INTRODUCTION TO
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 2
COMPUTER HARDWARE
WEEK3 LECTURE2
Computer System Categories.
Micro Computers
• Also called PC(personal computer), the smallest and least expensive category of general purpose computers.
• Micro computers are classified into the following:
1. Desktop PC:
The desktop PC has become the
dominant method of accessing workgroup and enterprisewide application.
It is the typical, familiar microcomputer
system that has become s standard tool for business and the home.
2.Network Computer:
A system that that designed primarily for use with the Internet and corporate intranets by clerical workers, Operational employees and knowledge workers with specialized or limited computing applications.
3.Laptop and Notebook computers:
Laptop and Notebook computers are small, easily transportable, lightweight micro computers that fit easily into briefcase. In
general notebook computers are smaller than laptops.
4.Mobile Devices:
Emerging platforms for computing and
communications include such mobile devices as handheld computers, often called personal digital assistants(PDA).
-> They cost much less than Pc
-> Their OS are simpler than those on a desktop PC and provide both computer and
communication features.
Mid Range Computers
• Called Mini computers are relatively small and inexpensive.
• Mini Computers are type of server supporting computer networks and enabling users to
share files, software, peripheral devices and other resources.
• Used for scientific research, instrumentation systems and engineering analysis.
Mainframe Systems
• Large, Fast and powerful.
• Can process thousands of million instructions per second.
• Have large primary storage capacities.
• Main memory capacity ranges from 100M to many GB.
• Used in Major corporations and government agencies with high transaction processing
volumes or complex computational problems.
• Example: Used in major banks, Airlines, Oil companies which process millions of sales transactions.
Super Computer
• Extremely powerful systems.
• Can perform scientific, engineering and business applications at high speeds.
• Used for weather forecasting and in military defense.
• Can perform billions of operations per second.
• Costs millions of dollars.
