Scribd
Upload
49 views

Classification of Computers

Computers are broadly classified into four categories based on size and type: microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers. Microcomputers are small, low-cost, and single-user machines that include desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other portable devices. Minicomputers are larger than microcomputers and can support between 4-200 users simultaneously. Mainframe computers are the largest type and can handle workloads for many users through large storage and high processing power. Supercomputers have extremely high processing speeds and are used for highly complex tasks like weather modeling.

Uploaded by

Jessalyn Pacleb
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
49 views

Classification of Computers

Computers are broadly classified into four categories based on size and type: microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers. Microcomputers are small, low-cost, and single-user machines that include desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other portable devices. Minicomputers are larger than microcomputers and can support between 4-200 users simultaneously. Mainframe computers are the largest type and can handle workloads for many users through large storage and high processing power. Supercomputers have extremely high processing speeds and are used for highly complex tasks like weather modeling.

Uploaded by

Jessalyn Pacleb
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 23

CLASSIFICATION OF

COMPUTER

 The digital computers that are available nowadays
vary in their sizes and types.
 The computers are broadly classified into four
categories based on their size and type
(1) Microcomputers,
(2) Minicomputers,
(3) Mainframe computers,
and (4) Supercomputer.
College of Communication and Information Technology 1
Microcomputers

 Microcomputers are small, low-cost and single-user
digital computer.
 They consist of CPU, input unit, output unit, storage unit
and the software.
 Although microcomputers are stand-alone machines, they
can be connected together to create a network of
computers that can serve more than one user.
 IBM PC based on Pentium microprocessor and Apple
Macintosh are some examples of microcomputers.
 Microcomputers include desktop computers, notebook
computers or laptop, tablet computer, handheld
computer, smart phones and netbook,

College of Communication and Information Technology 2


Desktop Computer or
Personal Computer (PC)

 It is the most common type of microcomputer. It is a
stand-alone machine that can be placed on the desk.
 Externally, it consists of three units—keyboard,
monitor, and a system unit containing the CPU,
 memory, hard disk drive, etc.
 It is not very expensive and is suited to the needs of a
single user at home, small business units, and
organizations.
 Apple, Microsoft, HP, Dell and Lenovo are some of
the PC manufacturers.
College of Communication and Information Technology 3
Notebook Computers or
Laptop

 Notebook Computers or Laptop resemble a notebook.
 They are portable and have all the features of a desktop
computer.
 The advantage of the laptop is that it is small in size (can
 be put inside a briefcase), can be carried anywhere, has a
battery backup and has all the functionality of the
desktop.
 Laptops can be placed on the lap while working (hence
the name).
 Laptops are costlier than the desktop machines.
College of Communication and Information Technology 4
Netbook

 Netbook These are smaller notebooks optimized for
low weight and low cost, and are designed for
accessing web-based applications.
 Starting with the earliest netbook in late 2007, they
have gained significant popularity now.
 Netbooks deliver the performance needed to enjoy
popular activities like streaming videos or music,
emailing, Web surfing or instant messaging.
 The word netbook was created as a blend of Internet
and notebook.

College of Communication and Information Technology 5


Tablet Computer

 Tablet Computer has features of the notebook
computer but it can accept input from a stylus or a
pen instead of the keyboard or mouse.
 It is a portable computer.
 Tablet computer are the new kind of PCs.

College of Communication and Information Technology 6


Handheld Computer or
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

 Handheld Computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
is a small computer that can be held on the top of the
palm. It is small in size.
 Instead of the keyboard, PDA uses a pen or a stylus for
input. PDAs do not have a disk drive.
 They have a limited memory and are less powerful. PDAs
can be connected to the Internet via a wireless connection.
 Casio and Apple are some of the manufacturers of PDA.
Over the last few years, PDAs have merged into mobile
phones to create smart phones.

College of Communication and Information Technology 7


Smart Phones

 Smart Phones are cellular phones that function both
as a phone and as a small PC.
 They may use a stylus or a pen, or may have a small
keyboard.
 They can be connected to the Internet wirelessly.
They are used to access the electronic-mail,
download music, play games, etc. Blackberry, Apple,
HTC, Nokia and LG are some of the manufacturers
of smart phones.

College of Communication and Information Technology 8


Micro Computers

College of Communication and Information Technology 9


Micro Computers

College of Communication and Information Technology 10


Micro Computers

College of Communication and Information Technology 11


Minicomputers

 Minicomputers are digital computers, generally used
in multi-user systems.
 They have high processing speed and high storage
capacity than the microcomputers.
 Minicomputers can support 4–200 users
simultaneously.
 The users can access the minicomputer through their
PCs or terminal.
 They are used for real-time applications in industries
College of Communication and Information Technology 12
MINI COMPUTERS

College of Communication and


13
Information Technology
Mainframe Computers

 Mainframe computers are multi-user, multi-
programming and high performance computers.
 They operate at a very high speed, have very large
storage capacity and can handle the workload of
many users.
 Mainframe computers are large and powerful
systems generally used in centralized databases.

College of Communication and Information Technology 14


MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS

College of Communication and


15
Information Technology
MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS

College of Communication and


16
Information Technology
MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS

College of Communication and


17
Information Technology
Supercomputers

 Supercomputers are the fastest and the most expensive machines.
 They have high processing speed compared to other computers.
The speed of a supercomputer is generally measured in FLOPS
(FLoating point Operations Per Second).
 Some of the faster supercomputers can perform trillions of
calculations per second.
 Supercomputers are built by interconnecting thousands of
processors that can work in parallel.
 Supercomputers are used for highly calculation-intensive tasks,
such as, weather forecasting, climate research (global warming),
molecular research, biological research, nuclear research and
aircraft design.
College of Communication and Information Technology 18
SUPER COMPUTERS

College of Communication and


19
Information Technology
SUPER COMPUTERS

College of Communication and


20
Information Technology
SUPER COMPUTERS

College of Communication and


21
Information Technology
SUPER COMPUTERS

College of Communication and


22
Information Technology
SUPER COMPUTERS

College of Communication and


23
Information Technology

You might also like