Micro Computer
Its development started in the 1970s when micro processors were used in CPUs. It was first developed by IBM Company. In this 8,16,32 or 64 bit micro processor is used.
VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) and ULSI (ULSI- Ultra Large Scale Integration) have reduced the size of micro processors while the capacity has increased manifold. The development of multimedia and the Internet has extended the utility of microcomputers to every field. Many microcomputers can be connected together by means of communication to form a computer network. Desktop computer, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet and smartphone are different forms of microcomputer.
Uses:- It is being used in countless fields like home, office, school, business, production, defence, entertainment, medicine etc.
1. Personal Computer (PC) :- It is also called desktop computer. The PC used today is actually a micro computer. It consists of keyboard, monitor, and system unit. The system unit consists of CPU, memory and other hardware. It is a small sized computer designed for common tasks. Only one person can work on it at a time. That is why it is called personal computer.
Its operating system is capable of performing multiple tasks simultaneously. PCs can be connected to each other or to the Internet with the help of telephones and modems.
Ex:- IBM, Lenovo, Dell, HP (Hewlett Packard), HCL, Apple
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| Personal Computer |
2. Work Station : - This is a powerful PC. Which is made keeping in mind more processing capacity, huge storage and better display. Only one person can work on it at a time.
Uses: - To study and generate real conditions in the fields of scientific, engineering, building construction etc.
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| workstation computer |
3. Notebook computer or laptop : - This is a notebook-sized computer that can be carried anywhere by keeping it in a briefcase. It has all the features of a personal computer. Since it is used by keeping it on the lap. Hence it is also called laptop computer.
The laptop was developed by Adam Osborne in 1981. It houses a foldable LCD monitor, keyboard, touch pad, harddisk, floppy disk drive, CD/DVD drive and other ports. In order to work without electricity, a charged battery is used in it. Lithium ion battery is commonly used in laptops. It can also be connected to the Internet with the help of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
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| Laptop |
4. Netbook : - It is a miniature version of notebook or laptop. Which is specially designed for accessing the Internet through a wireless network in a moving state. Netbooks are less in size and weight than laptop computers and have less processing and storage capacity.
The word netbook is derived from the amalgamation of the word internet and notebook. Netbooks can easily be used for connecting to the Internet, surfing the World Wide Web, sending and receiving e-mail, using social media, uploading or downloading video and audio files, etc.
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| Netbook Computer |
5. Tablet Computer : - A tablet is a small computer. In which keyboard or mouse is not used. In this, stylus, pen or touch screen is used for input. A virtual or on-screen keyboard is used to enter data in the tablet. It can also be connected to the Internet via a wireless network. It can also be used like a smartphone.
Since the tablet computer is used by keeping it in hand. Hence it is also called hand held computer. The Apple company's iPad is an example of a tablet computer.
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| Tablet Computer |
6. Palmtop : - This is a very small computer which is a computer which can be worked by keeping it in hand. It can also be called mini laptop. Instead of keyboard, the function of voice input is taken. PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is also a small computer. Many tasks can be done by connecting it to the network. It can also be treated like a phone.
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| Palmtop Computer |
7. Smartphone : - Smartphone is a mobile phone in which almost all the features of a computer are present. In this, touchscreen technology is used for data input.
A tablet or PDA is a computer that can also be used as an alternative phone. Smartphone, on the other hand, is primarily a phone that can be used for certain tasks of computer processing and access to the Internet. Smartphones can be used with one hand while a tablet or PDA has to be operated with both hands. Smartphones, tablets and PDAs are called hand held devices.
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| smartphone |
