Classification of
computer
Computers are classified according to size, speed and memory.
Super Computers
Mainframe Computers
Mini Computers
Micro Computers
Super Computers
• A supercomputer is the frontline of current processing capacity. It is highest performance
computer.
• Size
• Super computers are largest in size.
• Speed
• They are fastest in speed. They can perform trillions of calculations per second.
• Cost
• They are most expansive. They price is around 100 million dollars.
• Parallel processing
• It use the concept of parallel processing. It has thousands of processors in it.
• Use
• They are used for complex scientific jobs eg weather forecasting, space research etc.
Mainframe Computers
• A mainframe (also known as "big iron") is a high-performance computer used for large-scale
computing purposes that require greater availability and security.
• The main characteristics of mainframe computers are
• Size
• Mainframe computers are very large computers.
• Speed
• They are very fast computers. Their speed is billions of calculations per second.
• Cost
• They are very expensive. The price of a mainframe computer is around one million dollars.
• Parallel processing
• It use the concept of parallel processing. It has hundreds of processors in it.
• Use
• Large businesses, government agencies, and universities use this type of computer.
Mini Computers
• Mini Computer also known as midrange computers are more powerful and capable than personal
computers but less powerful and capable than mainframe computers.
• The main characteristics of mini computers are
• Size
• Mini computers are smaller in size than mainframe computers.
• Speed
• They are very fast but their speed is less than mainframe computers.
• Cost
• They are less expensive than mainframe computers. The price of a mini computer is in thousands of
dollars.
• Parallel processing
• It use the concept of parallel processing. It has few processors in it.
• Use
• They are used by Medium size business organizations. They are also used in industrial applications.
Micro Computers
• A microcomputer is a small, inexpensive computer.
• The main characteristics of micro computers are
• Size
• Micro computers are smallest in size.
• Speed
• Its speed is less then mini computers.
• Cost
• They are least expansive.
• Use
• They are used in homes offices schools etc.
Types of micro computers
They are generally divided into three types
• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Tablet
• Handheld devices
• smartphones
Types of micro computers
• Desktop Computers:
• Desktop computers are the most widely used computers. They are small size computers for homes,
offices and educational institutions. They are placed on the desk.
• Laptop Computers
• These are light, compact and portable because they work on batteries and can operate without an
external power source. They can be carried from one place to another. They are also called
notebooks.
• Palmtop Computers
• Palmtop computer is small computer that fit the palm of your hand. It is lightweight, small, battery
powered and general purpose computer. It is also called poket PC. Some palmtop computers are
called Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) which have touch screen for input.
• Tablet
• A tablet is a wireless, portable personal computer with a touch screen interface. The tablet form
factor is typically smaller than a notebook computer but larger than a smartphone.
Types of micro computers
Smartphones
A smartphone, often simply called a phone, is a mobile device that
combines the functionality of a traditional mobile phone with
advanced computing capabilities. It typically has
a touchscreen interface, allowing users to access a wide range of
applications and services, such as web browsing, email, and social
media, as well as multimedia playback and streaming. Smartphones
have built-in cameras, GPS navigation, and support for various
communication methods, including voice calls, text messaging, and
internet-based messaging apps.
