Different types of computers
| Site: | ΕΛ/ΛΑΚ Moodle |
| Course: | Basic ICT Skills |
| Book: | Different types of computers |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Saturday, 4 May 2024, 11:54 AM |
Description
When most people hear the word computer, they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop. However, computers 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 store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.
1. Desktop computers
Many people use desktop computers at work, home, and
school. Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a desk, and
they're typically made up of a few different parts, including the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
2. Laptop computers
The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, commonly called a laptop. Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more portable than desktops, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.
3. Tablet computers
Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The iPad is an example of a tablet.
4. Servers
A server is a computer that serves up information to
other computers on a network. For example, whenever you use the
Internet, you're looking at something that's stored on a server. Many
businesses also use local file servers to store and share files internally.
5. Other types of computers
Many of today's electronics are basically specialized computers, though we don't always think of them that way. Here are a few common examples.
- Smartphones: Many cell phones can do a lot of things computers can do, including browsing the Internet and playing games. They are often called smartphones.
- Wearables: Wearable technology is a general term for a group of devices—including fitness trackers and smartwatches—that are designed to be worn throughout the day. These devices are often called wearables for short.
- Game consoles: A game console is a specialized type of computer that is used for playing video games on your TV.
- TVs: Many TVs now include applications—or apps—that let you access various types of online content. For example, you can stream video from the Internet directly onto your TV.