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Types Of Computers
There are Four Types of Computers

We have four different computer types classified according to their performance, power, and size. A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, stores, and then produces an output.

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

Supercomputers :  Supercomputers are very expensive, very fast, and the most powerful computers we have in the world.

Supercomputers are optimized to execute a few numbers of programs. This makes it possible for them to execute these few programs at a very high speed. Due to their inhibiting cost, they are used in high-end places like in scientific research centers. The supercomputer consists of thousands of processors making it clock very high speeds measured by petaflops.

These computer types are also very large in size due to the numerous parts and components involved in their design.
Super Computer

Mainframe Computers : These are large and expensive computer types capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. Thus, they are mostly used by governments and large organizations for bulk data processing, critical applications, transaction processing, census, industry and consumer statistics among others. They are ranked below supercomputers.

Super Computer

Mini Computers : Minicomputers are mid-sized computers. In terms of size and power, minicomputers are ranked below mainframes. A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.

The use of the term Minicomputer has diminished and they have merged with servers.

Super Computer

Micro Computers or Personal Computers : A personal computer is a computer designed to be used by one user at a time. The term microcomputer relates to the microprocessor which is used with a personal computer for the purpose of processing data and instruction codes. These are the most common computer types since they are not very expensive.

Microcomputers Are Classified as Desktop and Portable (Mobile) Computers

The Desktop Computers

Desktop computers are not built to be mobile. They are moved, but only to a new desktop location and with the power supply inactive. There are a number of major differences between computers that are intended to be used in one place as a desktop and portables or mobiles that can be easily moved from one location to another.

Desktop computers are large and heavy in comparison to portables. They can be carried in specially manufactured cases, but only to assist a support engineer in moving, not as a frequent procedure. The monitor, keyboard, and mouse are all separate items on a desktop.

Super Computer

Portable or Mobile Computers

Portable or mobile computers are manufactured with a very important feature; they are portable (are designed for mobility). This means a computer user can be able to move with it from one point to another comfortably. One can also work from any location irrespective of if there is a power source.

1. Are small, compact and light in weight

2. Have their own power in the form of a battery but of course, it does not last forever, thus they have to be plugged to a source of power once in a while.

These portable devices are produced in a variety of sizes and very high processing capabilities. Good examples are Laptops, Palmtops, PDAs.

Super Computer