Computers have entered our lives and have become an indispensable tool for every person. And we are talking not only about desktop versions, but also about smartphones, tablets, smart watches and other devices. All this is one way or another considered computers, which suggests the existence of several types of this device. Therefore, it is worth finding out what computers are.
Device
From English this word is translated as “calculator”. It was this task that became central during the invention of such a system. Now the computer is defined as a device that has the ability to perform a given sequence of operations, which is determined by the necessary indicators. Each operation has its own sequence and algorithm and is called a program.
Thanks to the computer, a computer system appeared. So called equipment, which may consist of blocks. In the complex, they are responsible for a certain operation, processing data.
Classification
What computers are there? Immediately the entire device can be divided as intended. This includes desktop, home, personal, workstations, gaming, media centers, etc.
Also, all devices can be attributed to small and mobile. Here it is worth mentioning laptops, tablets, smartphones, e-books, calculators, etc. There are supercomputers, nanocomputers, smart dust and many other devices.
Each of them has its own characteristics, models, manufacturers, etc.
Desktop systems
Dealing with what types of computers are, the user immediately encounters desktop systems. This includes stationary PCs that are designed for use at home or in the office.
Desktop systems - a generic name for all PCs that a person can use at home or at work. Therefore, this includes media systems, gamers, and ordinary office devices.
Most often, PCs are compared to laptops. In the early 2000s, there was a shift in user attention from computers to laptops. But with the active development of games and e-sports, people's craving for a stationary device is growing again. Although laptops have become much more powerful and can cope with any tasks, they have a number of drawbacks that are difficult to close their eyes for the sake of mobility alone.
Workstations
What computers are still? Workers have become popular among scientists and specialists in various fields of production. These systems are represented by a complex of hardware and software. Such equipment is designed for specialized tasks.
Under the workstation may mean different equipment. For example, this can be called the workplace of a specialist. The workstation in this case consists of a computer or terminal, the necessary software, as well as any other additional equipment.
Also, a workstation is often called a personal computer, which is part of the LAN relative to the server.
Personal computers
So called microcomputers. A PC is a household appliance with universal capabilities. If initially the computer was used for computing, now this equipment can cope with access to information systems, gaming options and multimedia.
PCs can be desktop, “tower” and monoblocks. In the first case, the device can be easily placed on the table. Tower PCs are usually installed under the table, as it has larger dimensions and an impressive height. Now this border is slowly erasing, since almost any chassis can be installed both on and under the table.
Monoblocks are personal computers that are monolithic in structure. That is, all the necessary devices - a monitor, microphone, webcam, keyboard, etc. - are combined into one equipment.
Other types of computers
In general, in the question of what kind of computers are, it is not easy to immediately determine the necessary groups and representatives. For example, desktop computers include personal computers, but among personal computers there are already laptops. At the same time, laptops are usually referred to as mobile devices, not desktop ones. Accordingly, one has to face confusion.
Before proceeding to the description of mobile systems, it is worth finishing the analysis of desktop computers. In addition to workstations, personal devices, home devices are also included here - those that are designed for ordinary users. These machines are used for office programs and web browsing.
Especially popular are desktop gaming PCs. These systems are one of the most powerful in all respects. Gamers collect them for new products in the gaming industry. Immediately worth mentioning about game consoles. Consoles should also be attributed to computers. They are gaining popularity and in their design they have almost the same units as a stationary PC.
Desktop computers also include silent PCs, which have an advanced cooling system that works efficiently, but does not make any noise. It is also worth mentioning the monoblocks that have already been discussed.
Internet devices
Further on purpose internet devices are determined. Almost all mobile devices got here. They include netbooks, tablets, tablet netbooks and nettops. Almost all of these devices are now used for web browsing. They are not designed for computer games, and working with office programs is inconvenient in them. Sometimes tablets can be used to view video content.
A nettop differs from a netbook in that it has a small case and is devoid of its monitor. That is, the display will have to be purchased separately. But the "filling" of this device is weak, so it is suitable for working with a web browser.
Mobile devices
What are the types of computers that are classified as mobile? Of course, the first thing to remember right away is the laptop. It includes a subnotebook. This is a device that has a more compact size. It also includes 3 types of devices: netbooks, ultrabooks and smartbooks. Netbooks are compact laptops with poor performance. Ultrabooks are very thin laptops, and smartbooks are small devices that use the hardware platform of smartphones.
In addition to laptops, mobile devices include compact PCs, mobile Internet devices, tablets, e-books, smartphones, etc. Each device has its own characteristics, purpose and appearance.
Models and Manufacturers: PC
What are the brands of computers? This question depends on which type of PC in question. For example, if we are talking about desktop versions, then it’s not customary to talk about the manufacturer and model, since each component can be produced under a specific brand.
So, the system can be built by Intel or AMD. This means that the processor for operation will be selected from one of these manufacturers. But at the same time, the video card can be selected from Nvidia, and the RAM from HyperX.
When the system starts, the user notices the logo of one of the companies. Many believe that this is the manufacturer who created the PC. In fact, this is just the name of the company that released the motherboard, as well as the version of the platform. Other components can be released under a completely different name.
But sometimes it happens that a particular company is working on its PC model. Then she purchases parts from other manufacturers, “packs” them into her company cases, so the user receives a computer under one brand.
Models and manufacturers: mobile devices
What are the models of computers when it comes to mobile devices? Here things are much simpler. Since manufacturers purchase all laptop parts and develop their device under their brand, respectively, in this case it is easy to name the model of the machine.
For example, among the popular laptop manufacturers can be distinguished: Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Dell, HP and others. These are eminent brands that produce not only laptops, but also various devices, devices and gadgets. Everyone is trying to create a series of laptop families that make them easier to identify.
For example, Lenovo has a line of ThinkCentre desktops as well as IdeaTab tablets.
But smartphones are also considered mobile devices. It’s even easier to deal with the manufacturer. Everyone knows the famous rival duo iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. At the moment, these are leading manufacturers of smartphones. Although their manufacturing companies are engaged in the production of PCs, laptops and tablets.
Popularity in the budget segment of smartphones is gaining Chinese companies Meizu, Xiaomi, OnePlus and others.
In general, almost all manufacturers that manufacture PCs, sooner or later begin to manufacture other devices. Therefore, it is not surprising that, for example, Asus produces monitors, motherboards, video cards, laptops, tablets, smartphones and much more.
Specifications: processor
Considering the different types of devices, it is worth mentioning about the technical characteristics. For example, what are the processors for the computer? It should be said right away that almost any device, whether it be a PC, smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc., has a processor.
As mentioned earlier, laptop computers are usually based on Intel or AMD systems. That is what manufacturers are developing processors for all desktop PCs.
The same situation can be observed regarding the operation of laptops and all its varieties. Laptop manufacturers use components from popular brands. But with smartphones, the situation is somewhat different. Intel at one time tried to make a mobile chip, but it appeared in a limited number of phone models.
Smartphones got processors thanks to their manufacturers. For example, Samsung often uses Cortex chips for its models. Apple installs branded "stuffing" in its iPhone. Chinese Meizu uses Helio as a central processor and MediaTek - a graphics adapter.
Specifications: memory and other accessories
When choosing a desktop PC or laptop, the user looks at the performance of the central processor, graphics adapter and the amount of RAM and internal memory.
What is the computer memory? Almost every device in question has acquired RAM and internal memory. In the desktop PC, the corresponding modules are responsible for the RAM, and for the internal - the hard drive or solid-state drive.
Laptops have a similar design with a difference only in the dimensions and form factors of the parts. Smartphones are very different because they are compact in size. All the memory they have is allocated due to the chips on the board.
The most popular memory maker is Samsung. Its chips are used in different modules, under different brands. There are less eminent developers.
In addition to memory, it is worth mentioning the video card. For example, in a personal computer, you can do without it, since all modern processors have a built-in graphics adapter. If you play computer games, then buying a video card is inevitable.
The basis for it is motherboards from Nvidia and Radeon. But different manufacturers work on each reference model. Therefore, in stores you can find products from Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, etc. Notebooks use a reference graphics adapter, so Nvidia or Radeon can often be seen in the description of characteristics.
Smartphones and tablets have acquired mobile video cards. They are built into the main processor and are paired with the main core. Popular are Qualcomm Adreno.
Operating Systems
What are the operating systems for the computer? OS is a complex of programs that help manage the hardware complex. Thanks to the operating system, you can output and enter information, as well as organize work with files and execute application programs.
What are the operating systems for the computer? Now there are a huge number of them. The main ones are Windows and macOS. The first is used in almost all computers and laptops, as well as smartphones and tablets. macOS is Apple's proprietary OS designed specifically for its products.
One of the first operating systems was DOS. It has long been installed on all PCs around the world. Now it has been replaced with newer software, and DOS support has been discontinued.
Programmers especially love Linux. This is a very simple and clean operating system. It is comfortable to work with her, and she has all the necessary programs. This OS is Unix-like.
Programs
What are the computer programs? A program is a set of rules that must be followed to complete a task. The software can be different, some help diagnose the system, others create text, image, video, etc.
System programs include the operating system and utilities.
As mentioned earlier, the OS is the main program, which is the link between the hardware and software component. Utilities are programs that allow you to maintain a working PC. Typically, this includes software that is engaged in cleaning the system from "garbage", fixing errors, diagnosing, etc.
Next is a group of applications. This is a working software that helps the user to work with different tools. This includes office programs that help you work with text, tables, graphs, images, sounds and videos. Work with text editors is considered paramount. Therefore, it is worth mentioning the famous Notepad and Microsoft Word.
Application programs include financial and accounting. Now, such software is installed on working PCs in large enterprises. But such programs are not installed on home computers. Although it is likely that the Western experience of using planners and financial reports will pass to us.
Multimedia programs are engaged in deeper processing of images, video and sound. This includes almost all Adobe products. Also referred to as multimedia players and players.
Entertaining and educational programs include various reference books, encyclopedias, audio books and "tutorials". Of course, it’s worth mentioning the games right here.
Professional programs include a variety of software for programmers, editors of three-dimensional graphics, work with scientific calculations and design.
Use and operation of computers
Of course, knowing what the names of computers are, will not help in any way with the use and operation. Although even modern smartphones, tablets or laptops have instructions.
To understand how to use a PC, you will have to look for the necessary directories or seek the help of friends. Now, very many are experienced computer users, so everyone can help in this matter.
For the rest, you need to find the PC power button, and then deal with the work of the desktop, the dialog box and input and output devices.
The same situation with a laptop. But with smartphones and tablets, things are easier, because devices have less functionality. It’s enough to get used to the sensor and understand the gadget menu.