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E0001 Computers in Engineering. “The Computer” Input and Output Devices. Module 4. Categories of computers define 5 major categories of computers and how they are classified Information Processing Cycle Input devices Output devices. Categories of Computers. five main categories
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E0001 Computers in Engineering “The Computer” Input and Output Devices
Module 4 • Categories of computers • define 5 major categories of computers and how they are classified • Information Processing Cycle • Input devices • Output devices
Categories of Computers • five main categories • microcomputer (personal computer; PC) • server • minicomputer • mainframe • supercomputer
Microcomputers • most widely used and fastest growing type of computer • two types • desk-top e.g. PC, workstation • portable • laptops • notebooks
Minicomputers • midway in cost and capability between microcomputers and mainframes • serve medium-sized companies or specialised departments e.g. CAD/CAM • used as single workstations or a system serving many terminals • Hence server - central computer holding databases & programs for many PC’s
Mainframes • require specially wired and air conditioned rooms • capable of great processing speeds and data storage • used by large organisations to handle millions of transactions
Supercomputers • high capacity machines • used to model complex phenomena • oil exploration, simulations, worldwide weather forecasting • two designs • vector processors - a few (1-16) large specialised processors run calculations at high speeds • massively parallel processors (MPP) - spreads calculations over hundreds or thousands of standard microprocessors
Define a Computer • “Computers are:- electronic devices that can follow instructions to accept input, process that input (data) and produce information.” • key words • electronic devices • process • data vs information
Computer Components computers composed of: • input devices • system unit • output devices • secondary storage devices
Information Processing Cycle - IPOS • I - Input • P - Processing • O - Output • S - Storage INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT STORAGE
Categories of Computers six main categories embedded computer microcomputer (personal computer; PC) server minicomputer mainframe supercomputer Defined by processing speed and number of users
Input devices - transmit the data and instructions to the computer in a form which the processor can understand two main types keyboard entry direct entry keyboards pointing devices terminals scanning devices voice input devices sensors Input to the Computer
Output devices Output devices put the processed data into a form that can be used by people or stored in “computer useable form” • monitors • printers • plotters • voice output • “control” output
Readings • Shelly Cashman.. • 1995:- p 1.7 - 1.13; p 3.1 - 3.2; p 5.1 - 5.25 • 1997-2000:- chapter 4 and 5 • Computers in Your Future by Meyer • 1995:- Unit 1B - p18 - 28; Unit 2A - p50 - 64; Unit 2C - p 86 - 102 • 1997:- 2.42 to 2.76 • Selected Readings 4.1 • Module 4 of Study Book
Key points • explain the difference between keyboard and direct entry devices • describe • features of keyboards and the three types of terminals • direct entry devices • monitors and monitor standards • printers and plotters and voice output devices
Things to do • list types of monitors, pixel sizes and number of colours • list the 4 major types of printers, their characteristics and typical uses • difference between laptops and notebooks