Computers in business come in all shapes and sizes. While the traditional computer was a machine on a desk in an office, computers are now found in police cars, the hands of package delivery personnel, at the grocery checkout, and in the pockets and handbags of millions of people. Some of the most common computer types are described in the following sections.

Microcomputers

The most common type of personal computer is the micro­computer. This type of computer system is designed to be used by one person at a time and is often called a desktop computer because the complete system fits on or next to a desk in an office or home. Microcomputers are used extensively in businesses and home offices to prepare correspondence, maintain ac­counting files, create and respond to customer email, access and update Web pages, and to complete other office-related tasks. These computers are afford­able for both business and home use. These computer systems are also considered modular equipment because they are equipped with com­ponents that can be replaced or upgraded easily.

Notebook computers

A notebook computer is a portable microcom­puter that is specifically designed to be moved from one place to another. These systems are similar to the desktop computers in speed, per­formance, and usage. They are sometimes re­ferred to as laptops because they were originally developed to be used when no desk was avail­able and the computer rested on the user’s lap. Notebook computers perform the same functions and contain components that are similar to those found on a desktop computer, but they are made smaller for ease in transporting. Because of their portability, notebook computers are used by many workers who need to use their computers at remote locations.

Notebook computers typically weigh less than 1-2 kilograms and are about the size of a standard paper notebook. Because these com­puters are equipped with long-life rechargeable lithium batteries, notebook users can typically work or play remotely for three or four hours at a time. Notebooks have a built-in keyboard, a touchpad, or a pointing stick for input as well as the capability of attaching an external keyboard or mouse.  A notebook com­puter may be a little more expensive than its desktop equivalent, but it provides a great ad­vantage to users who require portability. Note­book computers are popular with salespeople, real estate agents, students, and others whose work requires them to be on the move.

Hardware care tips

• Do not physically harm your hardware by dropping a notebook computer, knocking a piece of hardware off a desk or jostling the system unit. If you need a more durable computer, you can purchase one that will withstand much more physical abuse than a conventional computer.
• Use a surge suppressor to protect hardware from damage due to power fluctuations. For a desktop computer, use the surge suppressor with all of the powered computer components (including the system unit, monitor, printer and scanner).
• Safeguard your computer from dust, heat, static and moisture. All of these can be dangerous to a computer.  Remove the dust from your computer with a small handheld vacuum.  To protect your computer from heat, do not leave it in the direct sunlight and use it in an area that has plenty of ventilation.

Tablet PCs

A table PC is  a portable or mobile computer. It is smaller and thinner than a notebook com­puter. The screen can be turned or rotated to allow the user to write or select items using a digital pen designed for the tablet. Although a tablet PC may include a traditional keyboard, more often the user will use handwriting, drawing, or speech recognition tools for data input. Tablet PCs with­out a dedicated keyboard are often called slates.

Many users find the tablet PC more portable than the traditional notebook computer. The slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry under your arm like a book. Individuals who lack keyboarding skills find the ability to take hand­written notes and diagrams with a digital pen or stylus more functional. Tablet PCs are used for data entry by hospital staff, home inspectors, engineers, salespeople, and students.

Some users find tablet computers cumber­some. Individuals with excellent keyboarding skills may be unable to input data as quickly when relying on handwriting. Tablet PCs have a higher risk of screen damage because the screen is typically used for input. For many users, the mobility and flexibility of the tablet PC outweigh any potential disadvantages.

Handheld computers

A handheld computer is a computing device about the size of a deck of cards. Typically, handheld computers have a small display screen as well as a small keyboard or touchpad that is used for data input. They were created to provide personal organizer functions, and are sometimes called per­sonal digital assistants or PDAs. The PDA functions include a calendar, appointment book, and address book as well as access to email and Internet services. The capabilities of hand­held computers have broadened to include global positioning services, video recording, and use of many programs formerly reserved for traditional desktop computers such as word processing and spread sheets.

Although handheld computers are used by mobile workers in a variety of business occupa­tions, they are often used in other fields including medicine, forestry, meter reading, asset man­agement, surveying, and parking enforcement. Handheld computers for business use have evolved to include full keyboards or the ability to connect the handheld to a full-size keyboard. Many of the handheld devices use wireless technologies to connect to the Internet, GPS services, or a computer network. For those in­dividuals who use both a handheld and a desk­top or portable computer, the ability to share data between the computers is an important feature. For the business user, the ability to syn­chronize a handheld computer with a personal computer is an important feature so that data is up-to-date on both.

Smartphones

A smartphone is a full-featured mobile phone that includes many of the functions of a handheld computer. In addition to the typical telephone features and a built-in camera, smartphone fea­tures include a complete email system, Internet access, scheduling software, and contact man­agement capabilities. Additional features such as navigation software and the ability to read busi­ness documents may also be available. Some of the newer models of phones include video recording capability and electronic music file downloading and storage capabilities. A variety of accessories are also available for phones, including detach­able speakers, printers, and even projectors.

Mainframe computers

These are found in large organizations, government agencies etc.  These computers have high processing speeds and large storage.  (If you ever get a chance, go and visit your mainframe room.  They are usually in the basement of the business as this is the best place to keep the equipment.  Security is a huge issue and you would need to get permission to visit).

Supercomputers

These are computers that will be found in military and large organisations, which are involved in research and development activities that are mathematically intensive e.g. aerospace industry, chemical industry and weather forecasting.