Types of computer
computer can be classified based on their
size
technology
purpose
Microcomputers
Came into picture as computers
having a single chip micro processors
used for domestic and commercial purposes
Portable and occupy very less space
MAIN FEATURES
The CPU is a single chip known
as the microprocessor
single user computers
mainly used in offices and homes
less expensive
they run on rechargable batteries
EXAMPLES
DESKTOP COMPUTER
A personal or micro mini
computer sufficent to fit a desk
LAPTOP COMPUTER
Portable computer complete
with an integrated screen and keyboard
smaller in size than a desktop computer
larger in size than a notebook computer
PALMTOP /
NOTEBOOK COMPUTER
A hand-sized computer
they have no keyboard
the screen serves as an
input and output device
SMARTPHONES
Small handheld computers
with limited hardware
PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATOR
Small handhelds but specialized
on mathematical work
GAME CONSOLE
Fixed computers specialized
for entertainment purposes
EMBEDDED COMPUTERS
Like in-car computers built into
a car for entertainment or navigation
Mainframe Computer
very large and expensive computers
capable of supporting
thousands of user simultaneously
just belows supercomputers
more powerful than supercomputers
they support more simultaneous programs
Supercomputers can execute a
single program faster than a mainframe
Minicomputers
Midsized computer
in size and power
they lie between
workstations and mainframes
multiprocessing system capable
of supporting 200 users simlutaneously
Supercomputers
the fastest and the most
powerful of all computers
very expensive
employed for specialized applications that require immense amount of mathematical calculations
applications that
requires these computers
weather forecasting
animated graphics
fluid dynamic calculations
nuclear energy research
petroleum exploration
EXAMPLES
VASPARC
PDP -- 11
IBM and Hewlett-Packard