A computer System is a cohesive collection of peripherals, software, and hardware that process information and carry out operations. Usually, it consists of:
Hardware includes the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices, among other physical parts.
Software consists of Operating system and programs that manage hardware and carry out particular tasks.
User is a system or individual interacting with a computer to send and receive data.
Input is received, processed, and output is produced by the computer system.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Computer Technology
The creation and use of programs, devices, and systems that carry out a variety of computational tasks is referred to as Computer Technology. It has completely changed the way we communicate, store, and process information in industrial, professional, and personal contexts.
Importance of Computer Technology:
- Automation: Computers increase productivity by automating repetitive tasks.
- Data Processing: They process enormous volumes of data fast and precisely.
- Communication: Instant communication and worldwide connectivity are made possible by technology.
- Innovation: Advanced computing is essential to fields like robotics, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
Computer System Concepts
A Computer System is made up of users, data, software, and hardware that collaborate to carry out computational tasks.
Computer Architecture
The design, arrangement, construction or organization of the different parts of computer system is known as computer architecture. Computer architecture is about designing the internal organization of a Computer System to meet a given set of requirements as efficiently as possible with economic and technological limits.
Computer Organization
Computer organization refers to the operational units and their interconnections that realize the architectural specifications. Computer organization is concerned with the implementation of computer architecture.
Computer Peripheral
A peripheral device is generally defined as any auxiliary device such as a computer mouse or keyboard that connects to and works with the computer in some way. Other examples of peripherals are expansion cards, graphics cards, image scanners, tape drives, microphones, loudspeakers, webcams, and digital cameras.
Types of Computer System
Computer System are classified on the basis of working principle, size, brand, model and purpose. A single computer can be Digital computer, Microcomputer, IBM compatible, AT computer and general purpose computer.
Computer System (On the basis of Working Principle)
Analog Computer
The computer which process on analog quantities (continuous data) is called an analog computer. Analog computer operates by measuring rather than counting. It is special purpose computer and is mainly used in scientific work. It is specially designed to compute physical forces such as temperature, pressure etc. example of analog devices thermometer, barometer, speedometer and ammeter. Presley is an example of analog computer.
Digital Computer
The computer which works on discrete data (discontinuous data) is known as digital computer. Digital refers to binary number system or two number system, which consists of only two digits, i.e. 0 and 1. Digital data consist of binary data represented by off (Low) and on (high) electric pulses. In digital computer, quantities are counted rather than measured. It is general purpose and programmable computer with fast processing, more accuracy and large memory capacity. Example: IBM PC, IBM compatible, Apple/Macintosh computer etc.
Hybrid Computer
A computer which has a combined best feature of both analog and digital computers, is called hybrid computer. They usually have speed of analog and accuracy of digital computer. It can perform the task of both analog and digital computer and can convert analog signal to digital or vice- versa. They are special purposed and used in the field of:
• During rocket launching.
• In ICU of hospitals.
• Weather forecasting.
• In automated industry.
Computer System (On the basis of Size)
Super Computer
Super computers are most fastest, powerful and sophisticated digital computers. It is special purpose and is employed for specialized application that require immense amount of mathematical calculations. E.g. Weather forecasting. It can compute of Billion instruction per second and has computing capability equal to 40,000 micro- computers. Due to high cost and size it is used only by large corporations, universities and government agencies. It is used in weather forecasting, Aircraft and space engineering, scientific research etc. example: CRAY-3, CYBER 205, PARAM, ANURAG, and NEC-500.
Mainframe Computer
Mainframes are large, powerful and expensive computers used mainly by large companies for bulk data processing, commercial data processing and other large-scale operation such as bank transaction processing. The largest mainframe can handle more than hundreds of users at a given moment. They are general purpose computer with large memory and excellent processing capabilities. In mainframe each user can access the mainframe resources through the device called terminal. It is used in banking, airlines, railways reservation system, e-mail service provider etc. example: IBM 1401, ICL 39, and CYBER 170.
Mini Computers
Mini computers are the computers that are somewhere in between micro and mainframe computers.so it is also called midrange computer. Mini computers are standalone devices that is ideal used by business who needed more power and memory that could not be obtained by microcomputers. It can support 50 terminals and occupied 100 sq. feet area. Central minicomputer can be accessed by terminal or PC. It is used by medium sized business organization, industry, universities, banks due to its cheapness and ease of use. Example: PDP 11, IBM 8000 series, HCI, MAGNUM and CDC-1700.
Micro Computer
A microcomputer is a small sized personal computer (PC) that is designed for an individual having a microprocessor inside it. The computer has central processing unit in a single chip.it is mainly used in home, office, hospitals etc. the smallest of this category are laptops, PDAs, notebook etc. example: IBM-PC, Apple/Macintosh.
The microcomputer is further categorized into Non-Portable and Portable.
Computer System (On the basis of Brand)
The brand actually denotes the manufacturer. So the name of company become brand name and the standard.
On the basis of the Computer System can be categorized into two types.
- IBM computers
i. IBM PC
ii. IBM Compatibles - Apple/Macintosh
- IBM computers: International Business machine is one of the largest manufacturing company in the world. It is the leading manufacturer of Mainframe, mini and microcomputers. IBM computers are reliable, durable and high processing speed computers. IBM computers are further divided into two categories:
i. IBM PC: the computer developed by IBM Corporation itself is called IBM PC. It is also called branded or original computers. It is expensive, reliable and durable than IBM compatible.
ii. IBM compatible: the computers developed by manufacturers other than IBM using the hardware and software design of IBM PC is called IBM Compatible. It is also called assembled or duplicate of IBM PC and comparatively cheaper than IBM PC. E.g.: ACER, DELL, HP, and LENEVO etc. - Apple Macintosh: apple computer generally known as mac computers are developed by apple corporation USA. These PCs are user friendly, good quality and differ totally than IBM in architecture, hardware and software. It is generally used for animation and graphics designing. E.g.: Mac pro, Mac air, IMac etc.
Computer System (On the basis of Model)
On the basis of model a Computer System can be categorized into following:
- XT Computers: XT stands for extra or extended technology.it is old technology with CUI (character based interface) and text based software. They don’t have large storage capacity and faster processing. I/O devices in are not faster and flexible. E.g. Intel 8085, 8080, 8086 etc.
- AT Computers: AT stands for advanced technology and it is a new technology computer. It is CUI as well as GUI based system. IO devices are interactive, faster and flexible. They have faster processing and larger storage capacity. E.g. Intel 80286, 80386, 80486 etc.
- PS/2 Computers: PS/2 stands for personal system-2. These computers are refinement of AT models and used in mainly laptops with chargeable or battery operated system. They are more faster and flexible I/O device.
Computer System On the basis of Purpose (Use)
Computer System can be divided into following categories on the basis of purpose:
i. General Purpose: these computers can be used for general and multiple task. They are designed to solve large variety of task and is diligent in nature. They can be used for different tasks like preparing documents, playing games, watching movies, listening music and many more. E.g. Desktop PC, Laptop, Notebook.
ii. Special Purpose Computer: A computer designed to perform specific task is known as special purpose computer. They are meant to handle specific data and no other general tasks. They are for controlling automated industry, weather forecasting, robotics etc. most of the analog and hybrid computers are special purpose computer. E.g. Presley, super computers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Computer Technology?
The creation and use of programs, devices, and systems that carry out a variety of computational tasks is referred to as Computer Technology.
What is Computer Architecture?
The design, arrangement, construction or organization of the different parts of computer system is known as computer architecture.
Define Computer organization.
Computer organization refers to the operational units and their interconnections that realize the architectural specifications.