Types of computers

A computer is a machine that can be programmed to manipulate symbols.There are four basic types of computers. are;

1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe Computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Microcomputer

Supercomputer : Supercomputers are the fastest and the most expensive computers. The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are the Supercomputers.

These computers are used for research and exploration purposes, like NASA uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling them and for space exploration purpose.

The supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size. It can be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms; some super computers can span an entire building.

Uses of Supercomputers :

Space Exploration

Earthquake studies

Weather Forecasting

Nuclear weapons testing

Popular Supercomputers : 

IBM’s Sequoia, in United States

Fujitsu’s K Computer in Japan

IBM’s Mira in United States

IBM’s SuperMUC in Germany

NUDT Tianhe-1A in China

Mainframe computer : Mainframes are a type of computer that generally are known for their large size, amount of storage, processing power and high level of reliability.

It is primarily used by large organizations for mission-critical applications requiring high volumes of data processing.

The Mainframe computers can be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms because of its size. Super-computers are the fastest computers with large data storage capacity, Mainframes can also process & store large amount of data.

Popular Mainframe computers :

Fujitsu’s ICL VME

Hitachi’s Z800

Minicomputer : Minicomputer is a type of computer that possesses most of the features and capabilities of a large computer but is smaller in physical size.A minicomputer fills the space between the mainframe and microcomputer, and is smaller than the former but larger than the latter. 

A minicomputer may also be called a mid-range computer.

These computers are not designed for a single user. Individual departments of a large company or organizations use Mini-computers for specific purposes. For example, a production department can use Mini-computers for monitoring certain production process.

Popular Minicomputers :

K-202

Texas Instrument TI-990

SDS-92

IBM Midrange computers

Microcomputer : Desktop computers, laptops, tablets & smartphones are all types of microcomputers. Microcomputers became popular in the 1970s and 1980s with the advent of increasingly powerful microprocessors.

 These computers are the cheapest among the other three types of computers. The Micro-computers are specially designed for general usage like entertainment, education and work purposes. Well known manufacturers of Micro-computer are Dell, Apple, Samsung, Sony & Toshiba.

Today a personal computer is an all-around device that can be used as a productivity tool, a media server and a gaming machine. The modular construction of the personal computer allows components to be easily swapped out when broken or upgrading.

Micro-controller : A microcontroller is a self-contained system with peripherals, memory and a processor that can be used as an embedded system. Most programmable microcontrollers that are used today are embedded in other consumer products or machinery including phones, peripherals, automobiles and household appliances for computer systems.

Microcontrollers are mini computers that enable the user to store data and execute simple commands and tasks. These single circuit devices have minimal memory and program length but are normally designed to be very good at performing a niche task. 

A common microcontroller that one might come across is called Arduino.