Types of Computers

Types Of Computers

1.Super Computer

2.Mainframe Computer

3.Mini Computer

4.Desktop Computer

5.Pocket Computer

In this topic we will discuss about types of computers. If you have any question you can write your question in comment section below. Read Full Article.

1.           Super Computer:

The fastest type of computer, Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense (huge) amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer.

                   Purpose:-

                                           Special purpose computers handle mostly complex scientific, statistical application or programs.

Key Features

• High technology
• High capacity memory i.e 8.4 million
• Computer data processing in short time
• Highly sophisticated technology
• Cost varies from 1million to 5million

Example:

              1.Titan:-

                          The fastest supercomputer in the word is used to study alternative energy resources and climate change simulations in a global level.

            2.Sequoia:-

                            This one's a life saver. USA doesn't have to actually conduct nuclear tests anymore, Sequoia simulates them. This one makes sure that the nuclear weapons are ready or action any time of the day.

          

           3.IBM Mira:-

                               Mira by IBM, simulated the evolution of the universe. It also runs the climate change scenarios and helps in research of more efficient car batteries.

Drawback

• Operating Supercomputer requires highly qualified staff.
• Experts were required for such computer engineering.
• They are sensitive to temperature, humidity,dust, etc.
• Non portability and large size.

2.           Mainframe Computers:

The term referred to the large cabinets that housed the central processing unit and main memory of early computers. Modern mainframes can run multiple different instances of operating systems at the same time.

Key features

v Smaller size than super computer

v Large memory capacity

v Allows networking of up to 100 terminals

v Cost varies from 5-20 lacs.

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Example

                1.   IBM System 3:

 

1        2.  AS-400:

1        3.     PDP-370, IBM 40

 

         Disadvantages

v              Experts and highly qualified professionals were required to operate it

v              Sophisticated technology required for manufacturing & assembling the computer

3.           Mini Computer:

A minicomputer, or colloquially mini, is a class of smaller computers that evolved in the mid-1960s. They use of transistors and core memory technologies, minimal instructions sets and less expensive peripherals such as the ubiquitous Teletype Model 33 ASR.

 

         Key features

v         Higher processing speed than lowest category computer but slower than super computer & Mainframe computer

v                Portable computers because of smaller size

v               Memory capacity RAM is up to 128 MB

v              Secondary Memory store 40 GB

v              Costs around Rs 50 thousand to 90 thousand

            Example:

1. The first successful Western minicomputer was Digital Equipment Corporation's 12-bit PDP-8, which was built using discrete transistors and cost from US$16,000 upwards when launched in 1964.

2.        The 7400 series of TTL integrated circuits started appearing in minicomputers.

3.     PDP-11 and PDP-45 etc.

         Disadvantages

v              Cannot connect all hardware devices

v              Cannot execute all languages and software

4.    MICRO COMPUTER:         

A microcomputer is a small, computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU).Microcomputers became popular in the 1970s and 80s with the advent of increasingly powerful microprocessors.

         Key features

v             Smaller than Mini Computer

v             High speed computer but slower than mini computer

v            Costs around Rs 30000 to 60000

v            Portable

v            RAM requires 64 MB to 128 MB

v           Limited languages FORTRAN, Basic, COBOL, Pascal can be executed

            Example

         1.     ECD Micro mind:

           

 

  

         2.     Data point 2200:

 

         3.     Uptron, HCL, PCL, Wipro, PCs, HP, PC-AT, PC-XT

          Drawbacks

           Limited Hardware devices can be connected

          Experts were required

5.           Desktop Computers:

A Desktop computer is a personal computer in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer.

Purpose:    Education system and small scale industry

Called:      HOME or Briefcase Computers

        Key features

v           Portable

v           High speed processing processor varies from 80286 to 80586

v          Requires RAM from 16 MB to 64 MB

v          Internet facility for communication

v         Costs around Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000

        IMAGE

        Example

           HCL, PCL, Wipro, COMPAQ, HP, LEO, SAMSUNG, etc

        Disadvantages

         Execute limited software and languages related to windows based

6.           Pocket Computer

         Key features

           Small in size

v               Portable like a digital diary

v               Requires RAM maximum up to 1GB

v Disk capacity is 80 GB

         IMAGE

          Disadvantage

           Execute limited Software

         

          Hardwar vs Software:

•      Hardware is any part of the computer that has a physical structure which is tangible such as the computer monitor, keyboard, hard desk, speakers etc.

•      Software is any set of instructions that tells to hardware what to do. It guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task. Some examples of software are web browsers, games, and word processors such as Microsoft Word etc.