Computer: Definition

A computer is a machine that can be programmed to manipulate symbols. Its principal characteristics are:

 It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.

Therefore computers can perform complex and repetitive procedures quickly, precisely and reliably.
Modern computers are electronic and digital. The actual machinery (wires, transistors, and circuits) is
called hardware; the instructions and data are called software. All general-purpose computers require the
following hardware components:

 Central processing unit (CPU): The heart of the computer, this is the component that actually
executes instructions organized in programs ("software") which tell the computer what to do.
 Memory (fast, expensive, short-term memory): Enables a computer to store, at least temporarily,
data, programs, and intermediate results.
 Mass storage device (slower, cheaper, long-term memory): Allows a computer to permanently
retain large amounts of data and programs between jobs. Common mass storage devices include
disk drives and tape drives.
 Input device: Usually a keyboard and mouse, the input device is the conduit through which data
and instructions enter a computer.
 Output device: A display screen, printer, or other device that lets you see what the computer has
accomplished.

Classification of Computers

 Supercomputers
 Mainframe computers
 Minicomputers
 Personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers

Supercomputers
Supercomputer – a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of
computation very quickly. Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computers currently
available. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require
immense amounts of mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example, weather forecasting
requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid
dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in
petrochemical prospecting). Perhaps the best known supercomputer manufacturer is Cray Research.

Supercomputers are used for areas related to:

 Science
 Engineering
 Education
 Defence
 Aerospace

Supercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require a great amount
of computation.

Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:

 Weather forecasting
 Climate research
 Scientific simulation
 Oil and gas exploration
 Quantum mechanics
 Cryptanalysis
Mainframe computers

Mainframe computer – Mainframe was a term originally referring to the cabinet containing the central
processor unit or "main frame" of a room-filling Stone Age batch machine. After the emergence of
smaller "minicomputer" designs in the early 1970s, the traditional big iron machines were described as
"mainframe computers" and eventually just as mainframes. Nowadays a Mainframe is a very large and
expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. The
chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power
into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many
programs concurrently. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they
support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a
mainframe. The distinction between small mainframes and minicomputers is vague, depending really on
how the manufacturer wants to market its machines. It is a high-performance computer used for large
information processing jobs.

Mainframe computers are primarily used in :

 Institutions
 Research
 Academics
 Health care
 Libraries
 Large businesses
 Financial institutions
 Stock brokerage firms
 Insurance agencies

Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:

 Census taking
  Industry and consumer statistics
 Enterprise resource planning
 Transaction processing
 e-business and e-commerce

Minicomputers

Minicomputer – a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity, etc.,
between a mainframe and a microcomputer. It is a midsize computer. In the past decade, the distinction
between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between
small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system
capable of supporting from up to 200 users simultaneously.

Minicomputers are used by small organizations.

“Minicomputer” is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are often referred
to as small or midsize servers (a server is a central computer that provides information to other
computers).

Personal computers

Personal computer (PC) – a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.

A PC or microcomputer uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its central processing unit (CPU).
“Microcomputer” is now primarily used to mean a PC, but it can refer to any kind of small computer,
such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable.

Types of personal computers

Desktop computer – a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a
desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit).

Laptop computer (or notebook) – A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user’s
lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a touchpad.

Tablet – A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop.

Smartphone – A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer.
Difference between Microcomputer and Minicomputer

S.No. Micro Computer Mini Computer

1. Microcomputer was launched in 1970. Minicomputer was launched in 1960

2. It consists of a single microprocessor that performs It consists of multiple processors.

3. Microcomputers are generally used for learning and Minicomputers are generally used by companies to
fun. accomplish their tasks.

4. It is affordable and more user-friendly. It is expensive and less user-friendly.

5. The speed and performance are slower than As it consists of a multiprocessor, the speed and
minicomputers. performance are faster than a microcomputer.

7. The storage space is in Gigabyte (GB) The storage space is in Terabyte (TB).

8. Minicomputers are mainly used for administrative Microcomputers are mainly used for managing
tasks, word processing, process control, etc. databases, graphics, word processing,etc.

9. Microcomputers are less powerful. Minicomputers are more powerful.

10. It utilizes disks and tapes for storing. It utilizes tapes or magnetic disks for secondary
storage.