8-4
Hardware
8-4-1 Hardware
Reference
Hardware
“Hardware” refers to the actual devices
that make up a personal computer.
There are many types of typical hardware that make up a computer. Understanding these types and their characteristics enable hardware to be used
effectively for work.
1
Computer
Computers can be organized into various categories based on their performance, purpose, shape, and size.
(1)Types of computers
Computers were originally developed for the purpose of performing science and technology calculations.
Subsequent advancements in technology have led to the spread of computers to all kinds of fields. Modern day computers are now used for a wide
variety of purposes in not only corporations and research institutes, but in
homes and schools as well.
Computers are categorized by performance and purpose as summarized
below.
Type
Reference
Microcomputer
A “microcomputer” is an ultra-small
computer system that is intended for integration into equipment used for control purposes. It was originally used to
refer to a computer system that is centered on a microprocessor.
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Description
Applications
Supercomputer
A computer that offers the fastest speed
and highest performance for high-speed
processing such as science and technology calculations.
Weather forecasting, air
traffic control, aerospace
development, etc.
General
purpose
computer
A computer that is designed to be used
for both office processing and science
and technology calculations.
Also referred to as a “mainframe.”
Train seat reservations,
online bank deposit systems, etc.
Office
computer
A specialized computer used for office
processing in corporations.
Also referred to as a “business server.”
Inventory control, sales
management, etc.
Workstation
A high-performance computer used for
specialized work. A workstation is categorized as either an “EWS ( Engineering
Workstation)” used for applications such
as CAD/CAM and science and technology calculations, or an “office workstation”
used for applications such office processing and information management. Workstations are mainly connected to LANs
and used as servers. Workstations can
also include high-end personal computers with high-performance processing.
Software development,
CAD/CAM, servers, etc.