Check out the features of the microcomputer well in advance before using it
Check out the features of the microcomputer well in advance before using it.
What is a microcomputer?
The microcomputer is an electronic device with all the computer-related features designed on a small scale. It has a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU).
Microcomputer was previously a commonly used term for personal computers. Therefore, a microcomputer uses a single microprocessor for its CPU.
It performs all kinds of logic and arithmetic operations. The system also has several associated semiconductor chips, which serve as the main memory for storing program instructions, memory, and data and as interfaces for exchanging data with peripheral devices, let’s say keyboard, video display, printer, and auxiliary storage units. The old microcomputers marketed in the mid-1980s contained a single chip with which all CPU, memory, and interface circuits were integrated.
Microcomputers are smaller than a mainframe or minicomputer. It uses a single integrated semiconductor chip for its central processing unit. They also contain memory in the form of read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), input/output (I/O) ports, and a bus or system of interconnecting wires, all housed in a single unit that is referred to as a motherboard.
Types of microcomputers
Here are some major types of microcomputers that you must be aware of
Desktop or Personal Computer
Personal computers(PCs) or desktops are among the most widely used types of microcomputers. The tower or CPU connects with other hardware devices like the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. So the user can get a completely functional microcomputer for their home or office work. People like to make their personal computers as such computers are cheap and affordable and offer many multiple features.
Now, the computers may be connected with the wifi and LAN network connections. But there is a disadvantage to that. These devices aren’t as portable as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Workstations
The workstation microcomputers are one of the top-end microcomputers that can share data with the server. The workstation phrase refers to the function or task executed by many computers in a network environment. These microcomputers are completely interconnected with the rest of the computers in the organization. Therefore, the primary purpose of this computer is data sharing via the business network environment.
Using workstation microcomputers, organizations could centralize the work procedure. Moreover, by gathering all the relevant data, they can increase the efficiency of the official work. To increase the storage space, such computers could also be connected to the other servers.
Tablets
Tablets are one of the most commonly used microcomputers and today’s world, and 35% of the world uses such devices as their screen sizes are more significant and compact than smartphones and very handy by design. The user may conduct the input and output activity on its LED or LCD that gives touch operating facilities. While talking about the network connection, the user can use the wifi connection facility.
Also, the tablet gives many features like users can access the word processing and spreadsheet software. Therefore, it can be useful for office workers and students. Today, many tablets are available, like Apple iPad, Amazon Kindle, and more.
Smartphones
Smartphones are a widely used type of microcomputer. Today almost 68% of the population has a smartphone. It is a small device that gives a touch interface and many functionalities. For example, the user gets the facility to use the camera to click pictures, call, access networks, save files, and perform many other tasks.
The user can also download the application and use such applications on their Android or iOS-based smartphone on such devices. Today, many companies manufacture smartphones like Apple, Samsung, Sony, Micromax, Xiaomi, Motorola, etc.
Micro Computer Uses
There are various applications of microcomputers in different areas, such as –
In-Home for Personal Usage
Microcomputers are widely used in the home for several purposes like playing games, entertainment, listening to music, etc.
In Business
Microcomputers are playing a major role in every sector of business. With the use of this computer, massive paperwork has been reduced. Every organization requires microcomputers to process massive amounts of data like each bank’s employees use computers to perform their tasks in a short time.
It is used in the retail sector and software. It reduces workload as it can manipulate several complex calculations in less time, like tax returns, managing invoices, and sorting out payroll.
Medical Sector
Microcomputers are very useful in the medical field to keep records of every patient in all areas like small clinics and hospitals. In addition, many lab technicians use computers in much-sophisticated equipment such as X-ray machines and (MRI) magnetic resonance imaging devices.
Education Sector
Today microcomputers are used in almost every college and university to teach students on the projectors.
Several computer centres use microcomputers to provide computer education to their students.
Difference between Micro Computer and Mini-Computer
Micro Computer :
A computer, as the name suggests, is a personal computer that is specially designed for personal use and generally consists of a single chip that is a central processor, data memory, I/O buses, and so on. It very well may be used by each individual in turn. Its sort includes tablet and cell phone microcomputers, desktop microcomputers, workstations, server microcomputers, and so forth.
Example: Laptop, desktop, IBM-PC, and so forth.
Features of Microcomputers:
- Small size: Microcomputers are small in size and are designed for individual use.
- Minimal expense: One of the greatest characteristics of microcomputers is that they’re moderately inexpensive compared to other sorts of computers.
- Restricted processing power: Microcomputers have restricted processing power and are generally not appropriate for complex tasks.
- Well-known operating systems: Microcomputers typically run famous operating systems such as Windows or macOS
Mini Computer :
A Mini Computer, as the name proposes, is a sort of computer that offers most features and capacities that an enormous computer generally offers. It generally upholds various users all at once so one can say that it is a multiprocessing system. It is a smaller computer designed for business applications and administrations and also can do time-sharing, batch processing, online processing, and so on.
Example: AS/400 computers, Motorola 68040, MV 1500etc.
Features of Minicomputers:
- Bigger size: Minicomputers are bigger than microcomputers but smaller than mainframe computers.
- Customizable: Minicomputers can be customized to fit the specific requirements of the user and can be used for various applications.
- Restrictive operating systems: Minicomputers often run exclusive operating systems created by the producer.
Similarities between Microcomputers and Minicomputers:
- Both are broadly useful computers for performing a large number of tasks.
- Both can be used for personal or business purposes.
- Both use microprocessors to perform computations and data processing.
Conclusion
Microcomputers and minicomputers differ in size, processing power, cost, user interface, and customization. Microcomputers are smaller, less powerful, more affordable, and designed for personal use, while minicomputers are bigger, more powerful, more costly, and designed for business or institutional use.
Minicomputers require particular training to operate and can be customized to meet specific prerequisites, while microcomputers are designed for ease of use and are not generally customizable past adding components.
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