Types of Computing Devices

A computing device designed to be used by one person at a time, as a non-mobile computer in a specific location.

• Personal Computer (PC)

• Peripherals

• Notebook

The fastest and the most expensive computer among all types of computers, often used in research and simulations by hospitals, universities, and governments to accomplish a single, specialized task.

• Terminal

• Supercomputer

• Personal Computer (PC)

• Mainframe

A network computer that manages access to centralized or shared resources that responds to requests from computers, devices, and other servers on the network.

• Mainframe

• Supercomputer

• Server

• Laptop

A computer that has the monitor and the computing components all in one physical device.

• Desktop Computer

• All-in-one Computer

• Notebook

• Tablet PC

A complete computer system that is small, compact, lightweight, and portable. All have a keyboard, specialized hardware designed especially for use in a smaller portable system, use standard operating systems, can run on battery or alternating current (AC) power, and can connect to other devices.

• Laptop

• Notebook

• Desktop Computer

• Smartphone

A device used to read electronic books, or eBooks, some of which do nothing besides allow you to download and read eBooks. Others include a browser to access the World Wide Web and to read email.

• eBook Reader

• Notebook

• Mainframe

• Server

High-end mobile devices that provide users with a wide range of functions, such as portable media players, video cameras, GPS, high-resolution touchscreens, high-speed Wi-Fi, web browsers, and mobile broadband, along with phone service

• All-in-one Computer

• Server

• Smartphone

• Tablet PC

A computing device designed to be placed on or near a user's desk.

• Personal PC

• Laptop

• Notebook

• Desktop

A large computer that might serve a large organization, which is used to process and store information for many users at once; therefore, it requires much more processing power and storage capacity than other computers.

• Large Laptop

• Desktop

• Mainframe

• All-in-one Computer

A mobile hand-held device that provides computing, information storage, and information retrieval capabilities for personal or business use, primarily used for keeping schedules, calendars, and address book information handy. Often smartphones are now used in place of the more traditional PDA.

• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

• Laptop

• Calendar

• Dekstop