Types of Computers

Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is
considerable overlap:
• Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds
or thousands of users simultaneously.
o That means, they can perform different actions or ‘processes’ at the same time.
o In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because
they support more simultaneous programs.
o Very large and expensive computer

•Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions

of instructions per second.
o Very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require
immense amounts of mathematical calculations.

• Personal computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor. In

addition to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering
o data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage device for saving
data. Cheap and easy to use.
o Often used as stand-alone computers or in a network.
o May be connected to large mainframe computers within big companies.

• Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal

computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality
monitor. They have the capacity to store and process large quantities of data, but they
are only used by one person at a time. However, workstations are typically linked
together to form a computer network called a local area network, which means that
several people, such as staff in an office, can communicate with each other and share
electronic files and data.
• Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds
of users simultaneously. They are mid-sized multi-processing computers.
Organisations may use a mini-computer for such tasks as managing the information
in a small financial system or maintaining a small database of information about
registrations or applications.

Microcomputers: A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with

a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU)
o A small, single-user computer based on one microprocessor.
o Microcomputers are designed to be used by individuals

Application of Computers in Solving business problems

Automated Production Systems: Many car factories are almost completely automated
and the cars are assembled by computer-controlled robots.
This automation is becoming increasingly common
throughout industry.
Design Systems: Many products are designed using CAD (Computer Aided
Design) programs to produce exact specifications and
detailed drawings on the computer before producing models
of new products
Stock Control: Stock control is ideal for automation and in many companies, it is now
completely computerized. The stock control system keeps track of the number of items
in stock and can automatically order replacement items when required.
Accounts / Payroll: In most large organizations the accounts are maintained by a
computerized system. Due to the repetitive nature of accounts a computer system is
ideally suited to this task and accuracy is guaranteed.
Computers in Education: Computer Based Training (CBT) offers a low cost
solution to training needs where you need to train a large amount of people on a single
subject.
These programs are normally supplied on CD-ROM and combine text, graphics and
sound.
Uses of Computer Computers in Daily Life, Accounts, Games, Educational, On-line
banking, Smart ID cards, Supermarkets, Working from home (Tele-working) Internet

Definitions: Data, Information and Knowledge

Data: Raw unstructured facts and figures that provide no further information
regarding patterns, context, etc.
Information: Processed data with meaning/relevance and purpose
Knowledge: Application of stored information (processed information). Knowledge
is closely linked to doing and implies know-how and understanding.
Wisdom: evaluated understanding.