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Classification of Computers

Classification of Computers

Computers are available in many different sizes and ranges of power. Different types of computer have different capabilities. The computers used today can be classified into the following categories:
  • Super Computer
  • Mainframe Computer
  • Mini Computer
  • Microcomputer
1. Super Computer:

Super computer is the most powerful computer. It is also very large in size. It is built to process huge amount of data. The fastest super computer can perform more than 1 trillion calculations per second. A modern super computer consists of thousands of microprocessors. Super computer is used to handle very complex problems. Super computer is mostly used for weather predictions, weapon design and atomic research etc. The cost of one super computer can be up to several million dollars. It also consumes so much energy. Super computers are used only by large corporations, universities and government departments due to high cost. ASCI White and Cray T90 are examples of super computer. ASCI white contains 8192 CPUs and can perform 12 trillion calculation per second.

2.Mainframe Computer:


Mainframe computer is a large computer in teams of power, speed and price. It is designed to perform multiple tasks for multiple users at the same time. It is more powerful and expensive than mini computer. It consists of multiple processors. It can store a huge amount of data.Mainframe computer is used in large organizations such as insurance companies and banks where many people access the same data frequently. Airlines use these computer for fight scheduling, reservations and ticketing. The users access a mainframe computer through terminal. A device with monitor and keyboard connected to mainframe computer is called terminal. A mainframe computer can support thousands of terminals. Mainframe computer are basically used in networked environment. An example mainframe computer is IBM S/390.
3.Mini Computer:

Minicomputer  is smaller in size as compared to mainframe computer. It is less powerful than mainframe computer. It is larger and more powerful computer than personal computer. It can support the input and output requirements of many users at a time. It can be used in networked environment as server computer. It is less expensive than mainframe computers.It is mostly used by the organizations who cannot afford mainframe computers. HP 3000 is an example of mini computer.


4.Microcomputer:
Microcomputer is also called personal computer. It is designed to be used for one person at a time. It is less powerful computer as compared to mini computer .IBM  introduced its first microcomputer in 1981 called IBM - PC. Many other companies  copied its architecture. Many IBM- compatible computers were introduced within a few years.The microcomputer became very popular because of low price.The personal computer is becoming more powerful due to improved technology.The difference between more powerful microcomputer and less powerful minicomputer is decreasing . The individual  users are using PCs for different purposes. These computers are also used in business, education and other fields of life. Microcomputers are available in different models such as desktop computers and portable computer.
a)Desktop Computers:
Desktop computers are the most common type of personal computer.It is designed in a way that all its components fit on a desk or table.In one model, the system unit is placed model, called tower model, both monitor and system unit are placed on the table.The system unit in tower model is placed vertically.
b)Portable Computer:
Portable is a personal computer that can be carried from one place to other easily. Following are two main types of portable computers.

1. Notebook Computers
Notebook computer is also called laptop computer. It is small in size and can be placed easily on lap.Only one user can use them at a time.It uses less power . It can be used using batteries .A laptop computer  can perform the same basic functions as a personal computer. Laptop computers are more expensive than desktop computers.

2. Handheld Computers
Handheld computer is also known as palmtop computer. It easily fits in the hand of the user. It contains small screen and small keyboard. Handheld often use stylus to enter data. Some handheld computers also support voice input. Handheld computer is not powerful as compared to desktop and notebook computer. Some examples of handheld computers are are Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and Web-Enabled Cellular Telephone.

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