There are four different types of computers when we classify them based on their performance and capacity.
The four types are
1. Super Computers:-
It is the best in terms of processing capacity and also the most expensive ones.
These computers can process billions of instructions per second.
Supercomputers are used primarily for scientific applications that are mathematically intensive.
The first supercomputer was built in the 1960's for the United States Department of Defense.
NASA uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling them and space exploration purpose.
Supercomputers are used for weather forecasting, and to study the nature and extent of hurricanes, rainfalls, windstorms, etc.
Cray-1
Cray-2
Control Data Cyber 205
ETA
Cray-2
Control Data Cyber 205
ETA
Advantages:-
a) The aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronics and petroleum industries use supercomputers extensively.
b) A supercomputer was used to alert scientists to the impending collision of a comet with Jupiter in 1994, giving them time to prepare to observe and record the event.
c) The ultra supercomputer will simulate nuclear explosions model global weather trends, and design power plants.
2. Mainframe Computers:-
Mainframes computers are large and expensive computers.
This computers are great processing speed and data storage some of its capabilities.
A mainframe computer may contain several microprocessors. A single mainframe computer can be used by hundreds of people at once.
Each user has his own terminal that is connected to the mainframe.
Mainframe computers are usually kept in a special cooled, clean computer room.
A mainframe computer system is usually composed of several computers in addition to the mainframe, or host processor.
Host Processor:
The host processor is responsible for controlling the other processors, all the peripheral devices, and the mathematics operations.
Front End processor:
A front-end processor is responsible for handling communications to and from all the remote terminals connected to the computer system.
Back end Processor:
Sometimes a back-end processor is used to handle data retrieval operations. Although the host computer could perform all these operations, it can be used more efficiently if relieved of time-consuming chores that do not require processing speed.
IBM S/390
Amdahl 580
Control Data Cyber 176
3. Mini Computers:-
Minicomputers are also called '' mid range computers ''.
The "age of the mini" started in the late 1960's.
The creation of integrated circuits suitable for computers enabled designers to shrink the size of the computer.
They are capable of supporting up to 200 users simultaneously.
Individual departments of a large organization use minicomputers for specific purposes.
Examples:-
IBM AS/400
IBM SYSTEM 360
HP 3000
PRIME 9755
IBM SYSTEM 360
HP 3000
PRIME 9755
Advantages:-
Like mainframes, most minicomputers are multi user systems.
Mini computers are a little slower than mainframe.
Like mainframes, minicomputers can accommodate remote users, but not as many.
Minicomputers' input, output, and storage devices look like those on mainframes.
Minicomputers have slightly less storage, and the printers are slightly slower.
4. Micro Computer:-
A single-user computer gives you control over all the phases of computer processing: input, processing, output, and storage.
You can select the programs you want to use, and you don't have to compete with other users to gain access to the system. A single-user system is designed to meet the computing needs of an individual.
Single-user computers fall into two categories:
b) Microcomputers
A workstation is a powerful desktop computer designed to meet the computing needs of engineers, architects, and other professionals who need detailed graphics displays.
For example, workstations are commonly used for computer-aided design (CAD), in which industrial designers create pictures of technical parts or assemblies.
To process these complex and detailed diagrams, the computer needs great processing power and much storage.
b) Micro Computers:-
Microcomputers are also called ‘’personal computers’’.
These are designed for individual usage like education, work and entertainment purposes.
The microcomputer segment of the industry is complex; there are different types of microcomputer platforms with varying capabilities.
The most common type of microcomputer is a desktop computer, which is a non portable personal computer that fits on top of a desk.
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