Definition of microcomputer:
A microcomputer is a computer with CPU (central processing unit), keyboard, mouse and screen. This type of computer is also known as PC (personal computer) or desktop PC. This computer is smaller than mainframe and supercomputer. PC is used at the home or in commercial area. The microprocessor is main part of PC and do all processing.
Advantages of microcomputer:
Small size: PC’s are smaller in size as compared to mainframe and supercomputers.
For making apps: PC is used for making different mobile apps. Nowadays every smartphone needs apps for better use. Every app in various app stores helps mobile users for fulfilling their needs.
Stock Exchange: In the old days, stock exchange business is mostly done by phone calls. But nowadays, every investor has the software installed on their PC by which they can buy/sell stocks in the stock market.
Maintenance is easy: Most of the PC users knows how to fix the problem in the PC e.g. if there is something wrong happen in the PC then you can simply reinstall the operating system. Replacing hardware parts of the PC is also easy.
Used in businesses: In today life, every type of business uses PC for handling their office work. All the data of the business is now stored in the PC and in remote servers.
Accounting: Accounting software is run in the PC which makes financial reports of the company or any individual. In shops, accounting software is also used for day to day calculation of the products.
Widely used: They are used by most of users at home. About 75% of U.S citizens use microcomputer at their home.
Research and information: Students and marketers use PCs for their research work. People get information from the internet and then save the information on different software.
Connections with people: Now the world is known as a global village. You can connect with any person across the world and communicate with any person via voice/video/text chat and emails. Now you can share your views on any topic online.
Portability: These computers are easily portable because of their small size. In the old days (1970-80) computers were big and cover the whole room. They were not easy to move from one place to another. But PC’s are easy to move from one location to another.
Low cost: PC’s were costly in previous days but now PC’s are cheaper and everyone can buy it easily. There are many types of desktop computers depending upon processor type (i3, i5, i7). For common use, you can buy cheaper PC that can do your common works like internet browsing and watching movies. If you want to use big software then you will need higher capacity computers.
Multiple uses: One desktop computer can be used for multiple purposes e.g. printing, scanning, browsing the internet, booking tickets online, watching movies, logging of different users, playing games, storing data, accounting, making games, apps and desktop software etc.
Accurate results: Human can make an error in the calculation but the computer is a very intelligent machine and it will give accurate result every time.
Disadvantages of microcomputer:
Least powerful: PC’s have low computational power as compared to mainframe and supercomputers.
Computer addiction: Children and middle age users get addicted to games and internet uses. These activities affect their day to day routine.
Less storage: Desktops have less storage and for storage large data you will need extra storage devices.
Weak in performance: Many PC’s have low processor that will effect computer performance e.g. playing games and running big software is difficult on that PCs.
Negative physical effects: If you use PC for a long time then you will get physical effects like eye stain, neck pain and back problem.
Difficult to upgrade: As desktop PC’s have different motherboards for every type of processor so it is difficult to upgrade PC for high performance.
Lack of security: Hackers can hack your computer if it is connected to the internet and your sensitive data can be stolen or loss by virus attack.
Public safety: Now children can have access to adult content and people can view sensitive content that is not allowed by the government.
Examples of microcomputer:
- Desktop computers used in homes
- Servers attached to the internet for hosting websites
- Terminals used for air ticket reservation
- Each personal computer is different in sense of processor type, input and output devices