Different Types of Computer | Microcomputer, Minicomputer, and Supercomputer

Computers can be classified into the following types with respect to size, speed, storage capacity, and cost.

Micro Computers

These computers are small in size and relatively inexpensive. They have microprocessors such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) which include memory and input/output (I/O) circuitry mounted on a single printed circuit board.

They are also called Personal Computers as they are usually designed for personal use. They are mainly used in homes, schools, offices, shops, banks, etc.

Examples

Commodore 64, IBM PC.

Kinds of Micro Computers

There are different types of microcomputer

Desktop

These computers can be easily placed on top of desks. These have several units such as the monitor, CPU, keyboard, and mouse, which are connected to each other and work like a single unit.

Laptops

Laptops are small in size, battery-operated, and portable. One can keep them on the lap and work. We can fold down the screen of the laptop onto the keyboard when not in use. Laptops usually have a 13-inch to 15-inch screen size.

Tablets

Tablets are smaller and lighter than the laptop, these are bigger than smartphones.

Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. Tablets usually have 7-inch, 8-inch, or 10-inch screens.

Mini Computer

These computers were developed in the mid-1960s. They are bigger in size than the micro-computers, these are smaller than mainframe computers. It generally consists of two or more processors.

Mini computers have a higher processing speed and are more expensive than their predecessors. Mini computers are also called mid-range servers.

Use of mini computer  

Mini computers are extensively used in banks, universities, and in many other organizations.

Example:

• PDP- 8.
• Prime 9955
• HP 3000
• AS 400

Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers are big in size, have large memory, and have high speed. It was introduced in 1975. It is more powerful than a mini-computer. It consists of multiple processors. They are designed such that they can process large amounts of data.

Mainframe computers are used in a networked environment, so they can be used by more than a hundred users simultaneously. It often runs twenty-four hours a day. It can be serviced and upgraded while running. Mainframe computers are very expensive.

Uses of Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers are used in large business organizations, universities, banks, scientific laboratories, airline, and railway ticket reservation counters, and stock exchange markets. Government departments such as NADRA use mainframe computers to maintain the information of the population.

Examples

IBM Z series, PDP-10, and System Z10.

Supercomputers

The most powerful computers, supercomputers have a high level of performance. These possess an impressive processing speed. It is the biggest in size and more expensive than other computers. 

It was first developed in the early 1970s. It is used to perform complex tasks. It has a very large storage capacity and can store several thousand times more data than an average desktop computer. It also consumes so much energy.

Use of supercomputer

 Supercomputers are used for high-end computational work like weather forecasting, climate research, space research, etc.

Examples

CRAY-1, CRAY-2, PARAM, Tianhe-2, Sunway TaihuLight, etc.