Types Of Computer (Classification-Of-Computer-On-The-Basis-Of-Size)

Types Of Computer (Classification-Of-Computer-On-The-Basis-Of-Size)

There are various types of computers based on size. But, mainly there are four types of computers. They are:

1. Super Computer
2. Mainframe Computer 
3. Mini Computer
4. Micro Computer

Super Computer

Supercomputers are the fastest computer. It is a digital computer with very processing with many processors. The same computer can be shared using the terminals. It has very storage capacities. It is very expensive and very large in size too. Supercomputers are used for very complex types of processing like weather forecasting, nuclear science research, etc.

They are fast processing with multi-user and multi-processor large computers of the very difficult and complex problem within nanoseconds. The word length of this computer is 64 bits. 

Example: CRAY X-MP-14, PARAM, etc,

Application of Supre Computer

1. They are used for weather forecasting.
2. They are used in military research and defense systems.
3. They are used for digital film rendering.
4. They are used to study DNA structure and genetic engineering.
5. They are used in automobiles, aircraft, and spacecraft design.
6. They are used in seismography, plasma, and nuclear research.

Mainframe Computer

Mainframe computers are smaller than a supercomputer. This is also very expensive and with very high speed. It supports about 100 users. It also contains more than one processor and can process the jobs simultaneously. It is also a multi-user computer system. This computer is not so popular these days.

It is a powerful multi-user computer used in large organizations such as businesses, industries, defense, etc. It can respond to any number of requests at a time. It uses several CPUs for data processing. More than 100 users can use it at a time because it works in time-sharing mode. Its word length is 48 bits to 64 bits. IBM built the first Mainframe Computer System/ 360, in 1964.

Application of Mainframe Computer

1. Electronic card processing
2. Bank management system
3. Marketing and advertisement 
4. Air traffic control system 
5. Industries and automation
6. Population census

Mini Computer

Mini-Computers are mid-range computers. Most of these types of computers are replaced by a client-server model nowadays. These computers can support about 20/25 users. Mini-computes are more powerful than microcomputers. It is costly than microcomputers. It is also used in universities, large business organizations to process complex data. It is also used in scientific research, engineering analysis and industrial proceed monitoring and control. Examples of these computers are PSP-11, VAX, etc.

Micro Computer 

A microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit. They are physically small compared to mainframe and minicomputers. Many microcomputers  (when equipped with a keyboard and screen for input and output) are also personal computers. 

The abbreviation "micro'' was common during the 1970s and 1980s but has now fallen out of common usage. Most notably, the microcomputer replaced the many separate components that made up of the mini computer's CPU with one integrated microprocessor chip. Microprocessors and semiconductor memory became less expensive so that microcomputers in turn grew cheaper and easier to use. Monitors keyboards and other devices for input and output may be integrated or separate. Computer memory in the form of RAM and at least one other less volatile, memory storage service is usually combined with the CPU on a system bus in one unit. Other devices that make up a complete microcomputer system include batteries, a power supply unit, a keyboard, and various input/output devices used to convey information to and from human operators (printers, monitors, human interface devices). Microcomputers are designed to serve only one user at a time, although they can often be modified with software or hardware to concurrently serve more than one user.

Desktop Computer

A desktop computer is a personal computer is a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer. Before the widespread use of microprocessors, a computer that could fit on a desk was considered remarkably small. Desktop computers come in a variety of types ranging from large to small. ''Desktop'' can also indicate a  horizontally-oriented computer case usually intended to have the display screen placed on the top to save space on the desktop. Most modern desktop computers have separate screens and keyboards. 

The desktop has the advantage over laptops in that the spare parts and extensions tend to be standardized and upgraded to a greated\r extent too. This tends not to be the case for laptops, though adding or replacing some parts, like the optical drive, hard disk, and adding an extra memory module is often quite simple.

Laptop 

A laptop is a personal computer designed for mobile use. A laptop integrates most of the typical components of a desktop, a pointing device (a touchpad, also known as a trackpad, and/or a pointing stick), and speakers into a single unit. A laptop is powered by mains electricity via an AC adapter and can be used away from an outlet using a rechargeable battery. A laptop battery in new condition typically stores enough energy to run the laptop for three to five hours, depending on the computer usage configuration and power management settings. When the laptop is plugged into the mainline, the battery charges, whether or not the computer is running.

 Portable computers, originally monochrome CRT- based and developing into the modern laptop. ere originally considered to be a small market, mostly for specialized field applications such as the military, accountants, and sales representatives. As portable computers became smaller, lighter, and cheaper and as screens became larger and better quality, laptops became very widely used for all sorts of purposes.

PAD (Personal Digital Assistants)

A small-sized portable hand-held electronic device that has all the features of personal computers is called PDA. It has input, processing, storage, and output capability like the other microcomputers. This is used for diaries, calendars, address books, etc. We can transfer data from PDA. A personal digital assistant (PDA), also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Many PDAs can access the internet, intranets, or extranets via Wi-Fi or Wireless Wide Area Networks.

Tablet

Tablet is a portable computer that uses a touch screen as its primary input device. Tablets are less functional than laptops so it is cheaper. It is more portable and easy to carry on. It has touch and multi-figure gestures. IPad, Samsung, ZTE are the brand of tablets.

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