Types of Computers

I, 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.

 It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).
 It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.

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.

In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic components to work together
efficiently. For example, every computer requires a bus that transmits data from one part of the computer
to another.

II, Computer sizes and power

Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is considerable overlap:

 Personal computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor.

 Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer, but it
has a more powerful microprocessor and, in general, a higher-quality monitor.
 Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of supporting up to hundreds of users
simultaneously.
 Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands
of users simultaneously.
 Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions
per second.

Supercomputer and Mainframe

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.

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.

Minicomputer

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.

Workstation

It is a type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software
development, and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of computing power and
relatively high quality graphics capabilities. Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution
graphics screen, at large amount of RAM, built-in network support, and a graphical user interface. Most
workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk drive, but a special type of workstation, called
a diskless workstation, comes without a disk drive. The most common operating systems for workstations
are UNIX and Windows NT. Like personal computers, most workstations are single-user computers.
However, workstations are typically linked together to form a local-area network, although they can also
be used as stand-alone systems.

N.B.: In networking, workstation refers to any computer connected to a local-area network. It could be a
workstation or a personal computer.

Personal computer:

It can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. In price,
personal computers range anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over five thousand pounds. All are
based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip.
Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and for running
spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the most popular use for personal
computers is for playing games and recently for surfing the Internet.

Personal computers first appeared in the late 1970s. One of the first and most popular personal computers
was the Apple II, introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, new
models and competing operating systems seemed to appear daily. Then, in 1981, IBM entered the fray
with its first personal computer, known as the IBM PC. The IBM PC quickly became the personal
computer of choice, and most other personal computer manufacturers fell by the wayside. P.C. is short for
personal computer or IBM PC. One of the few companies to survive IBM's onslaught was Apple
Computer, which remains a major player in the personal computer marketplace. Other companies
adjusted to IBM's dominance by building IBM clones, computers that were internally almost the same as
the IBM PC, but that cost less. Because IBM clones used the same microprocessors as IBM PCs, they
were capable of running the same software. Over the years, IBM has lost much of its influence in
directing the evolution of PCs. Therefore after the release of the first PC by IBM the term PC increasingly
came to mean IBM or IBM-compatible personal computers, to the exclusion of other types of personal
computers, such as Macintoshes. In recent years, the term PC has become more and more difficult to pin
down. In general, though, it applies to any personal computer based on an Intel microprocessor, or on an
Intel-compatible microprocessor. For nearly every other component, including the operating system, there
are several options, all of which fall under the rubric of PC

Today, the world of personal computers is basically divided between Apple Macintoshes and PCs. The
principal characteristics of personal computers are that they are single-user systems and are based on
microprocessors. However, although personal computers are designed as single-user systems, it is
common to link them together to form a network. In terms of power, there is great variety. At the high
end, the distinction between personal computers and workstations has faded. High-end models of the
Macintosh and PC offer the same computing power and graphics capability as low-end workstations by
Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and DEC.

III, Personal Computer Types

Actual personal computers can be generally classified by size and chassis / case. The chassis or case is the
metal frame that serves as the structural support for electronic components. Every computer system
requires at least one chassis to house the circuit boards and wiring. The chassis also contains slots for
expansion boards. If you want to insert more boards than there are slots, you will need an expansion
chassis, which provides additional slots. There are two basic flavors of chassis designs–desktop models
and tower models–but there are many variations on these two basic types. Then come the portable
computers that are computers small enough to carry. Portable computers include notebook and
subnotebook computers, hand-held computers, palmtops, and PDAs.

Tower model

The term refers to a computer in which the power supply, motherboard, and mass storage devices are
stacked on top of each other in a cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these
components are housed in a more compact box. The main advantage of tower models is that there are
fewer space constraints, which makes installation of additional storage devices easier.

Desktop model

A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with the monitor sitting on top of the
computer. Desktop model computers are broad and low, whereas tower model computers are narrow and
tall. Because of their shape, desktop model computers are generally limited to three internal mass storage
devices. Desktop models designed to be very small are sometimes referred to as slimline models.

Notebook computer

An extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds
and are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase. Aside from size, the principal difference between a
notebook computer and a personal computer is the display screen. Notebook computers use a variety of
techniques, known as flat-panel technologies, to produce a lightweight and non-bulky display screen. The
quality of notebook display screens varies considerably. In terms of computing power, modern notebook
computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and
disk drives. However, all this power in a small package is expensive. Notebook computers cost about
twice as much as equivalent regular-sized computers. Notebook computers come with battery packs that
enable you to run them without plugging them in. However, the batteries need to be recharged every few
hours.

Laptop computer

A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit on your lap. Nowadays, laptop computers are
more frequently called notebook computers.

Subnotebook computer

A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized notebook computer. Typically,
subnotebook computers have a smaller keyboard and screen, but are otherwise equivalent to notebook
computers.

Hand-held computer

A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one’s hand. Although extremely convenient to
carry, handheld computers have not replaced notebook computers because of their small keyboards and
screens. The most popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to provide PIM
(personal information manager) functions, such as a calendar and address book. Some manufacturers are
trying to solve the small keyboard problem by replacing the keyboard with an electronic pen. However,
these pen-based devices rely on handwriting recognition technologies, which are still in their infancy.
Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops and pocket computers.

Palmtop

A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size computers, palmtops are severely
limited, but they are practical for certain functions such as phone books and calendars. Palmtops that use
a pen rather than a keyboard for input are often called hand-held computers or PDAs. Because of their
small size, most palmtop computers do not include disk drives. However, many contain PCMCIA slots in
which you can insert disk drives, modems, memory, and other devices. Palmtops are also called PDAs,
hand-held computers and pocket computers.

PDA

Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, and
networking features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer.
Unlike portable computers, most PDAs are pen-based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input.
This means that they also incorporate handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to
voice input by using voice recognition technologies. The field of PDA was pioneered by Apple
Computer, which introduced the Newton MessagePad in 1993. Shortly thereafter, several other
manufacturers offered similar products. To date, PDAs have had only modest success in the marketplace,
due to their high price tags and limited applications. However, many experts believe that PDAs will
eventually become common gadgets.

PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.