Types of computers

computer definition

The definition of a computer begins with its word, so the word “Computer” is an English word taken from the English verb “Compute” which means to calculate, and when translated into Arabic, the authors took words denoting it in Arabic, and it was: electronic computer, or electronic mind, and finally it was the most famous name It is the computer or the computer as it is pronounced in the English language, and the computer is known linguistically as a programmed device to perform quick operations, or to store and retrieve information at any time.

A computer is also defined as a programmed electronic device, which is used to process data through logical and arithmetic operations in an automatic manner, and humans do not interfere in that except by entering commands, and this is done when the computer receives data and information from the input units and then processes them, and finally saves them in various types. The memory used in the computer, and then showing it to the user in a way that is easy for him to understand through output units.

Computer components

The computer consists of two parts: the physical (in English: Hardware), and the other is the software part (in English: Software); Where each part needs the other in order for the computer to function normally, and the physical part is divided into two parts: input devices, output devices, and computer components are:

physical components

• keyboard and mouseThey are both input devices.
• Microphone: is an input device.
• ScannerIt is also an input device.
• Motherboard: It is the part on which all parts of the computer are connected in order to work together.
• Central processing unit (in English: Central Process Unit): She is the mastermind of the computer; Because it is responsible for processing all data in the computer, and also sends data to various types of memory in the computer for storage before showing it as required through output units such as: screen, printer, and audio speakers.
• Random Access Memory: This memory is a volatile memory. That is, it loses all its contents as soon as the electrical current is disconnected from the computer, and this memory is used to temporarily store data coming from input units such as the keyboard.
• Read Only Memory: It is the memory that contains the initial operating settings necessary to operate the computer, and it comes containing these settings from its manufacturer, and its contents cannot be modified.
• cache memory: It is a memory characterized by its high speed and the speed of data retrieval from it, and it is used for temporary storage of data.
• Hard disk (in English: Hard Disk): It is the part responsible for permanently storing data, and is also used to store operating system files needed to operate the computer.
• Digital disc unit.
• the screen: are output devices.
• audio speakers: is one of the output devices in the computer.
• the printer: are output devices.

software components

• Operating System: It is the main program that contains the necessary commands to operate the computer, and makes its use possible for the user.
• Various programs and applications: Such as audio, video, text editing programs, internet browsers, and other applications used in the computer world.

Types of computers

The types of computers differ according to the functions to be performed by the computer, and among the types of computers:

• PC: It is a computer that is designed for the use of one person only, and its specifications are few compared to other types due to its simple use.
• Desktop computer: It is the type used in offices in various companies, banks, and workplaces that require better and stronger specifications than a personal computer.
• Mainframe computer It is a large, powerful device that supports many users at the same time, and it is used a lot in shops and large institutions that need a main computer, and it is distinguished by its high specifications and large size.
• Notebook computer (in English: Notebook): It is a computer that looks like a laptop but is smaller than it, and is characterized by its low cost, ease of portability, and low specifications.
• Laptop: It is a portable computer; Because it is very light compared to previous devices, and what made it basically portable is that it has a rechargeable battery that can work for several hours without plugging it into the electrical plug, and it is very fast, but it is slower than a desktop computer by a small percentage that is almost negligible.
• server computer: It is a regular computer like desktop computers, and the server is central to the rest of the computers, and its capacity is very large compared to the rest of the devices connected through it; Because it is used in various central processing units, and is also used in computer networks, and is characterized by its very high specifications, great efficiency, and exorbitant price.
• Personal Data Assistants: It is a very small computer that can be carried by hand, and it is much smaller than a laptop computer, and it is often used to save important addresses and appointments, and it has a battery that is charged and can work for long hours, so the user does not need to charge this type only once a day, as it can be turned on for more than 12 continuous hours, and it is more expensive than a laptop computer because of its small size, easy use, and is often used by businessmen.
• Workstation computer: It is a computer with very high and large specifications, and this type is usually used in video games that require high specifications to run various games.
• Supercomputer: It is a gigantic device with its size, specifications, and price that can reach millions of dollars. This type is used in scientific experiments. A supercomputer consists of several computer interfaces that work together in a unified manner.