Information and Communication Technology (0417) | Types of computer

Section 1.4: Types of Computer Systems

Hello future ICT expert! This chapter is all about recognizing the diverse world of computers. It’s important because the type of computer you choose determines what tasks you can perform most effectively.
We are going to compare the big, powerful machines you might see in an office with the tiny, integrated devices you carry in your pocket!

Remember: Every computer system is designed to solve a specific set of problems. Its size and features depend entirely on its purpose!

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Desktop Computers

Characteristics of a Desktop Computer

A desktop computer is a system designed to be used permanently in one location, usually on a desk. They are made up of separate components that plug into the main system unit (the tower).

Think of it as the 'classic' computer setup.

Key Characteristics:

• Physical Setup: Consists of separate external components (monitor, keyboard, mouse, system unit).
• Power: Typically requires constant AC power (plugged into the wall).
• Size: Generally large and bulky.
• Integration: Components are not integrated; they are easily swapped out.

Uses of Desktop Computers

Desktop computers are favoured when power and stability are more important than mobility:

• Office and Business Management: Running powerful software (like complex databases or financial modeling) where continuous, stable performance is needed.
• Education: Used in computer labs where students need robust machines for programming or graphic design.
• Gaming and Entertainment: High-end graphics cards and processors necessary for demanding modern video games.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Desktop Computers

Advantages (Why they are great):

• Expandability: You can easily open the case and add new components (more RAM, a faster graphics card, or extra hard drives).
• Power: They can use larger, more powerful components because cooling and space are less restrictive.
• Cost: They often offer better performance for the money compared to mobile equivalents.
• Ergonomics: Separate monitors and keyboards are usually more comfortable for long periods of work.

Disadvantages (The downsides):

• Portability: Zero portability—you cannot easily move them.
• Space: They take up a lot of physical space.

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Mobile Computers

Mobile computers are devices designed specifically for portability. All major components (screen, input, processor, and battery) are integrated into a single, compact unit.

Types of Mobile Computers (Syllabus Requirements)

1. Laptop Computers

Analogy: A laptop is like a foldable desktop.

These are computers that are small enough to be carried easily and contain an integrated keyboard and screen.

• Characteristics: Full operating system, reasonable processing power, reliant on battery power for short periods.
• Uses: Office work on the move, presentations, university study.

2. Smartphones

These are mobile phones built on a mobile operating system, with highly advanced computing capabilities.

• Characteristics: Very small, high portability, primarily touch-screen input, heavy reliance on wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, cellular).
• Uses: Communication, accessing the internet, running specific apps, capturing photos/video.

3. Tablet Computers

Analogy: A tablet is a big smartphone without the phone part.

Tablets are small, flat, touch-screen controlled devices, larger than a smartphone but smaller than most laptops.

• Characteristics: Highly portable, excellent for media consumption (reading, watching videos), input usually via on-screen keyboard or stylus.
• Uses: Education (interactive textbooks), gaming, media consumption, remote control of other devices.

4. Phablet Computers

Don't worry if you haven't heard this term much! A phablet is simply a device that combines the features of a phone and a tablet—a very large smartphone (often with a screen size between 5.5 and 7 inches).

• Characteristics: Highly portable, dual purpose (phone and computing).
• Uses: Users who need a large screen for browsing or work but still require a single device for phone calls.

Uses of Mobile Computers

Mobile computers are used for tasks requiring flexibility and location independence:

• Remotely Controlled Devices: Using a smartphone or tablet to manage devices (like drones, smart home heating, or security cameras).
• Field Work: Businesses using tablets to capture data on-site (e.g., surveyors, delivery drivers).
• Entertainment: Streaming movies or playing mobile games anywhere.

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The Critical Comparison: Portability vs. Expandability

In your exams, you must be able to compare and contrast these types of computers, focusing on two main differences: Portability and Expandability.

Portability

Portability refers to how easily the computer can be moved and used in different locations, often relying on internal battery power.

• Mobile Computers (High Portability): They are small, lightweight, have integrated components, and long battery life. This allows for use anywhere (e.g., in a car, on a train, walking around).
• Desktop Computers (Low Portability): They are bulky, require connection to external components and a power outlet, making them effectively static.

Expandability

Expandability refers to the ability to easily upgrade or add new physical components (like memory or graphics cards) to enhance the computer’s performance.

• Desktop Computers (High Expandability): The modular design means you can quickly swap out or add components to meet higher performance needs (e.g., installing a new RAM stick or larger SSD).
• Mobile Computers (Low Expandability): Components are highly integrated (soldered onto the motherboard). Upgrading is difficult or impossible, often limited only to adding external accessories or sometimes upgrading SD card storage.

Summary Table of Differences

For a question asking you to compare the two types, focus on these points:

Feature	Desktop Computer	Mobile Computer (Laptop/Tablet)
Portability	Low (Static, needs plug)	High (Lightweight, battery powered)
Expandability	High (Easy to upgrade internal parts)	Low (Parts often soldered/integrated)
Processing Power	Usually Higher	Usually Lower (due to cooling constraints)
Input Method	External peripherals (Keyboard/Mouse)	Integrated or Touch Screen