Can be used to run a range of applications,
2) Completely portable due to onboard internal battery,
3) Ability to easily communicate with others,
4) Ability to access the internet anywhere with a cell tower connection.
What are the disadvantages of Smartphones?
1) Negatively affect social interactions with others,
2) Negatively affect spatial awareness which can be dangerous,
3) Security issues - can be easily stolen / hacked,
4) Store of potentially sensitive personal data.
What are Embedded Systems?
Embedded systems are smaller computer systems installed within a larger computer system.
What are some examples of Embedded Systems?
1) Cars,
2) Traffic Lights.
3) Kitchen Appliances,
4) Aircraft.
What are the advantages of Embedded Systems?
1) Embedded systems have a dedicated purpose - streamlining the performance of the larger device / system,
2) Globally connected network of devices - Internet Of Everything.
What are Mainframes?
Mainframes are large and powerful computer systems that are reliable to store and process large amounts of data.
What is the primary purpose of Mainframes?
Mainframes are primarily used to process large amounts of data and can be used to solve scientific and engineering problems that require complex calculations with large databases.
What are the advantages of Mainframes?
1) Can process exceptionally large amounts of data very quickly,
2) Can be used to calculate and solve complex mathematics problems,
3) Mainframes are very reliable and secure because they have large backup facilities.
What are the disadvantages of Mainframes?
1) Mainframes are very expensive,
2) Mainframes require teams of experts to oversee them,
3) Typically only utilised by large organisations such as banks and airlines.
What are Quantum Computers?
Quantum computers are experimental and are still in development. They utilise atomic particles which can be in several states at the same time - instead of traditional binary which can only represent 0 and 1.
What are the advantages of Quantum Computers?
Quantum computers have the ability to process data and perform calculations millions of times faster than current computer systems.
