Computer And Terminal

A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce information, and store the information for future use. Types of personal computers include laptops, tablets, and desktops. One popular category of computer is the personal computer. A personal computer (PC) can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself and is intended to be used by one person at a time.

Special-purpose terminals perform specific tasks and contain features uniquely designed for use in a particular industry. A terminal is a computer, usually with limited processing power, that enables users to send data to and/or receive information from a server, or host computer. Three widely used special-purpose terminals are point-of-sale (POS) terminals, automated teller machines (ATMs), and self-service kiosks. The host computer processes the data and then, if necessary, sends information (output) back to the terminal.

Types of Computers

Laptops

Most laptops can operate on batteries or a power supply or both. Designed to fit on your lap and for easy transport, laptops weigh up to 10 pounds (varying by manufacturer and specifications). A laptop that is less than one inch thick and weighs about three pounds or less sometimes is referred to as an ultrathin laptop. (Dillian, 2014)A laptop, also called a notebook computer, is a thin, lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base.

Tablets

Usually smaller than a laptop but larger than a phone, a tablet is a thin, lighter-weight mobile computer that has a touch screen. A popular style of tablet is the slate, which does not contain a physical keyboard. Like laptops, tablets run on batteries or a power supply or both; however, batteries in a tablet typically last longer than those in laptops.(Yoder, 2014)

Desktops

On many desktops, the screen is housed in a device that is separate from a tower, which is a case that contains the processing circuitry. A desktop, or desktop computer, is a personal computer designed to be in a stationary location, where all of its components fit on or under a desk or table. (Sidney, 2014)Some screens for desktops support touch.Other desktops, sometimes called all-in-one desktops, do not contain a tower and instead use the same case to house the screen and the processing circuitry.

Types of Terminals

Point-of-Sale Terminals

Most retail stores use a POS terminal to record purchases, process credit or debit cards, and update inventory. The location in a retail or grocery store where a consumer pays for goods or services is the point of sale. Some POS terminals are Internet capable, which allows updates to inventory at geographically separate locations. In a grocery store, the POS terminal is a combination of an electronic cash register, bar code reader, and printer. (EugeneRailey, 2014)

ATMs

Using an ATM, people withdraw cash, deposit money, transfer funds, or inquire about an account balance. (Warren, 2014) Banks place ATMs in public locations, including grocery stores, convenience stores, retail outlets, shopping malls, sports and concert venues, and gas stations, so that customers can access their bank accounts conveniently. An ATM is a self-service banking terminal that connects to a host computer through a network. Some ATMs have a touch screen; others have special buttons or keypads for entering data.

Self-Service Kiosk

To rent a movie online, for example, a customer establishes an account or connects to an existing account on the vendor’s website, selects the desired movie, and then chooses a nearby DVD kiosk where the movie will be picked up. Because users interact with self-service kiosks

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