Types of computer

There are four main types of computers people talk about.

• Super Computer
• Mainframe computer
• Minicomputer
• Microcomputer

Super computer 

If we think about performance and data processing the super computer is the most powerful computer. Super computers are specialized and task specified computers. 

Super computer are:

·         Large in size.

·         It can be accommodate in very large air-conditioned rooms.

·         Some super computer can span an entire building.

·         More expensive.

·         Consume a large amount of electricity (dozen of homes can use the electricity that one super computer use).

·         Used for research and complex calculations.

·         NASA use super computers for launching space shuttle.

Uses of super computers:

Super computer are used to study the origin of the universe, the dark-matters. For these studies scientists use IBM’s powerful computers.

In Pakistan super computer are used in educational institute such as NUST for research purpose.

Pakistan atomic energy commission and heavy industry Texla, use super computer for research.

Seymour Cray designed the first super computer “CDC-6600” in 1964 is known as the first ever super computer.

Mini computers

Minicomputers are used by small businesses & firms. Minicomputers are also called “midrange computers”. These are small machines and can be accommodate on desk or table. But it has not a large amount of data storage capacity and processing power like super and mainframe computers.

These computers designed for single users, individual department of a large company or organization or a small company. For example a production department can use minicomputer for monitoring certain production process.

Microcomputers

Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital assistant (PDA) tablets & smart phones are all the types of microcomputers. The microcomputers are widely used and fastest growing computers. The computer are cheapest than super, mainframe and minicomputers. These computers designed for general use like entertainment, education and work purpose. The well-known manufacturers of microcomputers are Dell, Apple, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba etc. 

Desktop computers, gaming console, sound and navigation system of a car, Notebooks, PDA’s, Tablets, PC’s are all the types of microcomputer.