ABSTRACT

Computers are in every area whether in washing machines, laptops, TVs,

calculators and many more. The computer has become part of most peoples
lives, nowadays a person cannot walk the street without encountering at
least a dozen computers. Computers differ in purposes and depending on the
purpose they are built. The computer is split into general and special
computers each one with its own classification of CPUs. In this report each
one will be explained and sufficient examples will be given and explained
accordingly.

INTRODUCTION
Computer is a term used for a device that can compute information, which
means almost any smart device can be called a computer. Computers are
everywhere they come in all shapes, sizes and purposes. Nowadays, the
computers have become more and more complex, in human nature when a
problem becomes too complex it is broken down. Computers have a wide
range of possible purposes, meaning it is difficult to have one computer for
all purposes. Furthermore, it is economically illogical to have one computer
for all applications, because not all applications require the same processing.
Computers are built in many different ways and with many different features
and aspects, the abilities of a computer vary greatly depending on the
specifications and purpose. It would be illogical to have a super computer for
personal use or a Samsung S4 as a mainframe, this is why depending on the
needs and wants of the consumer there are different types of computers.
Computers are split into special-purposes and general-purposes. A generalpurpose computer is a computer that given the right time and application
can perform most common computing tasks. On the other hand, a specialpurpose computer is a computer made specially for computing a specific set
of information or for a specific function.
general-purpose and special-purpose, each of them have their own
application

and

features.

This

is

economically

better

for

both

the

manufacturer and the consumer. Furthermore, it will allow more development

and higher performance in each area of the application since it will either be
dedicated for one specific purpose or general use purpose. In this
assignment each section will be covered by understanding the purpose of
the computer, how it is used in our daily lives, how was life before it, and
what makes it tick.

Classification of Computers
As stated previously the computer is split into 2 sections,

General-Purpose
These type of computers are suited for the most common uses of ordinary
consumers, which are a lot to begin with. A few of the most common uses
are internet browsing, multimedia applications, programming applications,
playing games, managing a server for a business and other applications.
Basically, it is a computer that can be used for multiple purposes and not a
specific one. Some examples of these computers are stated below. These
computers are used daily but regular users and can hold a lot of a persons
life.
General-computers were not always around, it has made many tasks of life
much easier, more controllable, organized and easier to access. All generalcomputers nowadays share a few common hardware like:
CPU

Figure1.1: CPU
(http://images.anandtech.com/doci/6985/DT
_Haswell_i7_FB_678x452.jpg)

The CPU or central processing unit is as the name suggests the brains of the
computer. This is the main processing of the computer that processes and
controls everything that goes on in the computer. The computer like a human

cannot start up without a brain. This CPU allows the computer to process
many different types of information.

Motherboard

Figure1.2: Motherboard
(data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBxMTEhUTExMWF
hUXGR8aGBgYGRgfIRsbGRobHhggICAdHSghHhomGxcaITIhJikrLi4uGh82ODYtNygtLisBCgo
KDg0OGxAQGi4lICUtLS0tLy0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS
0tLf/AABEIALMBGgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAcAAEAAgMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAABQYDBAcCAQ

A motherboard is one of the fundamental parts of a computer. It holds

together different crucial parts of the computer like the CPU, memory, inputoutput connectors.
Graphics Card

Figure1.3: Graphics Card

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTTZa8jpyphJ6ei63Doc1dLt3tLLbzS1XvAu-HRRbbGHhOIk7l6)

This a component of the computer that controls and enhances how the
graphics like pictures, sounds, programs...etc are displayed on the computer

screen. Usually, the graphics card is a separate build component that is

connected to the motherboard of the computer.

The general-computers will be characterized in the following chapter by a

certain number of criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.

How is the computer used?

Why is it considered a general computer?
How was the task of the computer accomplished before computers?
What are the main parts that make up this computer?

1- Laptop or Desktop

Figure1.4: Laptop
(http://tesco.scene7.com/is/image/tesco/2253792_PI_TPS2636395?wid=493&ht=538)

Laptops are used for many different applications that help the users
perform tasks with the utmost efficiency. Documentation nowadays is
mostly performed on computers like desktops and laptops, this allows the
users to save the information for infinite periods of time on many different
places like google drive, USB, hard driveetc. Another great application of
the computer is simulation and design, nowadays people in fields like
architecture or civil engineering can design and simulate the construction
with the highest accuracy to reality in order to reduce the risk of
construction as much as possible. And many other functions such as
aircraft simulation, calculations, programmingetc.
Before the computer these tasks were not as easy nor as accurate as they
are now, because computers have made people more able to visualize

what they are doing. Furthermore, the intensity of the computers

processor to crunch the possibilities is much quicker and accurate than
that of a regular person. Before computers the designers used their
artistic skills to draw and try to display the vision of the construction in a
2D manner, this is much less accurate than a computer and cannot be
envisioned by everyone. More importantly documentation was only in
hard copy meaning, that for large amount of documentation you needed a
big space to store them and every time a piece of documentation needed
to be found a manual search has to be conducted, which is very time
consuming. Many other tasks have been eased with the invention of
computers such as calculation, organizing, communicationetc
Laptops and Desktops are the most commonly known computers. The
different components of these computers put them in the general-purpose
computer section. The average laptop and
desktop nowadays come with many different parts that allow it to

Figure1. 5: Laptop Hardware parts

function.

The laptop as stated previously is made of many different elements as

shown in figure 1.2 above that allow it to perform its many tasks. Each
part performs different tasks to allow the CPU to process the information
correctly. The Hard Disk Drive (HDD) stores the computers information
and applications so the CPU can later recover them in case the user ever
decides to use them, usually comes with a big capacity of 320 GB to 2 TB.
The RAM written in figure 1. As the memory module is the part of the
computer that stores the most recent or most used data to be able to
supply it to the CPU quicker, usually comes in a much smaller capacity
than the HDD with 2 to 16 GB. And many other parts such as the cooling
system of the CPU to keep it from overheating, the battery to keep the
laptop on even after the power goes offetc.
2- Smartphone
A smartphone is also considered a general-purpose device, because it is
used for multiple applications that is most commonly used by consumers for
e.g. calling, browsing the internet, taking picturesetc. the components of a
smartphone do not differ a lot from the components of a laptop, except in
size and specifications. A smartphone doesnt have all the components of the
laptop just the necessary ones in order to provide some of the laptops
applications and a few more.

Figure1.6: Samsung S7 smartphone

An example of an up-to-date smartphone is the S7 as shown above in

Figure1.5. This phone has a high resolution camera for excellent camera
processes like taking pictures or videos.

The smartphone has revolutionized communication, organization, source of

information and many more. It has become a part of a lot of peoples lives,
with its cutting edge display, internet browsing, video playing, image
processing, camera, calculationetc. Its used for many purposes like taking
pictures and videos, scheduling daily lives, chatting with a friend, calling or
receiving calls, browsing the internet for informationetc.
The smartphone has combined many applications in one device, which back
before it was done using multiple devices. In order for a person to make a
call he needed to find the nearest landline or payphone to call another
payphone or landline. Developments came after the landline like the pager,
where a person could call a notification to a handheld pager but not get an
answer until that person called him back using a landline. Further
development into a regular mobile phone, which still had a computer but was
not considered a smartphone due to its applications, which were limited to
calling and receiving calls. Furthermore, taking a picture or a video required
specialized cameras and were not embedded into the phone like the
smartphones

The smartphone, like the laptop or desktop, has many compacted parts that
allow it to function the way it does as shown in the figure 1. below.

Figure1. 7: Smartphone Disassembly

It contains a RAM which for now ranges between 512 MB to 4 GB, an HDD
that ranges from 512 MB to 128 GB, a motherboard for input and output, an
image processor for the camera, a battery to keep it charged and other
hardware to make it function as good as possible.

3- Tablets
Tablets are also considered as general-purposes devices, basically merging a
phone and a laptop allowing it to gain the advantages of both and lose some
at the same time. The tablet allows the user to get a device closer to the
laptop than a phone and more portable, like a big screen makes it better for
reading than a phone but still more portable than a laptop.

Figure1.8 : Windows 8.1 Tablet

Tablet windows 8.1 is an example of a general-purpose computer as shown

above in Figure1.6. This tablet has many features of a laptop, but it cannot
perform all of the tasks of the laptop like playing high resolution games or
performing big tasks, due to its smaller but less powerful processor.

Figure1.9: Tablet Disassembly

The components of this tablet is the same as that of a smartphone, but with
higher storage and a few better specifications. The main point of tablet is the
larger screen which is useful for reading and watching.
Special-Purpose Computers

These are special computers made for a fixed amount of applications like
washing machines, traffic light controletc. These computers cant perform
more applications than its purpose, it is not open to inputs and outputs like
the motherboard. They perform a singular function, allowing the computers
to only have the needed memory and control the information to be added.
This allows the computer to perform its operation at a heightened efficiency.
These are useful for machines that do not require to perform more than a
few specific tasks economically and application wise.

Washing Machines
Washing machines also use processors to be able to perform its purpose.
Using a washing machine doesnt require the user to stand beside it
manually washing the clothes nor checking on the clothes, a person just has
to place the clothes and the soap and leave it be. The microprocessors in the
machine work according to the users request.e.g. the user selects a 40degree tub clean, then the processor will adjust the heating and check the
thermometer
make

it

to

approximately 40

degrees

and perform other

actions

according to the

chosen

option.

Figure 2.1: washing machine

CPU

As shown above in figure 2.1, a washing machine also has a display screen to
display the time left to finish the task. The washing machine has many tasks
to perform and could not run without a CPU, these tasks are like spinning at
what speed, the temperature of the water to not damage the clothes.etc.
Before washing machines people had to wash their clothes manually, using
soap and had do it personally.
Car CPU
In earlier days cars didnt have microprocessors, but since the emission laws
were enacted sophisticated control schemes were used to regulate the
air/fuel mixture for fuel-economy and to be able to emit the pollution safely.
Furthermore, microprocessors are used in the car to: simplify the design and
manufacturing, reduction in wiring, new safety and comfortable features.

Figure 2.2: Car Engine Processor

In figure 2.2 above the brain of the car is shown. The processor in the car
receives signals from many different sensors in the car and controls them.
E.g. air pressure control, engine temperature control, oxygen levels, throttle
positionetc.

Before CPUs were integrated in car engines, pollution was more and
unmonitored. Furthermore, cars did not last as long as they do now, because
the CPU keeps the engine from overheating and detects errors as soon as
they appear and notifies the driver.

CCTV
A CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) is a system of cameras, which are placed
for monitoring purposes and not to release into the public.
A video multiplexer (also known as color quad processor), allow multiple
CCTV security signals to be combined and displayed on one monitor. Using
this will allow multiple video signals to be recorded in one video input instead
of having them being input in multiple video tapes.
This is used to monitor places where the law or certain rules could be
violated. Like traffic lights where a car can run a red light or a highway where
a lot of accidents could occur. The CCTV is used to monitor different areas
from different angles. The multiplexer gathers the signals of these cameras
and places them on one TV as shown in the figures 1. & 1. below.

Figure 2.3: Video Multiplexer

Figure 2.4: Video Multiplexer Circuit

As shown in the figure 2. & 2. Above the multiplexers process multiple

signals inputs instead of one signal per camera and gives 1 output.
Before the video Multiplexer each camera needed to be displayed on one TV
screen, obviously this was problematic both in storage and in expenses.

Smart Traffic Lights Systems

Traffic lights use different kinds of sensors and CPUs to make as much
movement as possible, thus reducing traffic. The CPU used in traffic lights
are used in many different ways like, some traffic lights use sensors under or
inside the roads to approximate the amount of cars on that road and place
an appropriate amount of waiting time.

As shown above the sensors are put on the roads, the CPU receives the
signals and approximates how many cars are there and automatically adjusts
the traffic lights to give the lane with the most cars less waiting time.
Before smart traffic lights, there used to be jams in some lanes and empty in
others. Or in some areas police offers used to stand personally in the middle
of the traffic in order to move the jams more quickly.

Military Uses
The military have many specialized uses to optimize each operation. One of
the uses of special computers in military is the military planes and boats.
Nowadays the military have developed remote control over planes and boats
without the need of an onsite pilot. This reduces the risk of having a pilot,
which is a big one to begin with.

The computer basically has sensors and control all over the aircraft. This
allows the CPU to understand its surroundings and fly the plane accordingly.
The CPU receives signals from all over the plane and from the GPS in order to
fly

the

plane

programming.

according

to

the

destination

required

based

on

its

Elevators
Elevators also have specialized computers that control the process. When a
person hits a button the elevator is sent to that level, this process is
controlled by a computer allowing it to go up and down according to the
request.

This CPU controls the elevator according to the requested area. When the
user selects a button on the floor the CPU receives a signal that the elevator
is requested at the particular floor. Once the CPU receives the signal, it sends
a signal to the mechanism of the elevator to move it to that specific place.
Before this there were only manual elevators were humans had to turn the
lever in order for the elevator to go up and down. The CPU has cut down on
human interaction with this process, saving cost and safer.

Calculator
The calculator is one of the most commonly used special computers. It is
used for calculating mathematical problems and equations, some scientific
calculators can perform more than others like sketching a graph or finding an
unknown value.

As shown above in figure 2. the calculator is made up of multiple parts that

allow it to function the way that it does. Like the CPU to process the
information, memory to store the numbers, display to show the resultsetc.
It is considered a special computer, because of limited abilities to calculate,
which leaves it suitable for a specialized use only.
Before calculators people had to preform every calculation themselves, this
was not only time consuming but also more room for human error.
Furthermore, some people were just bad at math and that opens them up to
an even bigger margin of error not to mention the time consumption,
imagine if a cashier didnt have a calculator the line of the hypermarket
would be so long because of the time it takes to serve one customer.

CONCLUSION
Computers are everywhere, in your garage, in your living room, its just a
matter of knowing its there. Nowadays computers are embedded into
everything and it is not logical to put the same CPU for every computer out
there, because it wont be utilized. This is why computers are split into
different areas to utilize every CPU and also to cut down on unnecessary
material and cost.
The computers are split into general and special. The general computers are
our everyday, smartphones, laptops, tabletsetc. that allow us to use
multiple features that were previously done by multiple devices into one
device. This has revolutionized the way of living in our modern days and
made it easier for a person to organize his daily live. Special computers on
the other hand are also used in our daily lives but they are not as noticeable
as the general computers. Special computers are used in washing machines
to control and wash, in refrigerators to control the temperature, in
dishwashers to apply the right kind of washing, in cars for cruise control and
engine temperature controletc.
Computers are part of our daily lives and they will only become more and
more embedded in our lives, because the fact is that the computers can last
forever unlike paper and materials. Furthermore, computers can preform a
lot of labor tasks cutting down on human error and costs, this is its hard now
to imagine a world without computers.

Word count: 3128

REFRENCES
1. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/trends-innovations/carcomputer1.htm
2. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/trends-innovations/carcomputer.htm
3. http://www.cctvcamerapros.com/CCTV-Video-Multiplexers-s/76.htm
4. http://www.scientific.net/AMM.716-717.1562
5.