Introduction

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 461.

UNIT 2 COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

Text 2.1.Read the text and classify computers according to their features in a table.

There are different types of computer of varying size and power, including the following: 1) Supercomputer (the most powerful type of mainframe)

2) Mainframe (large, very powerful, multi-user i.e. can be used by many people at the same time, multi-tasking i.e. can run many programs and process different sets of data at the same time)

3) Minicomputer (smaller than a mainframe, powerful, multi-user, multi-tasking)

4) Personal computer (PC – single user)

• Desktop computer (suitable size for sitting on an office desk)
• Workstation (most powerful type of desktop, used for graphic design, etc.)
• Portable (can be carried around, can operate with batteries)
• Laptop (large portable, can be rested on user's lap)
• Notebook (size of a sheet of notebook paper)
• Handheld (can be held in one hand)
• Pen-based (main input device is an electronic pen)
• PDA (personal digital assistant, has functions such as task lists, diary, address book)

Note that the term PC usually refers to an IBM compatible personal computer i.e. an Apple Mac personal computer is not referred to as a PC. A computer that provides a sevice on a network e.g. storing files, sharing a printer, is known as a server computer. Server computers usually have a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) attached to them. This is a battery that automatically provides an electricity supply to allow the server to shut itself down properly if the main supply fails.