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Classification of Computers
Classification of Computers
Palmtop
• A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Palmtops that use a pen rather
than a keyboard for input are often called hand-held computers or PDAs
PDA
• Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing,
telephone/fax, and networking features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular
phone, fax sender, and personal organizer.
Subnotebook computer
• A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-
sized notebook computer. Typically, subnotebook computers have a
smaller keyboard and screen, but are otherwise equivalent to
notebook computers.
• System software contrasts with application software, which are programs that enable
the end-user to perform specific, productive tasks, such as word processing or image
manipulation.
• System software performs tasks like transferring data from memory to disk, or rendering
text onto a display device. Specific kinds of system software include loading programs,
operating systems, device drivers, programming tools, and utility software.
• There are many types of operating systems. The most common is the
Microsoft suite of operating systems. They include from most recent
to the oldest:
• Microsoft Windows 10
• Microsoft Windows 8
• Microsoft Windows 7
• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Windows XP Professional Edition - A version used by many businesses on
workstations. It has the ability to become a member of a corporate domain.
• Windows XP Home Edition - A lower cost version of Windows XP which is for
home use only and should not be used at a business.
• Windows 2000 - A better version of the Windows NT operating system which
works well both at home and as a workstation at a business. It includes
technologies which allow hardware to be automatically detected and other
enhancements over Windows NT.
• Unix - A system that has been around for many years and it is very stable. It is
primary used to be a server rather than a workstation and should not be used by
anyone who does not understand the system. It can be difficult to learn. Unix
must normally run an a computer made by the same company that produces the
software.
• Linux - Linux is similar to Unix in operation but it is free. It also should not be used
by anyone who does not understand the system and can be difficult to learn.
• Apple Macintosh - Most recent versions are based on Unix but it has a good
graphical interface so it is both stable (does not crash often or have as many
software problems as other systems may have) and easy to learn. One drawback
to this system is that it can only be run on Apple produced hardware.