Learn About the Types of Computers

There are many different computers available, each with different functions and features. This is going to be a very basic discussion of the parts that make up computers, and some of the different purposes that computers serve. If you're looking to upgrade to a new computer, or looking to do something different with your old computer, read on.
The main thing I will cover is the actual physical types of computers. For the purposes of this article, we're going to simplify. There are three main types: desktops, laptops, and servers. There are actually two types of servers, but I will cover that later in the article. I will briefly go into depth about each topic now.
Desktops are computers that require an external monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and are generally the cheapest of the three. These machines can be the most powerful, however, at the lowest cost. They are not portable, and generally are far less likely to suffer from accidental damage. If you need to make an upgrade, all of the parts are generally standardized, so parts are easier and cheaper to come by. For most people, a desktop is their first computer. Because it can be easily upgraded, these machines are usually kept longer than the other two types.
Laptops are probably the most popular computers in the world right now. They are fully self-contained, and fully portable. Each laptop is made to contain only the parts that it comes with, and very few are upgradeable beyond that(only a handful of machines have an extra hard drive bay, for instance). You can replace certain components like hard drives and RAM to increase their capacity, but you can't add more RAM slots or replace video cards. Laptops are generally less powerful than desktops because they are battery powered and are optimized for small size and many hour usage. You can't buy a larger screen or a new type of keyboard. This is the primary limitation of laptops. If your motherboard or screen dies, you can only replace it with a very specific replacement. Laptops are prone to accidental damage from drops, spills, and many other accidental events.
All of this aside, laptops can utilize external screens, keyboards, and mice, something that many people forget about. You can purchase docking stations for laptops that permit them to function as a desktop would at home, and then be a laptop on the go. If you take good care of your laptop, it can be a wonderful machine that makes your life easier. As I said, however, there are the things to consider that I mentioned above when choosing between desktops and laptops.
Servers are desktops that are generally used in business environments. They are normally the most expensive of the three and are made for long-term, heavy use and stability. They are also sometimes used remotely, meaning that people login via an internet connection and control the server from a less powerful computer. This makes having a powerful, stable machine easy for someone traveling with a laptop, if they have an internet connection available. This also permits multiple people to login and control the same computer at once, and printing can even be done remotely. This is how many issues are solved at large corporations, and prevents technicians from actually having to go on site. Most home users will never have to deal with getting a server, but they may run into them at work.
So the next time you're upset with your computer for being slow or wishing that you could work on your projects from afar, think about the things I mentioned above. It's very possible that a solution exists that you weren't even thinking of or didn't even know existed. This is why it's best to consult with computer professionals when upgrading technology.

I have been a technician for over 10 years, focusing on efficient, easy-to-understand computer repair. Because I can't fix everyone's computers, I've been looking for the best computer repair in Detroit MI and beyond. I strive for people to have at least a minor conceptual grasp of how their computers work in order to permit the best possible computing experience. I currently am a purveyor of Detroit computer repair.

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