Classes of Computer

Classes of Computer

• According to size, cost computational power and application computers are classified as :

■ Microcomputers

■ Minicomputers

■ Desktop computers

■ Personal computers

■ Portable notebook computers

■ Workstations

■ Mainframes or enterprise systems

■ Servers

■ Super computers.

Microcomputers :

• As the name implies micro–computers are smaller computers.

• They contain only one Central Processing Unit.

• One distinguishing feature of a microcomputer is that the CPU is usually a single integrated circuit called a microprocessor.

• Microcomputer is the integration of microprocessor and supporting peripherals (memory and I/O devices).

• The word length depends on the microprocessor used and is in the range of 8 bits to 32 bits.

• These type of computers are used for small industrial control, process control and where storage and speed requirements are moderate.

Minicomputers :

• Minicomputers are the scaled up version of the microcomputers with the moderate speed and storage capacity.

• These are designed to process smaller data words, typically 32–bit words.

• This type of computers are used for scientific calculations, research, data processing application and many other.

Desktop computers :

• The desktop computer are the computers which are usually found on a home or office desk.

• They consist of processing unit, storage unit, visual display and audio as output units and keyboard and mouse as input units.

• Usually storage unit of such computer consists of hard disks, CD–ROMs and diskettes.

Personal computers:

• The personal computers are the most common form of desktop computers.

• They found wide use in homes, schools and business offices.

Portable notebook computers :

• Portable notebook computers are the compact version of personal computers.

• The laptop computers are the good example of portable notebook computer.

Workstations :

• Workstations have higher computation power than personal computers.

• "They have high resolution graphics terminals and improved input / output capabilities.

• Workstations are used in engineering applications and in interactive graphics applications.

Mainframes or enterprise systems :

• Mainframe computers are implemented using two or more Central Processing Units (CPU).

• These are designed to work at very high speeds with large data word lengths, typically 64 bits or greater.

• The data storage capacity of these computers is very high.

• This type of computers are used for complex scientific calculations, large data processing applications, Military defense control and for complex graphics applications (e.g. For creating walkthroughs with the help of animation software).

Servers :

• These computers have large storage unit and faster communication links.

• The large storage unit allows to store sizable database and fast communication links allow faster communication of data blocks with computers connected in the network.

• These computers serve major role in Internet communication.

Supercomputers :

• These computers are basically multiprocessor computers used for the large–scale numerical calculations required in applications such as weather forecasting, robotic engineering, aircraft design and simulation.

Review Question

1. Explain various types of computers in detail.