Unit 3: Computer Types and Varieties

Question 1

“An electronic device that processes data according to a predetermined set of instructions that convert data info information useful to people. They perform specific tasks based on the instructions provided by a software or hardware program”

Answer 1

computer as defined by Peter Norton

Question 2

“An electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its memory that can accept data, process the data, produce and store results for future use”

Answer 2

Gary Shelly

Question 3

a programmable device that can automatically perform a sequence of calculations
or other operations on data once programmed for the task

• can store, retrieve, and process data according to internal instructions.

Answer 3

computer

Question 4

Before cloud computing and the use of digital systems, large companies use __________ because they required a big amount of computing power.

• has an incredibly high level of performance.
• usually used on a large-scale operation like industrial function, space exploration, weather forecasting, and nuclear testing
• a computer at the leading edge of data processing capability, with respect to calculation speed.
• used for scientific and engineering problems (high
  performance computing) which crunch numbers and data, while mainframes focus on transaction
  processing.

Answer 4

supercomputers

Question 5

• big centralized machines that contains the large memory, huge storage space, multiple high-grade processors, so it has ultra-processing power compared to standard computer systems
• The use of the primary memory and having multiple processors
• used in moderate data processing, banking, and insurance. It handles bulk data processing, statistics, and analysis them.

Answer 5

mainframe computer

Question 6

The term originally referred to the large cabinets called “main frames” that housed the central
processing unit and main memory of early computers

Later, the term was used to distinguish high-end commercial machines from less powerful units.

often used as servers

Answer 6

mainframe computers

Question 7

• introduced in the mid-1960s
• has most of the features and capabilities of a large computer but more compact in size
• also called a mid range computer

Answer 7

minicomputers

Question 8

• primarily used for process control and performing financial and administrative tasks, such as word processing and accounting
• Some
  machines were designed for medical laboratory and teaching aids

Answer 8

minicomputers

Question 9

• has a central processing unit (CPU) as a microprocessor
• also known as personal computers (PC)
• primarily used for word processing, managing databases or spreadsheets, graphics and general office applications
• small and relatively inexpensive computer that has a microprocessor as its central processing unit

Answer 9

microcomputer

Question 10

• includes memory, a microprocessor, and minimal input/output circuitry built on a single printed circuit board
• classified into ________: also
  known as desktop machines, workstations are mostly used for intensive graphical applications
• _________: more affordable and easier to use than workstations and are self-sufficient
  computers intended for one user
• _________: Mini PCs are tiny computers that can fit in the palm of your hand

Answer 10

microcomputer

workstation
personal computers
laptop computers and Mini PCs

Question 11

an integral component of most embedded systems, is a combination of hardware and software that is designated to perform a highly specific function

Answer 11

embedded computer