Introduction to Microcomputer Types
A microcomputer is also referred to as a personal computer or a small computer. Microcomputers have a microprocessor, which is made up of a single chip that contains the CPU (Central Processing Unit), data memory (RAM, ROM), and I/O buses, all of which are connected to the motherboard. It is used in household appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, televisions, etc. In this topic, we are going to see different microcomputer types in detail.
List of Microcomputer types
There are different Microcomputer types given below.
- Desktop Computer
- Laptop
- Smartphone
- Notebook
- Tablet
1. Desktop Microcomputer
The desktop microcomputer plays an important role in the users’ life because it allows them to complete several complex tasks in a short period of time without experiencing any difficulties. This computer sits on a table and is connected to numerous components through wires, including a monitor, keyboard, system unit, and mouse. Users can use these components to insert their commands and receive output based on the input instructions. In addition, these computers can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi or a LAN cable. However, it has some disadvantages, such as a larger footprint than most Desktop Microcomputers (Laptops, PDA, smartphones, and Notebook). In addition, it isn’t portable since it has a set location.
2. Microcomputer Laptop
A laptop, also known as a “Notebook,” is a computer that looks like a sleek briefcase. They can also handle more sophisticated tasks, such as a desktop computer, and they can run on their own in-built battery and a wall socket. Since different small-size components, including a keyboard, LCD monitor, touchpad, and other internal parts, are incorporated into these microcomputers, they are more costly than desktop computers (CPU, Motherboard, Hard disk, etc.). However, its greatest benefit is its portability.
3. Tablets and Smartphones
Tablets
Tablet microcomputers are compact mobile computers with touch screen displays that are smaller than laptop computers but larger than smartphones. On the LCD panel, users can perform both input and output operations. In addition, they can access the internet through Wi-Fi and other cellular networks. Users can experience issues due to a lack of a keyboard, but they may use an external keyboard if more is needed. Tablets such as Apple’s iPad, Microsoft’s Surface, and Amazon’s Kindle Fire are commercially available.
Smartphones
A smartphone is a cell phone with a touch screen that can handle advanced tasks close to those of a computer, such as installing an operating system, downloading software, accessing the internet, and more.
PDA
PDA is short for “Personal Digital Assistant,” and it is a portable device that is equivalent to a tablet, palmtop, or smartphone in terms of portability and scale. It has a small LCD screen for both input and output functions. a PDA can communicate with other computers such as desktops, laptops, and other devices Via infrared (IR), LAN cable, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio waves, and wireless beams. PDAs are mostly used to keep track of to-do lists, appointment schedules, address books, and to take notes.
4. Palmtop microcomputer
The term “pocket computer” refers to a palmtop microcomputer. It is a smaller computer than a PDA, and it uses less power as a result of its compact scale. It is also a very lightweight laptop. Instead of using a keyboard, palmtop computers use a stylus pen stick to enter data. Palmtops don’t usually have disk drives because of their limited size, so they rely on PCMCIA slots to allow disk drives, multiple modems, memory management, and another terminal. Palmtop computers and other portable computers usually run Windows CE operating systems.
Workstation Microcomputers
Workstation microcomputers, also known as efficient one-side computers, are multiprocessor computers with several CPUs. Typically, this microcomputer is programmed by a single user to run specific programs that need more power than a standard PC.
Server Microcomputer
The server microcomputer looks like a computer, but it has a number of powerful features that enable it to render data to another terminal over a variety of networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide-area networks (WANs) (WAN). Any type of server is programmed to accomplish a particular task, such as running the Apache HTTP server to manage all websites on the internet and the Mail server to send and receive emails.
Mini Tower Microcomputer
The mini-tower microcomputer was created in the shape of a small tower. Due to its small scale, it can be mounted on the table with less space than other desktop microcomputers. In addition, different buses may be used to link input/output devices to it.
Full Tower Microcomputer
A full tower microcomputer is an advanced version of a mini-tower microcomputer that includes a motherboard, storage unit, graphics card, power supply, and other peripheral parts.
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