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CIE IGCSE ICT Your notes

1.3 Types of Computer

Contents
Desktop Computers
Mobile Computers

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Desktop Computers
Your notes
Desktop Computers
Characteristics of a Desktop Computer
Designed to be used on a desk or table
Comprised of separate components (monitor, keyboard, mouse, tower)
More powerful than laptops and tablets
Easier to upgrade and customise
Typically less portable than other computer types
Uses of a Desktop Computer
Office and business management:
Word processing
Spreadsheet creation and management
Email communication
Data storage and backup
Education:
Access to educational resources
Creating and editing multimedia content
Conducting research
Distance learning and virtual classrooms
Gaming and entertainment:
High-performance gaming
Streaming movies and TV shows
Social media browsing
Creating and editing video and audio content

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Mobile Computers
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Mobile Computers
Portable computing devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and phablets, that allow users to
access and use computer applications and resources on the go
Characteristics of Mobile Computers
Laptop Computers:
Portable with integrated display, keyboard, and touchpad
Battery powered
Less powerful and less expandable than desktops
Smartphones:
Portable and lightweight
Touchscreen interface
Multifunctional (phone, internet access, camera)
Anti-glare screen
Front and rear facing camera
Battery powered
Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
Has an on screen keyboard
Tablet Computers:
Larger touchscreen than smartphones
Ideal for media consumption and web browsing
Limited expandability
Anti-glare screen
Front and rear facing camera
Battery powered
Portable and lightweight
Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
Has an on screen keyboard
Phablet Computers:
Combine features of smartphones and tablets
Larger screen than smartphones
Can be used for phone calls
Uses of Mobile Computers
Office and business management:
Remote access to office applications
Email and communication on the go
Mobile payment processing

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Calendar
Education:
E-books and digital textbooks Your notes
Educational apps and tools
Note-taking and research
Gaming and entertainment:
Mobile gaming apps
Streaming movies and music
Social media
Remotely controlled devices:
Controlling smart home devices
Remote access to surveillance systems
Controlling drones and other devices
Communication:
Video calling
Text messaging
Other:
Sat Nav
Online banking
Searching the Internet
Taking photos
Language translation
Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

Easy to carry and use on the go (Portability) Limited expandability (Difficult to upgrade hardware)

Access to internet and resources from anywhere Less powerful (Lower performance compared to
(Flexibility) desktop computers)

Can be used for various tasks and activities (Multi-

Shorter battery life (Needs frequent charging)
functionality)

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Worked example
Your notes
Circle two input devices that could be used in a smartphone.

HDD magnetic stripe reader microphone mouse

remote control speaker touchpad touch screen
[2]
Microphone [1]
Touch screen [1]

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