What are the different types of computers?
Авторы: Ныпадымка А.С. и Назаренко О.И.
UNIT 3. MEANS OF TELECOMMUTING
Part 2. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
“I know there's a proverb which that says 'To err is human,' but a human error is nothing to what a computer can do if it tries.”
Agatha Christie
LEAD IN
Examine the pictures below and name the devices represented on them. Why are all these devices considered to be computers? Which of them do you use in your daily life? Which device made our life easier? Which of them do you consider to be useless?
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Examine the profiles of different computers’ categories. Where can these computers be used (e.g. institutes, schools, large business organizations, emergency stations, hospitals, etc.)?
| Categories of computers | |||
| Microcomputer | Minicomputer | Mainframes | Supercomputer |
| · Also called personal computer · Micro because of the chip they use is very small and affordable · First computer to combine productivity with games | · Faster than a microcomputer · Has more storage and access to more input and output devices · Small or medium sized business would use this type of computer · Can also operate 24 hours a day as a company needs | ·Have more access to storage space and lots more input and output devices than a minicomputer ·Large companies that have millions of customers would use this type of computer ·They connect devices that span vast distances ·These are very large computers and have a very large storage capacity | · Has processing speeds much faster than a mainframe · Used in the scientific community for faster calculations · These computers are very large and require special facilities and a staff of technicians to take care of them · Supercomputers can be used in car manufacturing, the Weather Bureau and large oil companies · Not for personal use they are too big |
§READING and VOCABULARY
Study the following words in the box. Make sure you know them. Try to explain each notion.
| to perform | spreadsheet | to withdraw | to expand | ||
| benefit | features | link | request | ||
| ATM – automatic teller machine | RAM – random access memory | AC – alternative current | |||
Read the text and translate it into Ukrainian.
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the Web. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more.
The first electronic computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) took up 1,800 square feet and weighed 30 tons.
What are the different types of computers?
When most people hear the word "computer," they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptopcomputer. 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.
Desktop computers
Many people use desktop computers at work, home, school, or the library. They can be small, medium, or large in style, and they usually sit on a desk. Once you add a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, you have what is typically known as a desktop computer. Most desktop computers are easy to upgrade and expand or add new parts. Another benefit of desktop computers is the cost. If you compare a desktop and a laptop with the same features, you will most likely find that the desktop computer is priced lower. Some desktop computers have a built-in monitor to save space. These are often called all-in-one desktop computers.
Laptop computers
The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, or a laptop. Laptops are battery- or AC-powered personal computers that are more portable than desktop computers, allowing you to use them almost anywhere. Because a laptop is smaller than a desktop, it's more difficult to access its internal components. This means you may not be able to upgrade them as easily as a desktop. However, it's usually possible to add more RAM or a larger hard drive. A laptop computer is sometimes called a notebook computerbecause of its size.
Servers
A server is a computer that "serves up" information to other computers on a network. Many businesses have file servers that employees can use to store and share files. A server can look like a regular desktop computer, or it can be much larger. Servers also play an important role in making the Internet work: They are where webpages are stored. When you use your browser to click a link, a web server delivers the page you requested.
Other types of computers
Today, there are many everyday devices that are basically specialized computers, even though we don't always think of them as computers. Here are a few common examples:
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Tablet computers: These use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. Because they don't require a keyboard or mouse, tablet computers are even more portable than laptops. The iPad is an example of a tablet computer.
· Mobile phones: Many mobile phones can do a lot of things computers can do, such as browsing the Internet and playing games. These phones are often called smartphones.
· Game consoles:Agame consoleis a specialized kind of computer that is used for playing video games. Although they are not as fully featured as desktop computers, many newer consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii, allow you to perform nongaming tasks like browsing the Web.
· TVs: Many TVs now include applications (or apps) that let you access various types of online content. For example, you can view your Facebook news feed or watch streaming movies on Netflix.
3. Answer the following questions:
1. What types of computers are mentioned in the text?
2. Why is it difficult to upgrade a laptop?
3. What is a server? What are the functions of a server?
4. Can you describe the functions of the other types of computers which were mentioned in the text?
5. How do you think, which type of the mentioned above computers is the most popular in the world?