Computers have become increasingly portable over time, with mobiles, tablets, and laptops offering similar functionality. Whether you use a desktop computer or laptop, these devices utilize a variety of components and accessories to help you use the internet, access and edit documents, access entertainment, and communicate. Further, peripherals are devices that interact with the computer to exchange information or send and receive instructions. Here is everything to know about desktops and laptops:
Types of laptops
Although desktops can never go out of style, laptops have emerged as a popular alternative. Laptops are portable, powerful, easy to use, versatile, and stylish computers. Laptops and desktops come in different configurations, specifications, and sizes. You can find the right type of computer for you whether you are a student, professional, gamer, or someone looking for a means to communicate or access entertainment. The common types of laptops are:
- Ultrabooks: Thin and lightweight laptops
- Gaming laptops
- 2-in-1 convertible laptops: Can act as a laptop or tablet
- Business laptops
- Chromebooks: Work with Chrome OS
- Workstations
Accessories and peripherals
Most electronic devices come with optional accessories and peripherals. Computer peripherals extend the functionality of the computer and can be input, output, or storage devices. Some of these devices can be used directly by plugging into computer ports, while others work after they have been configured in the computer. Examples of computer peripherals include printers, scanners, flash drives, barcode readers, mice, external keyboards, microphones, external speakers, webcams, and headsets.
Computer accessories are those items that do not affect a computer’s functionality or efficiency. They simply benefit the user by increasing comfort, decreasing strain, or helping improve the device’s appearance or visual appeal. Common computer accessories are:
- Tablet or laptop stand
- Mousepads
- Desk mat
- Antiglare monitors
- Computer cover
Components
Computer components are parts inside or outside the device without which it cannot function. Defects in components can cause the computer to crash or malfunction. These components have distinct functions and communicate with each other, working as per the instructions they receive. The seven main components of a computer are:
- Central processing unit: Processor or brain of the computer
- Graphics processing unit: Helps handle graphics, effects, and videos
- Random access memory: The system’s short-term memory to temporarily store data
- Motherboard: Main circuit board controlling every part of the computer
- Storage devices
- Power supply unit
- Expansion cards: Provides extra facilities or memory to the computer
- Input and output devices:
- Computer case: Plastic or metal enclosure for all of the main parts
Pursuing a career in IT
If you would like to explore the world of computers, the IT industry offers a variety of opportunities. You can be a programmer, website developer, hardware engineer, security specialist, hacker, big-data engineer, architect, software engineer, or systems analyst, among others. Based on current trends, here are some of the high-paying computer jobs and the corresponding computer courses to consider:
- Web development courses to become a front-end, back-end, or full-stack developer
- Cybersecurity courses for cybersecurity jobs
- Artificial intelligence courses to work in big data, machine learning, and AI
- Programming courses to work in software development, software engineering, data science, robotics, and software architecture
- Date science courses for working in data analytics and big data
- Machine learning courses for careers in finance and healthcare
- Cloud computing courses for providing cloud services
- Internet of Things for creating smart solutions across industries
