Types of Computer

Like my Introduction to Computers professor said, most of us usually think and imagine a desktop computer when we hear the word “computer.” I myself admit that that is what really first comes to my mind upon hearing “computer.”

Today, I learned that there are two basic types of computers: a general purpose computer, and a special purpose computer.

GENERAL PURPOSE COMPUTER:

Basically, a special purpose computer is a computer which can solve any problem if you can provide a program for it. If you want to create a word document, you install a word processing program like Microsoft Word. If you want to edit pictures, you can install a photo editing app like Adobe.

The most popular and widely used general purpose computers to this day are PCs or what we used to call IBM computers. The second most popular is the Macintosh computer. Today, a lot of general purpose computers are available such as Android phones and tablets, etc.

IBM computer. Source: extremetech.com

Macintosh computer. Source: oldcomputers.net

SPECIAL PURPOSE COMPUTER:

A special purpose computer, on the other hand, is a computer built for a specific purpose. An example of a special purpose computer is a calculator (I didn't even know a calculator is a computer!). Digital clocks and watches, ATM's  cash registers, and gaming consoles are also examples of special purpose computers.

Calculator. Source: alibaba.com

ATM. Source: fishful-thingking.net

Also, since I’m kind of a noob when it comes to computers, I learned the three basic things I need to consider when purchasing a computer:

1.     Processor

Source: intel.com

2.     RAM

Source: etenix.com

3.     Hard drive

Source: dansdata.com

Since I still don’t know what to do after gathering those specifications, I guess I could ask someone who has more knowledge about computers than me for the meantime.