Introduction to Computer System

A computer system is an electronic device with various software and hardware components that perform the tasks provided to the system. There are various computing devices available today, and almost all of them use the general set of components. The processing unit, memory, motherboard, hard disk, etc., are essential elements. This article will learn about different computer network types and computing devices.

Computer Network Types

The computer network is the system or interconnection of two or more computer systems through cables or wireless devices. Through the computer network, one can transfer various kinds of files and data seamlessly. These networks consist of software and hardware necessary to connect the computer systems. 

There are various computer network types. The desired network is chosen according to its size and purpose. Generally, the geographic area to be covered and the number of computers to be connected are determining factors. 

There are four primary computer network types: 

• Personal Area Network (PAN)
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Local Area Network (LAN)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)

Personal Area Network (PAN) is a device network used to connect personal computers, mobile to the internet or a network. This network can connect to the internet wirelessly called WPAN. It is a short-ranged network that is safe and secure.  

For example, you connect your mobile and tablet with your laptop. Then your laptop becomes the centre of the network.

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

The Metropolitan Area Network covers the large area of the entire city or school campus. MAN can cover an area of up to 50 km through optical fibres and cables. The carriers like fibre optic cables ensure the highest speed of communication.

Above, all the metropolitan area networks have duals that allow data transmission in either direction. However, there is also a higher risk of the network getting hacked in the MAN network. 

3. Local Area Network (LAN)

The Local Area Network (LAN) covers a larger area than PAN but less than MAN. It is the group of computer systems in a given area connected. For example, the computer systems are connected to LAN in offices, schools, and hotels. It allows the quick and effortless transfer of files, data, and other important information. 

No outside party can control the LAN as it is a private network. It has a significantly higher speed, and all the devices can use the same software. Moreover, a single internet connection can be shared with all the computer systems. 

4. WAN (Wide Area Network)

The Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a larger geographical area. It is the network that connects one LAN to another LAN either through telephone lines or radio waves. Big organisations generally use this computer network type. 

One can share the software through WAN to all the computer systems connected to the network. Organisations can use it for the global network. Maintaining these networks is not easy, and their technicians and network administrators are needed. 

5. Other Computer Network Types

Apart from these four main computer networks, there are some other network types too. These are: 

• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
• Storage Area Network
• Home Area Network
• System Area Network
• Enterprise private network
• Campus Area Network
• POLAN- Passive Optical LAN
• Virtual Area Network

Computing Devices 

Generally, the personal computer was the primary purpose device. But with the evolution of technology, computers became common, and thus many other computing devices have been formed. These computing devices are integrated with all the essential components of a computer system. 

Firstly there were huge computer systems, then came the personal computers which were perfect in size and easy to handle. But it didn’t stop there, to make the computer system easier to carry around, there came several other computing devices which we will study below: 

1. Laptops 

Laptops came into existence to make computers portable. Laptops are the luggable computing device that can easily be folded and carried anywhere. These are much lighter than personal computers and run on batteries that need to be charged. Some laptops have built-in rechargeable batteries, and some need to be plugged in. 

The dependence of the organisation has led to more development in the features of the laptops. Unlike computers, modern laptops have a built-in microphone, webcam, speaker, and everything.   

2. Smartphones

Mobile was invented in 1973, from that day till now there have been enormous changes and developments in the mobile. These variations led to the rise of smartphones that almost everyone uses today. Their cost varies from company to company.

Modern-day smartphones have become a compact version of personal computers. It includes all the features and software needed to run high and complicated tasks. The smartphones eliminated the keypad from the mobile and became a touch screen, thus making it much easier for the users to operate. 

3. Tablets 

The tablet is a computing device that is much smaller than laptops but a little larger than smartphones. It has a touchscreen with no keypad. The tablets are lightweight and easy to carry anywhere. The first tablet came in the 2000s with a pen to write input. 

In 2010, Apple revolutionised the tablet era with iPads. Before, the pen was used as a writing device, but with the iPad, the users were able to do the task with their fingertips. After that, many computer manufacturers started developing tablets integrated with operating software. 

Conclusion

The dependence on the computer system led to various computing devices used in several workplaces, homes, and industries. Computing devices are just the evolved form of computer that are much easier to carry. 

All the offices, schools, and colleges have shifted their administration to a digital network that is much easier to manage. Various computer network types are based on geographical area and purposes.