Computers systems are used in countless ways, but most can still be divided into 3 major categories based on the functions they perform and how they are interacted with.
These types of computer system are:
Servers
Servers are used largely for the processing, storage, and distribution of data. Because of these they are generally very powerful, and have specifications tailored for these tasks. They are connected to and nearly always accessed through a network (exceptions to this include maintenance), and are used to provide numerous services over these networks such as shared resources, data storage and printing.
Desktop Systems
Desktop systems are generally used for purposes such as editing documents using software such as word processors, and browsing the web. They can also often be dedicated to a specific purpose, such as gaming, animation, or running CAD software. They are controlled through externally connected peripherals such as the mouse and keyboard.
Mobile Devices
A mobile device is a computer you can carry around, such as a mobile phone or an eBook reader. They generally have touch screens, and utilise digital keyboards as opposed to physical ones. Mobile devices can be used for numerous purposes, with common uses including taking photographs, accessing the internet (wirelessly), and communicating with others.
Questions
Identify which type of computer system is best suited to editing documents and explain why. (3 marks)
| Desktop systems are best suited to editing documents | 1 |
| They have external keyboards to allow for easier typing | 1 |
| More powerful/faster than a mobile device | 1 |
| 3 |
Accept other relevant answers
State the different input methods used for the 3 types of computer systems. (3 marks)
| Desktop systems use external peripherals such as keyboard + mouse | 1 |
| Mobile devices use touch screens with digital keyboards | 1 |
| Servers are accessed over the network rather than directly | 1 |
| 3 |
List the 3 types of computer systems. (3 marks)
| Desktop systems | 1 |
| Mobile devices | 1 |
| Servers | 1 |
| 3 |
MLSHS Applied Info Tech 