Classification of Computers
Computers can be classified into several categories.
Super Computers
- Most Powerful Computers
- Largest Computers of all
- Can house thousands of Processors & can handle needs of thousands of users at a time.
- Designed for solving very large & complex problems.
- Uses of Super Computers
- Weather Forecasting, Military, Scientific Research Labs etc.
Mainframe Computers
- Often referred to as Macro computers or Big Iron
- They were very large but smaller & less powerful than the Super Computers.
- Mainly used by large Organizations.
- Early mainframes were housed in room-sized frames/metal boxes.
- Buy today’s mainframes are smaller than that of early mainframes.
Mini Computers
- Smaller and less powerful than mainframe computers but still they can offer huge processing capabilities.
- They usually took up one or a few cabinets the size of a large refrigerator.
Microcomputers
- Microcomputers are so called because they contain a microprocessor occupy physically small amounts of space.
- Can be used by a single person at a time which is why also known as Personal Computers (PCs).
- There are six categories of microcomputers: (1) Desktop Computers (2) Workstations (3) Notebooks (4) Tablet PCs (5) Handheld (6) Smart Phones
