HOW USE A COMPUTER
CHAPTER 1.0
Introduction to using a computer
Definition of a computer, this is an electronic device that is made up of input devices such as the keyboard and is used to capture data and instructions, with the help of sets of instructions it will be able to produce results or output through devices such as printers or screens. 1.
Classes of computers
Computers can be classified as follows:
•
•
•
•
Supercomputers
Mainframe computers
Minicomputers
Microcomputers, commonly called PCs
1.1
A supercomputer is used to process very large amounts of data very quickly. They are particularly useful for occasions where high volumes of calculations need to be performed, for example in meteorological or astronomical applications.
1.2
A mainframe computer system uses a powerful central computer, linked by cable or telecommunications to terminals. A mainframe has many times more processing power than a PC and offers extensive data storage facilities.
Mainframes are used by organisations such as banks that have very large volumes of processing to perform and have special security needs. Many organisations have now replaced their old mainframes with networked ‘client server systems of mid-range computers and PCs because this approach is thought to be the cheaper and offer more flexibility
1.3
A minicomputer is a computer whose size, speed and capabilities lie somewhere between those of a mainframe and a PC. The term was originally used before PCs were developed, to describe computers which were cheaper but less wellequipped than mainframe computers. With the advent of PCs and of mainframes that are much smaller than in the past, the definition of a minicomputer has become rather vague. There is really no definition which distinguishes adequately between a PC and a minicomputer.
1.4
PCs are now the norm for small to medium-sized business computing and for home computing, and most larger businesses now use them for day-to-day
Introduction to using a computer
Definition of a computer, this is an electronic device that is made up of input devices such as the keyboard and is used to capture data and instructions, with the help of sets of instructions it will be able to produce results or output through devices such as printers or screens. 1.
Classes of computers
Computers can be classified as follows:
•
•
•
•
Supercomputers
Mainframe computers
Minicomputers
Microcomputers, commonly called PCs
1.1
A supercomputer is used to process very large amounts of data very quickly. They are particularly useful for occasions where high volumes of calculations need to be performed, for example in meteorological or astronomical applications.
1.2
A mainframe computer system uses a powerful central computer, linked by cable or telecommunications to terminals. A mainframe has many times more processing power than a PC and offers extensive data storage facilities.
Mainframes are used by organisations such as banks that have very large volumes of processing to perform and have special security needs. Many organisations have now replaced their old mainframes with networked ‘client server systems of mid-range computers and PCs because this approach is thought to be the cheaper and offer more flexibility
1.3
A minicomputer is a computer whose size, speed and capabilities lie somewhere between those of a mainframe and a PC. The term was originally used before PCs were developed, to describe computers which were cheaper but less wellequipped than mainframe computers. With the advent of PCs and of mainframes that are much smaller than in the past, the definition of a minicomputer has become rather vague. There is really no definition which distinguishes adequately between a PC and a minicomputer.
1.4
PCs are now the norm for small to medium-sized business computing and for home computing, and most larger businesses now use them for day-to-day