types of computers
Desktop, Laptop and Netbook
These are all types of PC’s (Personal Computers)
All PC’s are designed to be general purpose, single user machines
Desktops – Used by practically anyone, for almost any computing task.
+ They are easy to upgrade or customise
+ Relatively inexpensive
- Must be connected to a power supply at all times
- Obviously not portable
Laptop – Technically identical to a Desktop, but in a portable package
+ Portable, no need for a permanent power supply
- More expensive, than an equivalent specification desktop PC
- Less easy to customise, upgrade or repair than a desktop PC
Netbook – An ultra-portable laptop, usually 12” screen or smaller. Designed for web browsing and light office application use.
+ Ultra-portable – easier to carry for a long time than a laptop
- Smaller keyboard than a laptop, may be difficult for some users
- Less storage than laptops or desktops
- Much slower than a desktop or laptop
These are all types of PC’s (Personal Computers)
All PC’s are designed to be general purpose, single user machines
Desktops – Used by practically anyone, for almost any computing task.
+ They are easy to upgrade or customise
+ Relatively inexpensive
- Must be connected to a power supply at all times
- Obviously not portable
Laptop – Technically identical to a Desktop, but in a portable package
+ Portable, no need for a permanent power supply
- More expensive, than an equivalent specification desktop PC
- Less easy to customise, upgrade or repair than a desktop PC
Netbook – An ultra-portable laptop, usually 12” screen or smaller. Designed for web browsing and light office application use.
+ Ultra-portable – easier to carry for a long time than a laptop
- Smaller keyboard than a laptop, may be difficult for some users
- Less storage than laptops or desktops
- Much slower than a desktop or laptop
Smartphone, PDA and Mainframe
Smartphones are multi-purpose communication devices used to:
+ Make phone calls, send text messages, use GPS navigation, use applications, PIM (Personal Information Management) and portable use of the internet
- Can be expensive to purchase and use data
- They have small keyboards not suited to long periods of use
Smartphones are multi-purpose communication devices used to:
+ Make phone calls, send text messages, use GPS navigation, use applications, PIM (Personal Information Management) and portable use of the internet
- Can be expensive to purchase and use data
- They have small keyboards not suited to long periods of use
PDA – Personal Digital Assistants. These are used as personal organisers or for mobile data gathering. They do not have telephony functions.
+ Organise data
+ Send and receive E-Mail
+ Access the internet
+ Usually have handwriting recognition
- Can only run cut down versions of applications
- Must have wifi to access the internet (no mobile data)
+ Organise data
+ Send and receive E-Mail
+ Access the internet
+ Usually have handwriting recognition
- Can only run cut down versions of applications
- Must have wifi to access the internet (no mobile data)