TYPES OF COMPUTERS

Present-day computers can be categorized as below:

v  Super Computer

Supercomputers are the fastest computers and are very expensive. These are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.

v  Mainframe Computer

It is a very large and expensive computer and is capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe. The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently.

v Mini Computer

It is a mid-sized computer in size and power. It lies between workstations and mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred. In general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.

v  Micro Computer

§  Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.

§  Laptop Computer:  a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.

§  Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant):     a hand-sized computer, Palmtop, does not have a keyboard, but its screen serves both as an input and output device.

§   Workstations: It is a terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, the workstation is just a generic term for a user’s machine (client machine) in contrast to a “server” or “mainframe.”