Digital computer systems use binary code with only two numbers, zero and one, representing communication signals. General purpose digital computers include mainframe, super, micro, and mini computers. Special purpose systems are designed for specific applications. Microsystems include personal computers, laptops, PDAs, and handheld computers. Laptops are portable while desktops are becoming more compact with wireless technology. Smaller portable devices like tablets and PDAs are replacing laptops due to their convenience and wireless technology.
Digital computer systems use binary code to function. In terms of the binary form there are only two numbers, zero and one, which represent the sending and receiving of communication signals. There are two categories of digital computing systems, including general purpose and special purpose. Most digital computers are general purpose, meaning they are designed to handle multiple applications and handle a variety of functions.
General purpose digital computing systems include mainframe, super, micro, and mini computers. Those systems that are classified as special purpose are designed for use with an application. Since most computers operate in binary form, almost any system, from your desktop PC to your smartphone, can be considered digital.
Mainframe digital computer systems are large systems that process huge amounts of data. They are usually stored in a fixed site and are used by companies, such as airlines, that need to continuously store and process huge amounts of data. For example, an airline reservation system must handle millions of requests for available flights, fares, seat assignments, and upgrades. It must also process reservations and constantly update changes to seat availability, cancellations, delays and prices.
Super computers are considered even bigger than mainframe systems. They can be used in scientific research or financial analysis. These digital computer systems have the ability to process the most information in the least amount of time.
The most common type of digital computers are microsystems. This category includes personal computers in both desktop and laptop versions. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and handheld computers also fall into the category of microcomputer systems. They are versatile and handle a variety of productivity functions and applications.
Desktop and laptop computers typically have the same data processing and storage capabilities. Laptops are famous for their portability. Even though desktop systems aren’t portable and users usually plug several peripheral devices into them, they are becoming more compact by incorporating the hard drive into the system monitor. Flexibility has also increased with desktop systems thanks to wireless technology and Bluetooth. Keyboards, mice and printers no longer need to be physically connected to a drive via a plug and play connection or USB cable.
Smaller portable computers, such as PDAs and tablets, have started to replace laptops. Many of the same capabilities and features, including Internet access, email communication, and business productivity tools, are available on these smaller, lighter systems. Mobile computing devices tend to use wireless technology and are more convenient for travel due to their substantially smaller size.
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