Computer Systems: Types of Computer Systems
Hardware | Hardware is the physical components that make up a computer |
Software | Software are the instructions that control the computer's physical components |
Embedded system | Computer systems that are built in to another device to support their operation and have specific software (firmware) burned onto their chips |
General-purpose computer system | Computer systems that can perform many tasks and have replaceable software, for example a PC or Mac (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone |
The purpose of embedded systems:
Embedded systems are computer systems that are built in to another device to perform a specific function such as monitoring and controlling components within the host appliance. Embedded systems are usually built into larger appliances or devices.
Benefits of embedded systems:
very reliable
cheap to mass-produce
energy efficient
Downsides:
Because the processing instructions (called "firmware") are fixed in an embedded system, it can be difficult to update if a bug is discovered.
More difficult to write software for embedded systems as programmers need to have a good technical understanding of the exact system and programs are usually written using "low level" instructions.