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Categories of Computers

Information technology (IT) is any computer-based tool that people use to work with the information and
support the information and information-processing needs of an organization. Computers come in different
shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are small enough that we can carry around with us while others are the size
of a family refrigerator. Size is usually related to power and speed, and thus price.

• Tablet PC is a pen-based computer that provides the screen capabilities of a PDA (Personal Digital
Assistants) with the functional capabilities of a notebook or desktop computer.
• Notebook Computer is a small, portable, fully functional, battery-powered computer. Notebooks come
equipped with all the technology you need to meet our personal needs and weigh as little as 3 pounds.
• Desktop Computer is the most popular choice for personal computing needs. A person can choose a
desktop computer with horizontal system box (the box is where the CPU, RAM, and storage devices are
held) or choose a desktop computer with a vertical system box (called a tower) that you usually place on
the floor near your work area.
• Minicomputer is designed to meet the computing needs of several people simultaneously in a small to
medium-size business environment. These are well suited for business environments in which people need
to share common information, processing power, and/or certain peripheral devices such as high-quality,
fast laser printers.
• Mainframe computer is a computer designed to meet the computing needs of hundreds of people in a
large business environment. So mainframe computers are a step up in size, power, capability, and cost
from minicomputers.
• Supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive type of computer. Organizations such
as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) that
are heavily involved in research and “number crunching” employ supercomputers because of the speed
which they can process information. Very large, customer-oriented businesses such as General Motors
and AT&T (U.S.A), Globe Telecom, and PLDT also employ supercomputers just to handle customer
information and transaction processing.

Computer Software

Software is the set of instructions the hardware executes to carry out a specific task such as creating a graph
(spreadsheet software, for example) and surfing the Web (Internet Explorer, for example).
There are two (2) main types of software: application and system software.

Application software is the software that solves specific problems or performs specific tasks. It is the
software used to meet specific information-processing needs including payroll, customer relationship
management, project management, training, word processing, and many others. It can be categorized as
either personal productivity software or vertical and horizontal market software.

A) Personal productivity software helps people perform tasks – such as writing a memo, creating a graph,
and creating a slide presentation – which you can usually do even without a computer.
Categories and examples:
1. Word processing helps create papers, letters, memos, and other basic documents.
Examples: Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect

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2. Spreadsheet helps work primarily with numbers including performing calculations and creating
graphs.
Examples: Microsoft Excel, Corel Quattro Pro
3. Presentation helps create and edit information that will appear in electronic slides.
Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Corel Presentations
4. Desktop Publishing extends word processing software by including design and formatting
techniques to enhance the layout and appearance of a document.
Examples: Microsoft Publisher, Quark QuarkXPress
5. Personal information management (PIM) helps create and maintain to-do lists, appointments and
calendars, and point of contact.
Examples: Microsoft Outlook, Corel Central
6. Communications helps communicate with other people.
Examples: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Internet Explorer
7. Database management systems (DBMS) helps specify the logical organization for a database and
access and use the information within a database.
Examples: Microsoft Access, FileMaker Pro

B) Vertical market software is an application software that is unique to a particular industry. For example,
the health care industry has a variety of application software unique to that market segment including
radiology software, patient-scheduling software, and pharmaceutical software. Restaurant also has its
own software such as POS.

C) Horizontal market software is an application software that is general enough to be suitable for use in
a variety of industries.
E.g. Inventory management, payroll, accounts receivable, billing, invoice processing, and human
resource management

System Software supports application software. It controls how various technology tools work
together with the application software to perform specific information-processing tasks.

Computer Hardware

Hardware consists of physical devices that make up a computer, for instance, keyboard, mouse, modem, flash
memory drive (also called a thumb drive), and printer. All hardware falls into one (1) or another of six (6)
categories: input, output, storage, processing, telecommunications, and connecting.

Categories of Hardware
A. Input devices are tools used to enter information and commands.
1. Keyboard – most often used input devices for desktop and notebook computer while styluses are
the most frequently used input device for PDAs and Tablet PCs. A stylus is a pen-like device used
to write or draw on a PDA or Tablet PC.
2. Mouse – a pointing device that you used to click on icons or buttons.
3. Touchpad – is the little dark rectangles that you use to move the cursor with your finger, often
found on notebook computers.
4. Scanners – are used to convert information that exists in visible form into electronic form.
5. Digital Cameras – capture still images or video as a series of 1s and 0s. Some will capture only stills,
others do both.
6. Microphones – capture audio for conversion into electronic form.

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B. Output device is a tool used to see, hear, or otherwise, recognize the results of information-processing
requests. It refers to any device that converts the digital form of information in a computer to
something one can observe by senses.
1. Monitors – can be in CRT (Cathode Ray Tube that looks like traditional TV set) or flat-panel displays
(that something thin).
2. Printers – are another common output device. The sharpness and clarity of a printer’s output
depend on the printer’s resolution.

C. Storage devices are tools used to store information for use at a later time.
1. Hard disk – a magnetic storage device with one (1) or more thin metal platters or disks that store
information sealed inside the drive disk.
2. Optical storage media – are plastic discs on which information is stored, deleted, and/or changed
using laser light and include CDs and DVDs.
3. Flash memory – comes in two (2) varieties: flash memory device and flash memory cards.
a. Flash memory device (also called a jump drive or thumb drive) is a flash memory storage device
that is small enough to fit on a key ring and plugs directly into the USB port on your computer.
b. Flash memory card has to be inserted into a reader, which in turn plugs into the USB port.

D. Processing
1. Central processing unit (CPU) - is the actual hardware that interprets and executes the software
instructions and coordinates the operation of all other hardware.
2. RAM (random access memory) - is a temporary holding area for the information you’re working
with, as well as the system and application software instructions that the CPU currently needs.

E. Telecommunications device is a tool used to send information to and receive it from another person
or computer in a network.
1. Digital subscriber line (DSL) is a high-speed Internet connection using phone lines, which allows
the use of telephone for voice communication at the same time. DSL is 30 times much faster than
dialup connections (traditional modem), and it does not interfere with voice calls.
2. Cable Modem is a device that uses TV cable to deliver an Internet connection.
3. Local area network (LAN) is a network that covers a building or buildings in close proximity, such
as one (1) campus of a university or corporation.
4. Broadband router or home router is a device to connect several computers together to share a
DSL or cable Internet connection in a home or small office.

F. Connecting devices including such things as USB ports into which you would connect a printer and
connector cords to connect your printer to the port. Used to connect all your hardware devices to
each other.

All of these mentioned above are important tools in an effective implementation of MIS.

References
Baltzan, P. (2013). Business driven technology (5th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill Irvin.
O'Brien, J. M. (2008). Management information systems (8th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Rainer, R. C. (2011). Introduction to information systems: enabling and transforming business (3rd Edition). John Wiley & Sons Pte Ltd.

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