Types of computer(on the basis of size)

Types of computer : (On the basis of size)

               There are four(4) types of computer on the basis of size that are given below:

Super Computer :

               Super computer is the fastest and most expensive computer made to solve a range of large scale problems that require large numeric computation like weather prediction, complex molecular structural calculation, aircraft design, etc. Many people can work on a super computer. It has very large memory and vary high speed to perform its tasks, It has multiple CPU and can work multiple tasks at a time which is known as parallel processing. Examples are : CRAY YMP, CRAY 1, CRAY 2, NEC SX-3, CRAY XMP, Deep Blue(chess playing supercomputer), etc.

 

Super Computer

Mainframe Computer :

               A mainframe computer is a faster and powerful, storage capacity, CPU  speed, and word length is higher than micro and mini computer.It can use chain printer, high capacity hard disks, high-speed tapes and more than 100 terminals as peripherals using wide area network or metropolitan area network or local area network. The mainframe computers are used for processing a large volume of data such as census, industry and consumer statics, financial transaction processing, etc. Examples are DEC, IBM 1401, ICL 2950/10, IBM 370 and T-Rex.

Mini Computer :

              Minicomputers are bigger than micro computers but smaller than mainframe computers. More than 100 users can use a minicomputer at a time. It can also use line printers, magnetic tapes, exchangeable hard disk, modems, etc including the peripherals used by the microcomputer. It is used for many applications like process control, computer aided design, scientific research, online reservation systems, etc. It accepts all high level languages to process data. Examples are PDP P1, AS 400, PDP-8, HP 3000 Series.

Micro Computer:

                A micro computer is smaller than a mini computer. The storage capacity of micro computer is very low in comparison to other types of computers. The speed of CPU is 600 MHz. Its maximum word length is  64 bits. The number of peripherals attached to this computer is very few like floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, character printer, VDU , etc. It is mostly used in departmental stores, small companies for payroll, schools for education and by professional users like engineer, lawyers, accountants, etc.

         The early microcomputers had limited processing speed and capabilities. The latest microcomputers are more powerful and have many capabilities. There are different shape and size of microcomputers. According to size, microcomputers may be desktop, laptop and palmtop.

Desktop Computer :

                A desktop computer needs to be placed on a desk or table. A computer what we use at home, school or cyber is a desktop computer. It is not portable like laptop and palmtop. Desktop computers are made up of separate components. The main component system unit is usually a rectangular casing that sits on or underneath a desk. Other components such as monitor, mouse, and keyboard are connected to the system unit.

Laptop Computer :

              A laptop computer is smaller than a desktop computer. It is a compact and portable computer. We can easily carry it to any place. We can keep laptop on the lap and use it. Since it has backup power supply facility, it can be used in the place where there is no electricity. A laptop computer is also known as Notebook computer.

 

Laptop

Palmtop Computer :

                   A palmtop computer is smaller than laptop computer. It can be kept on the palm. It is also called Personal Digital Assistance (PDA) computer. It is not as powerful as desktop computer or laptops. Palmtop computers are useful for scheduling appointments,making plans. storing address & phone numbers, playing games and accessing the Internet.

 

Palmtop Computer