Computer Hardware

Computer

An electronic device that is programmed to receive data, change the data to information, present the information and store the information

Computer System

A computer and all the devices connected to it.

Categories of Computers

Microcomputer Small des ktop s ize 10,000Priced under $ — , Home computers word proces s ing

, education Internet us e — Pers onal Computers us ed in

/ bus ines s can us e many input output, devices communicate with larger

computers — Portable computers s imilar to home

computers but lightweight and, compact battery operated

MinicomputerMore powerful than

microcomputerCan support a large

number of users performing different tasks

Cost from $25,000 to several $100,000

Main FrameProcess

transactions at a very high rate

Can handle numerous users

Store large amounts of data

Priced from several $100,000 to several million

Requires specialized environment

Super Computers

The largest most powerful computers

Represents the most advanced technology

Used by military, NASA and others

Factors in Classification of Computers

PriceSize SpeedProcessing Capabilities

Computer Program

Set of commandsList of instructions that “tells” computer

what to do.Written in special languagesAllows computer to change data into

information.

DATA

Raw facts entered into the computer

Information

Result of data processing