11/7/2017 1

Key components of the computer

Classification of computers based on Purposes

Classification of computers based on Signals

Classification of computers based on Capacity

11/7/2017 2
1. Processor. (CPU)

2. Memory.

3. Input/Output device. (I/O)

4. Disk storage.

5. Programs.

11/7/2017 3
 Converts raw data to information.

Executes or runs programs to carry out a specific

task.

Sometimes called CPU when multiple chips or devices are

integrated into a single unit.

Is able to read from and write to the memory.

11/7/2017 4
 Workplace of the computer.

Temporarily stores programs and data.

Contents can be overwritten without erasing

Commonly known as RAM.

11/7/2017 5
 Bridge between users and computers.

Input devices: keyboard, mouse etc.

Output devices: printer, monitor.

11/7/2017 6
 Holds permanent data and programs.

Three major distinctions between disks and memory:

a) disks have more storage.

b) disks are durable.

c) disks are cheaper.

Common is magnetic disk (hard disk, floppy disk).

Optical disk (CD-ROM).

11/7/2017 7
 They tell computer what to do.

Two kinds: system and application

System programs help operate and control the computer

(hardware). (the OS; Windows)

Application programs carries out user tasks. (Internet

Explorer).

11/7/2017 8
 Two types

Special Purpose Computers

General Purpose Computers

11/7/2017 9
 Designed to perform a specific application.

Also known as dedicated computer.

Contains instructions permanently programmed into them

that are designed to perform only one major function.

11/7/2017 10
 Specialized purpose computers used to control
Traffic lights

Control collection of tolls in highways

Used in automobiles.

Weapons

Appliance and

Games etc

11/7/2017 11
 Used to handle a variety of tasks.
Use stored program concept a program prepared for an application are
temporarily stored in memory.
Then the program can be executed to perform a specific task.
After the completion of the execution of one program, another program can
be used for some other task.
Same hardware can be used to execute many different programs.
General purpose computers are less efficient and slower than special
purpose computers when applied to the same task.

11/7/2017 12
 Two types

Analog Computers

Digital Computers

11/7/2017 13
 Represents quantities by physical means like
Distance
Velocity
Acceleration
Temperature
Pressure
Angular position
Force by mechanical or electrical parameters.

11/7/2017 14
 Automobile speedometer converts the rotational
rate of the drive shaft of an automobile into the
numerical value that represents the speed of the vehicle.

Thermometer converts the movement of a column

of mercury into temperature reading.

11/7/2017 15
 It has ability to collect and process data at high speeds.

Does not require storage facility.

Used to control processes of

Oil refineries

Steel mills

Weapon systems

11/7/2017 16
 Based on binary numbersthat is 0 and 1

Faster

Complex

Efficient

11/7/2017 17
 Capacity of data means the volume of data that a computer
system can process.

Measurement of capacity is based on throughput of the

computer.

Throughput is the amount of processing that can

be performed in a given amount of time.

11/7/2017 18
Based on throughput they are 4 types

Micro computers

Mini computers

Mainframe computers

Supercomputers

11/7/2017 19
 Also known as personal computers PCs
are microprocessor based small laptop or
desktop or notebook systems.

Personal digital assistance (PDAs) are very

small portable computers.

The brain of microcomputer is the

microprocessor.

11/7/2017 20
 Microprocessor silicon chip that contains necessary
circuits to perform

Arithmetic and logic operations

Input/output operations

A microcomputer is formed by adding Input/output

capability and memory to the microprocessor.

11/7/2017 21
 Workstation

Servers

Clients

Terminals

11/7/2017 22
 High speed microcomputers

It has many capabilities of larger

minicomputers but cost is much less.

Initially it was designed to used by the

engineers and designers who require
powerful computing.

11/7/2017 23
 Are not used directly.

A computer network is a collection

of computers connected together.

They make programs and data

available for users having access to a
computer network.

11/7/2017 24
 To use servers, users run desktop program called clients
which knows how to contact to server and obtain
information from the server.

Use of desktop clients and centralized servers is called

client/server computing.

11/7/2017 25
Client-Sever Structure

11/7/2017 26
 Look like PCs but have some limitations

Contains only a screen keyboard and

electronics that allow them to communicate
with the computer to which they are
connected.
Lack of process data dumb terminals.
Terminals with limited processing capabilities
is called smart terminals PCs.

11/7/2017 27
 Performs the basic arithmetic and logic
operations.
Supports some of the programming
languages.
Physically smaller
Less expensive
Have small storage capability with
compared to mainframe computers.

11/7/2017 28
 As a result of low cost, ease of operations, it gains
popularity in mid sixties.

Some larger and expensive minicomputers are capable of

supporting a number of terminals in a time-hared mode.

Later years it is replaced by microcomputers.

Example of manufacturer : DEC, Data General, IBM etc.

11/7/2017 29
 A larger computer consists of
modules mounted on a framework.

Vary in size between minicomputer

and supercomputer.

Greater processing speed.

A variety of I/O devices.

Greater storage capacity.

11/7/2017 30
 Support for a number of high-speed storage devices.
Multiprogramming
Time sharing
Operating a mainframe requires a level of efficiency a vary large and
highly trained staff.
Used by
large business organization
Government and
Military

11/7/2017 31
 A very large and powerful mainframe computer is called
a supercomputer.

Applied to solve complex and sophisticated scientific

problems.

For national security purposes of advanced nations.

Very costly limited their development to few

hundreds worldwide.

Example: Cray X-MP ,IBM Road Runner

11/7/2017 32
11/7/2017 33
 Sample questions
1. Differentiate between special purpose and general purpose
computers.
2. Explain the basic characteristics of micro computers.
3. What do you understand by workstation , terminal, client -
server ?
4. What are the basic criteria of super computer?
5. Define the main parts of a computer system?
6.

11/7/2017 34