Different Types of Computer Systems

PC



A PC (Personal Computer) is a programable machine that carrys out tasks. Whenever a task has begun the PC then responds to this task. The meaning of PC has been lost in translation, people refer this to the keyboard and the monitor etc. PC actually only refers to the computer itself.

Laptop

Like a Computer, A Laptop's feature are quite similar, they both have a screen and a keyboard, but a Laptop is Portable and can be brought anywhere with the user. For it to work it runs on a battery that is charged via a cable. To access it online it can be picked up on the Wi-Fi or via a Portable USB Connecter.


Netbook



A Netbook is just a smaller and more compact version of a Laptop and is easier to carry about. There main purpose is for  easy access to the internet and the ability work for users who need to to work quicky from either work or school.





PDA







A PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is a handheld computer. it's similar to a Mobile device. They have many features including the same use as a mobile phone and much more. They hold great amounts of information such as address books, being able to word process information and making to-do lists



Mobile Phone

A Mobile Phone is a device that is used to keep in contact with others. The two most common uses for mobile phones are used for SMS Texting and Calling. New and more up to date mobiles are possible to send E-mail's which would only ever used to be thought of doing onto computers, they can be sent and recieved from anywhere.

Games Console


A Games Console is used to play video games. There are many different choices when it comes to games consoles. The list  includes the Playstation 3, X-Box 360 and the Nintendo Wii. Gamers can now interact with other gamers using online features.

Tablet

A Tablet is a portable device capable of wireless connections, it has touch screen features and is alot large than a smart phone. A prime example and most known table available to buy is the Apple Ipad.

Data Flow Diagram

Software

Systems Software


Systems Software is designed to run and operate the computers hardware by running on the application software. These apllications run inside of the computer and cannot be physically touched. An example of this would be a Word Processing Software.


Software Utilities


Software Utilities are applications capable of analyzing, optimizing and maintaining your computer. It is designed to make sure that the computers systems are well looked after and working to the best of its ability. A prime example of a Ultility Software is Norton Ultility.


Applications Software




Application Software is a program or a group of programs a user can open up to carry out specific tasks which the user needs. These tasks would include Games, web browsers and all of Microsoft Office, for example Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint etc are all applications. These Microsoft applications are all used differently to what the user wishes to edit or add in information.

Storage Devices

Storage Devices are hardware devices capable of storing/saving information. For example to store music files these can be written onto a CD. There are two different types of memory, volatile and non-volatile. Volatile is when the data is lost whenever the computer has been re-booted. Non-volatile is when all of the information can be backed up and will be able to retained even when the power has been switched off.


Processor



A Processor is the CPU (Central Processing Unit) In simpliest terms this is the computers brain. It tells the computer what to do and when the computer to do it.




DVD/CD







A DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc. DVD's are used to store movies, television programmes and multimedia presentations. The Memory of a DVD's can range from 4.7GB to around 17GB. Not only can DVD's be viewed but movies which have been downloaded onto the computer can be written onto a disc. Like a DVD, a CD can also have data written onto, as such as music, pictures and manys different formats of audio. We use CD's to listen to music mainly.

Flash Drive




A Flash Drive is a small storage device that is used to transport files to and from the computer to various other computers. These can also be known as USB Drives. They can be helpful to students at school wanting to store their essays/homework so they can work between home and school. They are small, compact and easy to carry about.

Hard Disk Drive





The Hard Disk Drive is somewhere were data can be stored onto the computer. Its controlled onto this and mostly everything that is needed to be saved is stored onto the Hard Disk Drive.

CD ROM


The CD ROM stands for Compact Disk - Read Only Memory and is used to store large amounts of Software and Information. Not only can information be read on it but also data can be written and saved onto it.

Output Devices

Printer

A Printer is an output device used to copy information from the computer onto paper form. This is used alot in offices and schools for the user to be able to have a copy for themselves or others.

Monitor

A Monitor is an output device used for the user to be able to view what they are searching for on the screen, a monitor is an essential piece of equipment because without a monitor nothing can be done.

Speakers



Speakers are an output device used so that the user will be able to listen to any piece of music, video or any other sort of audio on the system. They are external and easy for the user to decide on different volumes.


Projector

A Projecter is a device that is connected onto the computer and whatever is being viewed on it will be shown onto a overhead slide and will magnify the size greatly. They are found very useful in schools in which a teacher can display examples of work to show the many students at the same time.

Input Devices

Webcam

A Webcam is a device that is used to interact with other users visually. It provides other users with real time images which is connected via USB, Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Webcams can be used for companies to set up a video conference. This is helpful for for long distance meetings and saves traveling cost.


Microphone

A Micophone is a device used to input sound into the computer, nowadays entering data isnt only used by typing information in. They can be used to interact with gamers, talk to people via Skype and for recording voice data or music.


Digital Camera

A Digital Camara is a device used to take still photos. When a picture has been taken that picture can then be immediately uploaded onto the comptuter where it can be used to save or print for whatever use.



Touch Screen

A Touch Screen is a device that has the systems of a computer but the screen can be "touched" by hand. The information and pictures can be looked at by pressing down. there is no need for a mouse.


Keyboard 




A keyboard device is used to type and key in information on to the computer. A keyboard is an essential tool for a computer. It is used to type data onto a Microsoft engines, online and almost everything on a computer has been used to key in.

Joystick/Games Controller

A Games controller is a device used with a games console to control whats going on inside the games, it provides the input and what the player wishes to do. Examples of consoles that have games controllers include, X-Box, Playstations, Nintendo and Computers.


Mouse

A Mouse is a device used for a computer so information can be "clicked," or "scrolled." It consists of two buttons and a "wheel." For a user to be able to look from page to page a mouse is a very important tool for a computer.

Graphics Tablet


A Graphics Tablet is used like a Touch Screen Device, it has similar attributes. Graphics Tablet are provided with a stylus which is used in the same way in which a pen is used to write information. This infomation can be written or or used to draw images.

Hardware Components

Processor

The Processor in simplest terms is the computers brain. It tells the computer when to do something. It decides which is the best path and method to take and is the central component of a computer. Every Operation that is taken place on the computer is either directly or indirectly referred back to the Processor.

Memory

 Memory is used to save and store pieces of work, information and programs. We use this to refer back to useful data.

RAM (Random Access Memory) – The RAM is a quick and easy way to save information.

ROM (Read Only Memory) – The ROM is when the information is stored even when the computer is turned off.

Network Connections

3G/ 4G

3G is a connection used for mobiles to get connected online to the internet which features high speed internet access. 4G is basically an updated version of 3G and can reach faster download speeds. It is claimed 4G will be the successor of 3G within the near future.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A Network Interface Card is built within the computers  circuit board. It is the hardware that allows the connection onto the internet, with this it allows the user to connect to the net using a LAN. (Local Area Connection).

Bluetooth/Wireless

Bluetooth and Wireless is a connection between 2 devices via radio waves submitted through the air from a short distance. For Example in a car a phone can be connected to the loud speakers with a Bluetooth connection so the user can speak without handling the device.