Types of Computer Systems

VOCABULARY

• desktop = a computer that sits on a desktop. common in schools, workplaces and homes

• mobile device = portable smart phone, tablet or other wireless computing device that can used while moving around

• server = a large computer used to coordinate other computers in a network, such as at schools and in businesses

DETAILS

Desktop Systems

• All in One (AiO)
  
  

  • combines the monitor and computer tower into one

  • all housed into one single container

  • similar parts to a traditional desktop, but some say it is more like laptop parts inside the container

  • example is an iMac computer

• Tower

  • this is the traditional desktop computer with the large box separate to the monitor

  • usually can contain components with large size

• Compact

  • small

  • separate container to the monitor

  • sometimes called mini-pcs or small form factor (SFF)

Mobile Device

• a computer you can carry around eg eBook reader, smartphone.

• can have touch screens and virtual keyboards

• can play music and take photos

• can use internet wirelessly

• conduct activities like online banking.

Server

• a server on a network linked to other computers

• usually has very good hardware specifications for processing and storage

• dedicated to network only, so no word processing or email applications needed.

• provides shared resources, ie a proxy server to distribute the internet

• provides access to printers, data saving locations and more.

FOR YOU TO DO

1. List the 3 types of desktop computers.

2. Describe how these desktop computers are different from each other.

3. Describe how a mobile device is different to a server.

4. Describe how a mobile device is the same as a server.

VOCABULARY

• compatible = to exist together and not have any problems

• compatibility issues = together, but having lots of problems

• complementary = made for each other. Old software is made for old computers. New software is made for new computers.

DETAILS

New Software and OLD Computing Device

• This has the most problems.

• New software was designed for new computers.

• When they made the software, they tested on the new computers at the time. To make sure it worked well on the new computers.

• New software usually needs more RAM and better CPUs. This is because new software is improved and needs better hardware to work well.

Old Software and New Computing Device

• This has a few problems between the hardware and the software.

• The biggest problem is loading software onto a computer it wasn't designed for or tested on.

• Software is made to work with particular operating systems. For example, WinXP is software from 2001.

• A new desktop computer will be able to run WinXP (on Windows), but the latest release of Adobe Premiere Pro won't work on WinXP.

• Lots of old software will not work on new computers.

• Those who are studying business will understand that this is a very good marketing strategy, to make money.

FOR YOU TO DO

1. Locate a computer to analyse.

2. Find out what operating system it has.

3. Find out what software can be run on it. ie What software is compatible with it.

4. Work out what software can't be run on it.

VOCABULARY

• usability = users can use it well or not

• specified client requirements = meets the needs of a particular company or people

DETAILS

• clients expect devices to  offer portable creation of word processing, internet linking via email, or social networking, ecommerce, education, entertainment

• clients expect tablets which  include virtual on-screen keyboards, some have hand writing recognition, attachable keyboards

• clients expect better resolution

• clients expect faster processing speeds to be able to complete higher processing tasks such as video and image manipulation

• clients with large/fat fingers expect to be able to use these devices

• client need, convenience of wireless is critical for modern users, technology anyplace and anytime

• client need, interactivity so people can engage in email, banking transactions, and more. Can you think of others?

• client need, personalised. Most users have their own device so music, bookmarks and other settings are personalised

• client need, location services, so users can locate services nearby, or in their current location

FOR YOU TO DO

• Reading. Polycom Data Sheet (or see attached)

• Analyse the second paragraph in the data sheet above,  "Powerful Innovation". Write down the sentence about how it connects and controls the system.

• Analyse the third paragraph "Legendary Performance". Write down the last sentence. Be able to tell your teacher in your own words what it means.

• Analyse the last paragraph. Write down details about encryption and authentication. Be able to tell your teacher in your own words what it means.

• What user requirement is this Polycom digital device offering clients?

Learn more from informED, 

VOCABULARY

• suitability = right for the purpose

• meet client needs = meets the needs of a particular company or people

DETAILS

• Client Need. Convenience of wireless is critical for modern users, device has more functions and capability each year, yet can remain the same size, can put device in pocket or small bag, wireless available most city places, connectivity very reliable

• Client Need. Interactivity so people can actively engage with apps. email, banking transactions, shopping, taxi and bus services, restaurants and more. Can you think of others?

• Client Need. Personalised. Most users have their own device, settings designed to meet exact needs of user. ie visibility and hearing impaired can adjust, passwords can be saved to device for quick access to app resources, your own music library is available as is your internet favourites. Can you think of more? Text or voice based??

• Client Need. Location Services. You can locate services nearby, or in your current location. To find an ATM you can use an app linked to location services. Can you think of more?

• Client Need. Online mobile payments. Mobile device to be able to make payments wirelessly, replacing credit/debit cards

• Client Need. Remote control of household items. Can a smartphone change channels on TV, adjust air conditioning, or record your favourite TV show

FOR YOU TO DO

• Make a list of needs that a doctor who does house calls in your capital city may have of a mobile device.

• Make a list of needs that you may have of your mobile device in the next 2 years.

Learn more from wenko baidu.com  

VOCABULARY

• component = a part of a computer 

DETAILS

• visit wikipedia to learn more about the general components of a computer system. Also use the table at the bottom of the same page to go to other pages for more details

FOR YOU TO DO

1. Make a list of top of the range and average for each of the following

• CPUs

• RAM

• Hard drives

• Solid state drives

• Graphics cards

• Monitors

• Graphic Tablet

2. You are expected to be very familiar with all components above. You should know the following details and a whole lot more.

• SDRAM and RDRAM are types of RAM

• LED and LCD are types of monitors

• i7, intel, AMD, Athlon are popular CPUs

• Radeon, GeForce are popular video/graphics cards

• Western Digital, Seagate are popular hard disk drives

• Wacom are popular graphic tablets

3. You are expected to know that cache is stored in several locations; on the CPU L1 cache, next to the CPU L2 cache. Also that cache is the fastest memory so it is important to have a larger amount, but it is costly.

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