DIGITALIZATION
Digitization is the
process of converting analog information into digital format.
The materials to be converted could be letters, manuscripts,
books, photographs, maps, audio recordings, motion pictures, etc. The goal of
digitization is to improve access to the materials.
HOW CAN A MATERIAL BE
DIGITALIZED?
In order for the materials to be digitalized, they must be
converted using a method to capture the material digitally. For example:
a)
Scanning
b)
Digital photography
c)
Digital recording, etc.
A material can be digitalized without altering the information
that the material contains, which means the digital representation contains the
same information as the analog information. A wide variety of equipment is
available to assist in this process.
TYPES OF COMPUTER
There are several types of computer. The following are some common
types of computers:
1. SUPER COMPUTER:
This computers are the most fastest computers which is very expensive compared to others. The uses of Supercomputer includes Weather forecasting, scientific simulations, animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting).
2. MAINFRAME COMPUTER:
Mainframe is a very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. The difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. The difference between small mainframes and minicomputers is unclear, depending really on how the manufacturer wants to market its machines.
2.3.3
MICRO COMPUTER
Micro computers have a microprocessor as
their central processing unit, and are therefore relatively small in size. They
have a keyboard and monitor, they are used as personal computers.
4. MINICOMPUTER:
It
is a midsize computer. In the past decade, the difference between large
minicomputers and small mainframes is unclear. Minicomputers can accomodate more than 200 users to work simultaneously.
5. LAPTOP COMPUTER:
A laptop computer or notebook computer is
a small lightweight computer that you can be carried around easily. It can
perform all the functions of a regular computer, and has built in keyboard,
pointing device and a lightweight, non – bulky screen. Laptop computers can run
both on batteries and from an external adaptor that charges the battery while
supplying power.
6.
DESKTOP COMPUTER:
A desktop computer is a tiny computer that runs on a constant power supply. Desktop computers have separate
keyboards and screens, and come in a variety of styles and models.
7.
HANDHELD COMPUTER:
A handheld computer is a portable computer that is
small enough to be held with one hand. They can store thousands of addresses,
appointment and memos. They also called Personal Digital Assistants or PDA’s.
8.
TABLET PC:
A tablet PC crosses
between a note book PC, and a handheld computer. It is a flat panel portable PC
in a form of a slate. You can enter information by typing the screen with a
stylus, or electronic pen. The pen can be used directly on the screen, to
select, drag and open files just like a mouse.
