General Purpose Computers are those that can have many purposes and their purpose can be changed
Desktops, Laptops, and Smartphones are all general purpose computers - we can change the software they run easily. They can be used for playing games, browsing web pages, completing office work, watching videos
These only make up 2% of computers worldwide!
Embedded Systems
Embedded Systems are computers embedded within other devices
They have a narrow or singular purpose.
Examples include:
- Washing Machines
- Microwave
- Thermostats
- Bluetooth Speaker / Headphones
- Smart Home Devices
Embedded systems are highly specialised:
- Single or limited purpose – they usually only do one thing. Due to having a single purpose many do not have operating systems, instead we call the software that runs on them “Firmware”. Some Embedded systems are have to operate in real time.
- Less processing power - you don’t need GHz to run temperature checks on a thermostat
- Smaller - less memory, smaller CPUs, less complex parts means they can be physically smaller
- Reliable - fewer parts, less complexity means they’re less likely to fail and crash
- Use less energy - lower complexity, slower speeds means needing less power to run and they run cooler (they can every run on small batteries)
- Cheaper - all the above leads to much lower manufacturing costs
