Microcomputers 1

These are the most common type of computer, sometimes known as a personal computer or PC. PCs can be desktops or laptops (notebooks).

Microprocessors are designed to stand alone but are often linked together in a network

There are fewer and fewer differences between these machines types. Laptops usually cost twice as much they have the advantage that they can be used anywhere. Desktops tend to have larger monitors and hard disks, more powerful CPU, where as laptops have LCD monitors but these are no longer hard and fast differences

Desktop computers will normally have a central unit with a mouse keyboard and a monitor. It may also have separate speakers, a printer and possibly a scanner attached. Usually a desktop machine will have a single CPU. It will cost anything from £300 to £1500.

They are found everywhere from homes to the offices of most companies.

Advantages

• Easy and cheep to upgrade / repair
• Robust and have long life expectancy
• Can upgrade software
• Harder and less attractive to steal
• Can choose components separately, for example good sound card for music, large monitor for DTP

Disadvantages

• Require a set space
• not easily moved
• Need a fan to prevent over heating and are thus noisy
• Can only be run on mains electricity.

© LEV