Various Types of Computers

Also known as: PC (Personal Computer)

Description: A Personal Computer designed to remain in one place such as an office or workspace. Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost than a smaller, movable type. Consists of a tower, keyboard and monitor, as well as peripherals (printers, speakers, etc.)

Also known as: Notebooks

Description: Laptops, or notebooks, are portable computers that integrate the monitor, keyboard, a pointing device or touchscreen, processor, memory and hard drive all in a battery powered package slightly larger than an average hardcover book. Somewhat more expensive than a PC but becoming more competitive quickly.

Description: A Server is a computer that has been optimized to provide services to other computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful processors, lots of memory and large hard drives.

Description: A Workstation is a desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities. Usually part of a larger corporate network.

Also known as: Handheld, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

Description: Palmtops, also called handheld or PDAs, are computers that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. They may have a keyboard but usually rely on touchscreen technology for user input. Cost can range from $100 up.

Description: A tablet uses an electronic stylus to write on the screen. The work is saved either as it is, in handwriting, or converted by Hand Recognition software into text. They vary in size, generally about the size of a large telephone book.

Description: This type of computer usually costs hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Although some supercomputers are single computer systems, most are comprised of multiple high performance computers working in parallel as a single system.