Computer types

The different Types of Computers are distinguished by their purpose, capacity and
cost.

Personal computers
These computers are known as microcomputers, personal computers or PC
computers since they are designed to be used by only one person at a time. These
computers use a microprocessor as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

PC computers are typically used at home, school, or in a business. Its most

popular applications are word processing, internet browsing, email, spreadsheets,
database management, photo editing, graphics creation, games and music.

Personal computers come in two forms: desktop PCs and laptops .

Desktop types are larger, typically remaining in one place on a desk or table and
plugged into an electrical outlet. The computer case contains the motherboard,
disk drives, power supply, and expansion cards. The cabinet can be horizontal or
tower type. The latter can be placed on the desk or on the floor.

These computers have a separate CRT monitor or an LCD monitor , although some
designs (All in one or All in one) include the LCD screen in the computer case. A
keyboard and mouse complement the computer for data and command entry. LCD
monitors are being replaced by LED monitors that have better features.

There are branded PC computers on the market and computers assembled by

some distributors. This last are more accessible in cost.

The types of portable computers, also called laptop or notebook computers, are
small and light enough to transport without problem. They run on batteries, but
can also be plugged into an outlet.
They typically have a built-in LCD screen, which is protected when closing the
computer for transport. They also include a keyboard and some type of pointer,
such as a touch pad and an external mouse connector.

Although some laptops are less powerful than a desktop computer, this is not
always the case. However, a laptop costs more than a desktop with equivalent
capacity. This is because the miniature components required to make laptops are
more expensive.

PDAs and Handheld Computers

At the end of the 90s, these types of computers became very popular, which had a
very complete organizer and allowed access to the Internet. Today they are
already out of use.

PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) or "palmtops" were very small microcomputers

that sacrificed power for size and portability. They typically used a touch-sensitive
LCD screen for data input/output. PDAs could communicate with laptop or desktop
computers through cables, infrared rays (IR) or radio frequencies. Some uses of
PDAs were managing agendas, to-do lists, directories and as a notebook.
A handheld computer was a small computer that also sacrificed power for size and
portability. These devices looked more like a small laptop than a PDA because of
their movable screen and keyboard. They used Windows CE or a similar operating
system.

Some palmtops and handhelds included wireless networking capability so that

users could check their email and browse the Web while on the go.

Handheld computers were later replaced by slightly larger laptops, known as

Netbooks, now also out of use mainly due to the discomfort of their small
keyboard.

Workstations and Servers

The types of computers known as workstations are high-level computers and
contain one or more microprocessors. They can be used by a single user in
applications that require more computing power than a typical PC computer, for
example executing intensive scientific calculations or rendering complex graphics.

Alternatively, these computers can be used as file servers and print servers to
users (Clients) on a typical computer network . These types of computers are also
used to handle the data processing of many simultaneous users connected via
dumb terminals. In this regard, high-end workstations have replaced
minicomputers.

The term "workstation" has another meaning... On a network, any client computer
connected to the network that accesses server resources can be called a
workstation. Said workstation may be a personal computer or a true "workstation"
as defined above.
Dumb terminals are not considered workstations on a network. Client workstations
are capable of running programs independently of the server; but a terminal is not
capable of independent processing.

There are other types of computers that are not microcomputers. These are known
as minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers.

Minicomputers

Minicomputers are true multi-user computers, but with less capacity than
mainframe computers. These types of computers appeared in the 1960s when
large-scale integrated circuits made it possible to manufacture a computer much
cheaper than existing mainframe computers. Its cost was reduced by about 10
times.

Today, the minicomputer niche has been filled by high-end workstations, catering
to multiple users.

MainFrame Computers
A mainframe computer is a large, powerful computer that handles processing for
many users simultaneously (up to several hundred users). The name mainframe
originated after minicomputers appeared in the 1960s to distinguish large systems
from minicomputers.

Users connect to the mainframe computer using terminals that submit their
processing tasks to the mainframe computer. A terminal is a device that has a
screen and keyboard for input/output, but does not have computing capacity.
These are also known as dumb terminals.
The processing capacity of the mainframe is shared in time among all users. A PC
computer can "emulate" a dumb terminal to connect to a minicomputer or
mainframe. This is achieved through special software.

Mainframe computers cost several hundred thousand dollars. They are used in
situations where companies need to have both computing power and information
storage centralized in one place.

Mainframes are also used as high-capacity servers for networks with many client
workstations.

Supercomputers
A supercomputer is a mainframe computer optimized for speed and processing
capacity. The most famous supercomputers were designed by the company Cray
Inc., founded by Seymour Cray. Cray-1 was built in 1976 and installed at Los
Alamos National Laboratory.

These types of computers are used in demanding, computationally intensive tasks,

such as simulating the detonation of an atomic bomb, dynamical flows, and
modeling global climate behavior. The cost of a supercomputer is several million
dollars.

Some current manufacturers of supercomputers are, for example, Cray Inc.,

Silicon Graphics Inc. and Sun Microsystems.

In recent times, some supercomputers have been built by interconnecting large

numbers of individual processing units sometimes based on standard
microcomputer hardware.

Everything is relative
The claim that some computers are more powerful than others, for example that
mainframes are more powerful than minicomputers and that minicomputers in turn
have more capacity than microcomputers, is relative with respect to time.

However, all types of computers are made more and more powerful with time and
advancement in technology. The microprocessor in a handheld computer is more
powerful than the first gigantic ENIAC computer. Your PC computer has more
processing power than the first supercomputer, etc.

Microcomputers everywhere
Nowadays there are all types of computers around us. Microprocessors are found
in many electronic devices, such as your iPod, your microwave oven, your car,
your phone, etc. These devices are special-use computers that run programs to
control the equipment and optimize its performance.
 INFORMATION 2

Types of computers
The types of computers are:

1. Desktop
2. Laptops
3. Netbooks
4. Handheld computers
5. Work stations
6. Servers
7. Mainframes
8. Minicomputers
9. The supercomputers
In some parts of the world they call it a computer, in others a computer, in
Spain it is generally called a computer. All these terms refer to a device that
receives data through a mouse, keyboard and other tools. This device has a
microchip and shows the results of the requests we send to it.

There are many types of computers , but they all share the same set of
components that include memory, a central processing unit, storage device
(Hard Drive), input devices (keyboard, mouse), and output devices (monitor).
These are the types of computers:

Desktop

Desktop computers are the most common

type of computer that exists. Generally called a desktop computer, desktop
computer, or simply PC, they are equipment used mostly in homes. These
models include a monitor, mouse, keyboard and a container that houses all
the internal components. Desktop computers are primarily designed for daily
use applications such as gaming, Internet browsing, word processing, photo
and video storage, among other basic functions.
Laptops

Its name in English “laptop”, which

comes from the combination of 2 words: lap (which means “lap”) and top
(above), this is how they called these devices that can be placed on the
legs. They are also called notebooks (which means notebook), due to their
great physical resemblance to these objects.
These models contain flat screens, a keyboard, pointing device, memory and
processor. Laptops are very light since their weight does not exceed 3 kilos
and they are specialized for mobile users. They have the same functions as
desktop computers, but are more expensive due to their small and compact
size. These models are ideal for anyone who needs the power and
processing of a desktop computer combined with portability.

Netbooks

Netbooks are a smaller, lighter and

more compact version of the laptop. These devices are primarily designed
for wireless web browsing. Due to their size, notebooks generally have very
small screens, on average it is 10.1 inches. This type of computer contains
memory with very little storage space, they do not include a CD or DVD
drive, they do not have connection ports and they are not very powerful.
When they went on the market they achieved great sales, but these have
decreased after the arrival of tablets.

Handheld computers

Handheld computers, also called PDAs

(Personal Digital Assistants), are extremely compact computers without a
keyboard and with a touch screen. These were designed mainly as an
electronic diary, calendar, text documents, contact list, sound player,
browser, Internet, emails, reminders, among other functions. These devices
have been replaced by smartphones or also called smart phones.

Work stations
 Workstations are a type of computer
with large monitors, which are capable of presenting high-quality graphics.
This model contains a very powerful processor, internal memory capable of
processing highly complex data, and hard drives to store large amounts of
data. amount of data. These features make the workstations specialized for
use by professional mathematicians, engineers, architects, and software or
game developers who need a computer that supports big data and high-
resolution images.

Servers

Servers are another type of

computer optimized to offer services to other computers, all over a network.
Servers generally have powerful processors and internal memory that can
store a large amount of information. They are equipment that is on
throughout the day.
The main function of these servers is to carry out communications between
several computers at the same time. .
Mainframes

They are large computers, which

take up the space of a room or even an entire floor. They are expensive
computers, which are designed mainly to process multiple tasks performed
by thousands of users at a time. Generally, companies use this equipment to
process applications they need for their business, including financial
transactions and statistical analysis.
Minicomputers

Minicomputers are sometimes called

mid-range servers, as they are less powerful than mainframes but more
powerful than desktop computers. These computers have the capacity to
perform several tasks at the same time, contain a fast processor, and can
support hundreds of users at a time.
The supercomputers
 Supercomputers are used mainly to
perform large amounts of numerical calculations in short periods of time;
supercomputers have the largest and most expensive technology available.
These devices are only used for specialized applications such as scientific
research, weather forecasts, geological data analysis, among other tasks
that require large amounts of processing.
IBM's ROadDrunner supercomputer is a clear example of how powerful
these devices can be, since it took 6 years to build and cost millions of
dollars.

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Classification of computers
Different types of computers differ in their function and data processing
capabilities. These are classified according to data handling, functionality
and purpose.
Based on this, computers are for general or specific use. Regarding that,
General purpose computers are designed to perform different tasks.
Although they are not very fast and efficient, these computers have the
capacity to store large programs. On the other hand, Specific Purpose
computers have a detailed set of instructions integrated.
Regarding data management, computers can be analog, digital or hybrid.
Analog computers are based on the measurement principle, in which
measurements obtained instantly are converted into data. Modern analog
computers usually employ electrical parameters, such as resistances,
currents, or voltages. These devices measure continuous physical
quantities but do not perform numerical processing. Digital computers are
those that work with information, numerical or other forms, digitally. These
process data have a digital value, so the results are produced with greater
speed and precision. Hybrid computer types have the measurement function
of an analog and the features of a digital computer integrated.

According to functionality, the types of computers are classified into:

analog computer
An analog computer is a type of computer that performs physical processing
such as electrical, mechanical or hydraulic quantities to solve any problem
in this field.

Digital Computer
This equipment performs calculations and logical operations on quantities
called digits, usually using the binary number system.

Hybrid Computer (analog + digital)

This type of computer is the combination between analog and digital
computers. The hybrid computing system configuration offers the possibility
of performing complex simulations.
A combination of computers are capable of input and output on both digital
and analog signals. A hybrid computing system configuration offers a cost-
effective method of performing complex simulations.

According to size, the types of computers are classified into:

Super Computer
The most powerful and fastest type of computer among those that exist, it
also has a high price on the market. These computers occupy special
applications that require large amounts of mathematical calculations. For
example, when you need to predict the weather, you need a supercomputer.
Other uses for these computers are fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear
energy research, oil exploration, and motion graphics.

There is a big difference between supercomputers and mainframes, and that

is that supercomputers use all their power to run programs at a higher
speed, while mainframes use all their power to run many programs at the
same time.

Mainframe Computer
It is a large, high-priced type of computer capable of supporting thousands
of users simultaneously. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than
supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But
supercomputers can run a single program faster than a mainframe.

mini computer
It is a medium sized computer. Due to their size and processing capacity,
minicomputers are generally found in companies.

Micro PC or personal computer

• Desktop Computer : A micro-mini personal computer enough to fit on a
desk.
• Computer : A laptop computer complete with an integrated screen and
keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger
than a notebook.

• PDA Computer / Digital Diary / Laptop / PDA : a hand-sized computer.

Pocket PCs do not have a keyboard, the screen serves as both an input and
output device.

Work stations
A terminal or desktop computer on a network. In this context, workstation is
just a generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a
“server” or “mainframe.”

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Four types of computers

Since the advent of different sizes and types of computers they are offering
different services. Computers can be as large as a large building and as
small as a laptop or microcontroller. The 4 types of computers are:
 Supercomputer.
 Macrocomputer.
 Minicomputer.
 Microcomputer.
Supercomputer

The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing

are supercomputers. These are specific and specialized work equipment
used by large organizations. These computers are used for research and
exploration purposes, just as NASA uses supercomputers for launching the
space shuttles, controlling them and for the purpose of space exploration.
Supercomputers are very expensive and large in size. They can stay in large,
air-conditioned rooms; some supercomputers can span an entire building.

In 1964, Seymour Cray designed the first CDC 6600 supercomputer.

Uses of the Supercomputer

In Pakistan and other countries Supercomputers are used by Educational

Institutes like NUST (Pakistan) for research purposes. Pakistan Atomic
Energy and Heavy Industry commission Taxila uses supercomputers for
research purposes.

Space exploration:

Supercomputers are used to study the origin of the universe and dark
matter. For these scientific studies they use a powerful supercomputer
called “Roadrunner” from IBM at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Earthquake Studies:

Supercomputers are used to study the phenomenon of earthquakes. In

addition, supercomputers are used for the exploration of natural resources,
such as natural gas, oil, coal, etc.

Meteorological:

Supercomputers are used for weather prediction, for the study of the nature
and extent of hurricanes, precipitation, wind storms, etc.

Nuclear weapons testing:

Supercomputers are used to run weapons simulation that can test the
range, accuracy and impact of nuclear weapons.

Popular supercomputers

 Sequoia from IBM, in the United States

 Fujitsu K Computer in Japan
 Look at IBM in the United States
 IBM SuperMUC in Germany
 NUDT Tianhe-1A in China
Macrocomputers
Although mainframe computers are not as powerful as supercomputers, and
they are certainly quite expensive, but still there are many companies and
government organizations that use mainframe computers to run their
business operations. Mainframes can be housed in large, air-conditioned
rooms due to their size. They are the fastest computers with large data
storage capacity, they can also process and store large amounts of data.
Educational institutions Banks and insurance companies use mainframe
computers to store data about their clients, students, and policyholders.

Popular Macrocomputers

 Fujitsu ICL VME

 Hitachi Z800
Minicomputer
Minicomputers are used by small and medium-sized businesses.
Minicomputers are also called “mid-range” computing. These are small
machines that can be accommodated on a disk with little processing and
data storage capabilities compared to supercomputers and mainframe
computers. These devices are not designed for a single user. Individual
departments of a large company or organizations use mini-computers for
specific purposes. For example, a production department may use mini-
computers to monitor a certain production process.

Popular minicomputers

 K-202
 Texas Instruments TI-990
 SDS-92
 IBM mid-range computers
Microcomputers

Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets and

smartphones are all types of microcomputers. Micro-computers are widely
used and fastest growing. These computers are the cheapest among the
other three types of computers. Micro-computers are specially designed for
general use, such as entertainment, education, and work purposes. There
are well-known microcomputer manufacturers such as Dell, Apple,
Samsung, Sony and Toshiba.

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Types of Personal Computers

Types of personal computers can generally be classified by size and
chassis/case. The chassis or box is the metal structure that serves as
structural support for electronic components. Each system requires at least
one chassis to house the circuit boards and wiring. The chassis also
contains slots for expansion cards. There are two basic models of chassis
and tower desktop designs, but there are many variations of these two basic
types. Then come laptops which are computers small enough to carry.
Portable computers include notebook computers, laptop computers, pocket
computers and PDAs.
Tower Model

The term refers to one of the types of computers where the power supply,
motherboard, and mass storage devices are stacked on top of each other in
a cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these components
are housed in a more compact case. The main advantage of tower models is
that there are fewer space limitations, which makes installing additional
storage devices easier.

desktop model

It is one of the types of computers that fits comfortably on top of a desk,

usually with the monitor sitting on top of the computer. Desktop model
computers are wide and low, while tower model computers are narrow and
tall. Due to their shape, these types of desktop computers are generally
limited to three internal mass storage devices.

Laptop

It is one of the types of extremely

light personal computers. These types of laptops typically weigh less than 6
pounds and are small enough to easily fit in a briefcase. Aside from size, the
main difference between a laptop and a personal computer is the screen.
Laptop computers use a variety of techniques, known as flat panel
technologies, to produce a lightweight, non-bulky display screen. The
quality of portable display screens varies considerably. In terms of
computing power, modern laptops are almost equivalent to personal
computers. They have the same CPU, memory capacity and disk drives.
However, all this power in a small package is expensive. These types of
laptops cost about twice as much as equivalent regular-sized computers.
These types of laptops come with battery packs that allow you to run them
without plugging them in. However, the batteries need to be recharged
every few hours.
Subportable Computer
A laptop that is a little lighter and smaller than a full-size laptop. Typically,
subnotebook computers have a smaller keyboard and screen, but are
equivalent to laptop computers.

Handheld computer

A handheld computer is small enough

to carry in your hand. Although they are very comfortable to carry, handheld
computers have not replaced laptops, due to their small keyboards and
screens. The most popular handheld computers are those that are
specifically designed to provide functions, such as a book, calendar, and
address. Some manufacturers are trying to solve the small keyboard
problem by replacing the keyboard with an electronic pen. However, these
pen-based devices rely on handwriting recognition technologies, which are
still in their infancy. These types of handheld computers are also called
PDAs, pocket computers, and pocket computers.
Pocket Computers

A small device that literally fits in

your pocket. Compared to full-size computers, pocket computers are very
limited, but they are handy for certain functions such as phone books and
calendars. Because of their small size, most pocket computers do not
include disk drives. However, many contain PCMCIA slots into which disk
drives, modems, memory and other devices can be inserted. Pocket PCs are
also called PDAs, laptops and pocket computers.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

Short for personal digital assistant, a

handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, and networking
features. A typical PDA can function as a cell phone, fax sender, and
personal organizer. Unlike laptops, most PDAs are pen-based, using a stylus
instead of a keyboard for input. This means they also incorporate
handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to input voice
by using speech recognition technologies. The PDA field was pioneered by
Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton MessagePad in 1993. Shortly
after, several other manufacturers offer similar products. To date, PDAs
have had only modest success in the market, due to their high prices and
limited applications. However, many experts believe that PDAs will
eventually become common devices.
PDAs are also called pocket computers, laptop computers and pocket
computers.

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Types of computers by size and power

All types of computers can possibly be classified by their size and power as
follows:
Supercomputer
 The Supercomputer is a broad term
for one of the fastest and most powerful types of computers available today.
Supercomputers are very expensive and are used for special tools that
require enormous amounts of mathematical calculations and processes. For
example, weather prediction requires a supercomputer. Other uses of
supercomputers include graphics, fluid dynamics calculations, nuclear
energy research, geological data analysis, scientific simulations, and
electronic designs. A supercomputer that we can take as a reference is
Crazy Research, probably the most famous that exists.
Macrocomputers (Mainframe)

It is another type of computer , today

a mainframe is a very large and expensive piece of equipment capable of
supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. The main
difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a
supercomputer uses its full potential in executing a few programs as quickly
as possible, while a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs at
the same time. In some ways, computers are more powerful than
supercomputers because they run several programs simultaneously. That's
if supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.
The distinction between small mainframes and minicomputers is vague,
really depending on how the manufacturer wants to market their machines.
Minicomputers
It is a medium sized computer. In the last 10 years the difference between
small and large mainframe computers has blurred, and in turn the distinction
between minicomputers and workstations. However, minicomputers
generally have a multiprocessing system capable of supporting up to 200
users at a time.

Workstation

It is one of the types of computers

used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software
development, and other types of applications that require a maximum
amount of computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities.
Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphical display,
lots of RAM, built-in network support, and a graphical user interface. The
vast majority of workstations come with a mass storage device, such as a
disk drive, but there is a special type of workstation, called a diskless
workstation, which comes without a disk drive. The most common operating
systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT. Like other types of
personal computers, most workstations are single-user computers.
However, workstations are typically linked together to form a local area
network, although they can also be used as stand-alone systems.
Personal computer
 Unlike other types of computers, it
can be defined as a small, low-priced computer designed for an individual
user. In price, personal computers range from a few hundred dollars to more
than 2 thousand dollars. They are all based on microprocessor technology
that allows manufacturers to put an entire CPU on a single chip. Businesses
use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop
publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management
applications. At home, the most popular use for personal computers is for
gaming and, recently, for browsing the Internet.
Today, the world of personal computers is basically divided between Apple
Macintosh and PC. The main characteristics of personal computers are that
they are single-user systems and are based on microprocessors. However,
although personal computers are designed as single-user systems, it is
common to link together to form a network. In terms of power, there is a
great variety. At the high end, the distinction between personal computers
and workstations has blurred. High-end models of the Macintosh and PC
offer the same computing power and graphics capabilities as low-end
workstations by Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard and Dec.