Unit #10 Objectives: Computer Types

The objective of unit Computer Types is to learn to recognize and understand the 13 key unit vocabulary terms. This is accomplished by completing the readings and other activities.

Unit Vocabulary

Below is a list of key vocabulary terms in this unit. You can also Print out the vocabulary list.

the evolution of devices towards common functionality

The iPhone is a good example of convergence. It has all the features of a PDA, mobile phone, and an MP3 player in one package.

a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip, normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3 player

Nearly all electronics you can buy today are controlled by embedded systems.

a portable computer with a built-in screen, integrated keyboard, and battery power; also called a 'notebook'

As laptop computers have become more powerful and affordable, they are steadily replacing the more traditional desktop computer.

an older device or application that continues to be used because of the high cost of replacing it

Mainframes and minicomputers used to be cutting edge; now they are known as legacy systems.

a small laptop with less powerful components meant for surfing the web, reading email, and other basic tasks.

I wanted to play Call of Duty 4 while I was traveling, but the graphics card in my netbook could only handle Solitaire.

a computer designed for use by one person at a time

When people use the term 'PC', they are often referring to a desktop computer running Windows.

a handheld computer about the size of wallet used as an organizer, web browser, game machine, mobile phone, or message recorder; also known as a hand-held computer

The modern traveling businessman depends on his PDA to organize all his contacts and appointments.

a physical or software device connecting and facilitating a network with a printer

The secretary could not get a hard copy because the print server was broken.

a specialized computer which connects two networks

The DSL router allowed the entire office to share a single Internet connection.

a type of computer intended primarily for central distribution of data to other computers on the same network

Because servers hold a large amount of centralized data, it is critical to have daily backup routines in place.

refers to only the most powerful class of computer, typically designed to perform specialized tasks such as weather prediction, governmental financial calculations, or space research.

A typical supercomputer may have up to 100 processors and have speeds measued in tens of gigaflops.

a portable computer shaped in the form of a notebook and capable of advanced handwriting recognition via use of a stylus or on-screen keyboard.

Bill Gates predicted the rise of the tablet PC in 2001, but not much happened until Apple announced the iPad in 2010.

a high quality computer, typically with lots of RAM, plenty of CPU power, and a high quality video card

The engineer waited for his new workstation to arrive before beginning his latest 3D-modeling project. It was that processor intensive!