Classification of Computer

Classification of Computers

Computer can be classified into four categories based on their size and type-

1. Micro Computer
2. Mini Computer
3. Mainframe Computer
4. Super Computer

Microcomputer:  Micro computers are small, low-cost and single-user computer. It has a micro-processor as its Central processing unit. They are smaller in size as compared to mainframe and mini computer.

micro computer include Desktop Computers, Notebook Computers, Laptop, Tablet, Handheld Computer, Calculators, Mobile phones etc.

Mini Computer: Mini Computer Generally used in multi- user Computer. They have high processing speed and high storage capacity than microcomputer. Minicomputer capable of supporting up to hundreds of users simultaneously.

eg. IBM's AS/400e, TI-990, Honeywell200 etc.

Mainframe Computer: Mainframe Computer are powerful multi-user, multiprogramming and high speed  computer. Mainframe computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of user simultaneously. Nowadays a mainframe is a very large and expensive computer. it used in banks, insurance companies, mail-order companies, manufacturers, airlines.

eg. HITAC S-3800, System Z9 etc.

Super Computer: Super Computer is one of the fastest & more expensive Computers. The speed of a supercomputer is generally measured in FLOPS (Floating point operations per second) .

It uses governmental agencies, such as: National Defense Agency, Space exploration, Chemical analysis in laboratory, bio- medical research.

World's first supercomputer in 1974- CDC 600

World's first successful supercomputer in 1976- Cray 1

India's first supercomputer - PARAM-8000