Today we will know in detail what is a microcomputer? How many types of microcomputers are there? and what is their use?
What is a microcomputer?
Definition of Micro Computer – Microcomputers are small-sized computers in which a microprocessor is installed as a CPU.
The microprocessor is a multipurpose, programmable logic device that reads binary instructions from a storage device (memory) and processes the data according to those instructions and then provides the result as output.
A single person can easily operate a microcomputer. It was designed so that any individual can operate it easily. It is designed for use by one person at a time.
Generally, the term microcomputer is not as commonly used today as it was during the 1970s–1980s. Now we know a microcomputer as a computer or personal computer (PC). Microcomputers are now called desktops or personal computers.
The Datapoint 220, made by Computer Terminal Corporation (CTC), is known as the first microcomputer.
Keyboards, monitors, and printers are used as input/output devices in microcomputers.
In a microcomputer, the CPU (the brain of the computer), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Input/Output (I/O) ports, and interconnecting wires are all kept in a single unit called the motherboard.
Microcomputers are much smaller than mainframes and minicomputers.
Technically, a Micro Computer means Micro Controller. It is used in home appliances like microwaves, TVs, refrigerators, and many more.
The main purpose of microcomputers is to process tasks and fulfil the basic needs of people.
Compared to supercomputers and mainframe computers, microcomputers have limited size, design, and storage capacity.
Microcomputer has many parts such as input devices, output devices, software, operating system, and network etc.
Today we use many microcomputers around us as a common device. The characteristics of a microcomputer are similar to those of a personal computer, laptop or full-fledged tablet.
Today, most of the computers that we use for general purposes are microcomputers. Examples of Micro-computers are – IBM PCs, Apple Mac, IBM PS/2 etc. These are very popular computers which are easily used at home to use higher level applications.
History of Micro Computer
The term “Micro Computer” is from the 1970s. The advent of the Intel 4004 microprocessor in 1971 and later the Intel 8008 and Intel 8080 microprocessors in 1972 and 1974 respectively paved the way for the creation of microcomputers.
The first microcomputer was the Microcomputer, which was based on the Intel 8008 microprocessor. It was the first non-kit computer based on the Intel 8008 microprocessor, released by R2E (Réalisation d'Études Électroniques) in 1973.
Micro Computer Machines Inc. (later known as MCM Computers) In 1974, the Intel 8008-based MCM/70 microcomputer was released. Although released after the Microl and MCM/70, the Altair 8800 is often considered the first successful commercial microcomputer.
The Altair was based on the Intel 8080 microprocessor and was designed by Micro Instrumentation Telemetry Systems (MITS) in 1974.
As the design of microprocessor chips matured, the processing power of microcomputers also increased.
By the 1980s, microcomputers were being used for more than just games and computer-based entertainment.
By the 1990s, microcomputers were produced in the form of pocket-sized personal digital assistants (PDAs), and later in cellphones and portable music players.
Like minicomputers, early microcomputers had relatively limited storage and data-handling capabilities, but developments over time have resulted in increased storage capacity and data-handling capabilities.
How many types of microcomputers are there?
Microcomputers are of the following types:
- Desktop
- Laptop
- Notebook
- Smartphone
- Tablet
- Workstation
- PDA
- Server
- Mini tower microcomputer
- Full tower microcomputer
Components of Microcomputer
There are different types of microcomputers available in the market but every microcomputer has these basic components -
- Microprocessor (Microprocessor or CPU)
- Memory Unit
- Input Unit
- Output Unit
1) Microprocessor or CPU
The microprocessor, processor or CPU is the main part of the computer. It is also called the brain of the computer because all the calculations done in the computer are processed by this processor. It controls the processes taking place in the computer.
There is an arithmetic logical unit inside the processor which performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and many other operations. ALU uses registers, multiplexers, adders, half adders or flags to perform all these operations.
There is also a control unit inside it which controls the processor in the CPU. It takes instructions from the device and then decodes them and gives them to the ALU to perform the instructions. It controls buses, registers, mux and circuits.
2) Memory Unit
The memory unit controls the inflow and outflow of data into the memory using multiple memory management techniques such as FIFO, LIFO, OPR, LRU, etc.
In microcomputers, we have two types of memory 1) Volatile memory and 2) Non-volatile memory.
Volatile Memory: Memory that stores data for a short period of time until the current is supplied or the system is switched on is called volatile memory. As soon as the system is turned off, the data stored in it also gets destroyed. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a good example of volatile memory.
Non Volatile Memory: Memory that stores data permanently is called non-volatile memory. The data stored in these remains stored in the memory even after the system is turned off. ROM (Read Only Memory) is a good example of non-volatile memory.
3) Input Unit
There are such devices inside it with the help of which we are able to enter any data in the computer. Whenever we have to enter any data into the computer, we use input devices. The keyboard and mouse are good examples of input devices.
4) Output Unit
There are such devices inside it with the help of which we are able to get data from the computer. Monitors, video displays, printers, and speakers are good examples of output devices.
Advantages of Microcomputer
The following are the advantages of microcomputers -
1) Cost
In terms of price, microcomputers are quite cheap. Microcomputers designed for general use are inexpensive to the extent that everyone can afford them. However, not all models of microcomputers are cheap, there are some models which come with some high specifications and users have to spend several thousand rupees to buy them.
2) Maintenance
Maintenance of microcomputers is quite easy. Both hardware and software are easy to handle and operate. If any hardware gets damaged, the user can easily replace them with new hardware components.
3) Information
A microcomputer that is connected to the Internet provides detailed information on various subjects. Students are expanding their knowledge by using microcomputers. Be it for research work or for general knowledge, all the information is easily available on the internet.
4) Connectivity
Microcomputers allow users to connect with other people around the world with the help of the Internet. For this, various options like video/voice calls, chatting applications and email etc. are available.
5) Size
Microcomputers are smaller in size compared to other computers such as mainframes and supercomputers.
6) Portability
Microcomputers are quite portable due to their small size. A microcomputer can be easily transported from one place to another.
7) Flexibility
Microcomputer provides a multitasking facility. For example, surfing the internet, ticket reservations, watching movies and creating games etc.
Disadvantages of Microcomputer
Following are the disadvantages of microcomputers -
1) Performance
The performance of microcomputers is less than that of supercomputers and mainframe computers because most microcomputers are equipped with low-power processors. For example, you cannot play high-end games or run applications that require high computation power.
2) Security
The security of microcomputers is slightly less. It does not provide strong security. Any hacker or intruder can easily access your computer and steal information. Or a virus can reach your computer through the Internet and damage your important files.
3) Storage Capacity
Microcomputers have small storage capacities by default. Therefore the user needs to expand the storage capacity of his computer. Users can increase the storage capacity of their computers with the help of external storage devices.
4)Addiction
The entertainment options available in a microcomputer (such as computer games, internet browsing and social networking sites etc.) make it more addictive. Having a microcomputer in the home can make the addiction worse. In particular, students may get distracted from their studies if they fail to focus on their academics.
5) Health concerns
Prolonged use of microcomputers can give various physical problems like back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and headache. And since physical activity is often neglected by always sitting in a chair, it can also often lead to obesity. Furthermore, most users suffer from eye strain from staring at a computer screen all the time.
Conclusion
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