Meet Your Computer

Objectives

At the end of this session, you will be able to:

• List the different types of Personal Computers.
The Personal Computer
 The Personal Computer

• Referred to as a PC
• Designed to be used by one individual at a time.
• Used for applications, such as accounting,
statistical analysis and graphic design.
• Not suited for complex applications
– that require large storage capacities.
– involve complex mathematical calculations.
 The Personal Computer (Contd..)

Personal computers can be classified into

• Stationary computers:
– Include desktop and tower computers.
• Portable computers:
– Include laptops, handheld computers and Tablet PCs.
 Desktops and Towers

• Desktops - Can be placed on top of desks or

tables.
• Towers - The system unit can be placed under
the desk.
• All stationary computers are referred to as
desktops.
 Laptops and Notebooks

• Small portable computers

• Modern laptops are often
called notebook computers
• Can operate on batteries
• IBM, Apple, Compaq, Dell,
Toshiba and Hewlett-
Packard are well known
manufacturers
 Handheld Computers

• Small portable computers

designed to fit in your pocket
• Designed to facilitate everyday
functions,
– using a calendar
– maintaining an address book
• Used to maintain notes, task lists
and details of appointments
 Tablet PCs

• A type of notebook computer.

• Has a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
screen.
• Allows the user to take notes on
the screen by using a special pen.
• User’s handwritten content can be
edited and shared by using e-mail.
 Activity 1.4.1

The following table lists a few professions.

• Determine which type of computer would be
ideal for each profession and complete the
table.
• List multiple computer types if applicable.
• This is a Pair and Share activity. Share your
examples with your partner.
 Activity 1.4.1 (Contd..)
Profession Computer Type

Business Manager Desktop in office, notebook for travel, handheld for

personal information in any location.

Bank Accountant

Medical Representative
 Check Your Understanding 1.4.1

1. Which computer can you use to take notes by

writing on the screen?
2. List the types of computers you find in the
school.
3. What are the limitations of handhelds?
 Test Your Knowledge

1. Sooraj wants to teach his class the life cycle of

a butterfly in a multimedia presentation.
Suggest the best method of teaching.
a. A PowerPoint presentation with text and graphics.
b. An interactive Web site with video, illustrating each
stage in the life cycle and providing links with
related information.
c. Drawing each stage on the chalkboard while
explaining the life cycle.
 Test Your Knowledge (Contd..)

2. Identify the task that cannot be performed by a

computer.
a. Perform arithmetic calculations on two given
values.
b. Draw geometric shapes based on the input
coordinates.
c. Suggest an alternate solution when data has been
entered incorrectly.
 Test Your Knowledge (Contd..)

3. Keerthi wants to calculate the average marks

for 20 students. By mistake, she types 2
instead of 20. What is the result?
a. The computer displays an error message.
b. The computer calculates the correct average.
c. The computer divides the total marks by 2.
 Test Your Knowledge (Contd..)
4. Deepti, a research scientist, has been invited to
attend a national conference in Bangalore. She
wants to carry her computer along with her,
because she has stored her presentation on
the computer. She also needs to take down
handwritten notes on her computer during the
conference. Which type of computer is she
using?
a. Desktop
b. Notebook
c. Tablet PC
 Test Your Knowledge (Contd..)

5. Statement A: Desktop computers can be used

for weather forecasting.
Statement B: Handheld computers are not as
powerful as the desktop computers.

a. Statement A is true and Statement B is false

b. Statement A is false and Statement B is true
c. Both statements are false
 Did You Know?

• When computers were first introduced in India,

very few institutions could afford them
• Only the IITs and IIMs had a computer laboratory
to boast of.
• Only the government sponsored research
laboratories could afford them.
• In the late 80s select institutions invested huge
amounts to set up computer science
laboratories.
 Did You Know? (Contd..)

• Today, a school can inform parents about their

children’s activities on a minute-to-minute basis.
• Software has also been developed to keep track
of performance, attendance and fee payments in
a school.
 Terms to Remember

• Desktop computers
– Computers that are usually placed on top of desks or
tables.
• Handheld computers
– Small portable computers designed to fit in your
pocket. They are typically not as powerful as desktops
or notebooks.
• Laptop computers
– Small portable computers.
 Terms to Remember (Contd..)

• Liquid Crystal Displays

– Type of display used for laptop and notebook
computers and also in digital watches.
• Personal computer
– Computer designed to be used by one individual at a
time.
• Tablet PC
– Type of notebook computer that allows the user to
take notes on the screen using a special pen.
 Recap

In this session, you have learnt about:

• Listing the different types of computers.
Chapter Objective Checklist