Types of Computers: 1. Super Computer

Types of Computers
1. Super Computer
2. Mainframe Computer
3. Mini Computer
4. Micro Computer
5. Desktop Computer
6. Pocket Computer
1. SUPER COMPUTER:
The fastest type of computer, Supercomputers are very expensive and are used for
specialized (specific/particular/expert) applications that require a huge amount of
mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer.
PURPOSE: Special purpose computers handle mostly complex scientific, statistical

applications or programs.
KEY FEATURES/ CHARACTERISTICS:
 High technology
 High capacity memory i.e. 8.4 million
 Computes data processing in short time
 Cost varies from 1 million to 5 million
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EXAMPLE:
1. Titan:-
The fastest supercomputer in the world is used to study alternative energy resources and
climate change simulations in a global level.
2. Sequoia:-
USA doesn’t have to actually conduct nuclear tests anymore, Sequoia simulates them.
This one makes sure that the nuclear weapons are ready for action any time of the day.
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3. IBM Mira:-
Mira by IBM, simulates the evolution (development/growth/advancement) of the
Universe (world/earth). It also runs the climate change scenarios and helps in research of
more efficient car batteries.
DRAWBACK:
 Operating Supercomputer requires highly qualified staff.

 Experts were required for such computer engineering.
 They are sensitive to temperature, humidity, dust, etc.
 Non portability & large size
2. MAINFRAME COMPUTERS:
Mainframe Computers can store huge amount of data and memory capacity is up to 100
megabytes. Mainframe Computers can perform different tasks and also support hundreds
of users at a time. These computers are mainly used for networking. Modern mainframes
can run multiple different operating systems at the same time.
KEY FEATURES/CHARACTERISTICS:
 Large size but smaller than super computer

 Mainframe usually fills a large room because it includes many types of peripheral
equipment attached with it
 Large memory capacity
 Powerful
 Expensive: Cost varies from 5-20 lacs
 Multiple I/O devices are used
 Allows networking of up to 100 terminals
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EXAMPLE:
1. IBM System 3:
2. AS-400:
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Disadvantages:
 Experts and highly qualified professionals were required to operate it
 Sophisticated technology required for manufacturing & assembling the computer
3. MINI COMPUTER:
A minicomputer is a class of smaller computers that developed in the mid-1960s. They

use of transistors and core memory technologies, minimal (smallest) instructions sets and
less expensive peripherals.
Minicomputers can also store relatively large amount of data and memory capacity
ranges to as high as 32 megabytes. It can perform different tasks and can also support
several users at a time. These computers are also used for networking.
KEY FEATURES/CHARACTERISTICS:
 Small in size as compared to Mainframe
 Small in memory as compared to Mainframe
 Less expensive than Mainframe
 Portable computers because of smaller size
 Minicomputer usually fills a small room because it also includes many types of
peripherals equipment attached to it.
 Memory capacity RAM is up to 128 MB
 Secondary Memory store 40 GB
 Costs around Rs 50 thousand to 90 thousand
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EXAMPLE:
1. The first successful Western minicomputer was Digital Equipment Corporation's 12-bit
PDP-8, which was built using discrete transistors and cost from US$16,000 upwards
when launched in 1964.
2. The 7400 series of TTL integrated circuits started appearing in minicomputers.

3. PDP-11 and PDP-45 etc.
DISADVANTAGES:
 Cannot connect all hardware devices
 Cannot execute all languages and software
4. MICRO COMPUTER:
A microcomputer is a small computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit
(CPU). Most microcomputers use integrated circuits (ICs). Microcomputers became popular
in the 1970s and 80s with the advent (arrival/coming on/ beginning) of increasingly powerful
microprocessors.
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KEY FEATURES
 Smaller than Mini Computer

 Very small in memory
 High speed computer but slower than mini computer
 Costs around Rs 30000 to 60000
 Portable
 There is another kind of microcomputer that can easily be placed on the lap and hence
called laptop and is easy to carry like a brief case
 RAM requires 64 MB to 128 MB
EXAMPLE
1. ECD Micro mind:
2. Data point 2200:
3. Uptron, HCL, PCL, Wipro, PCs, HP, PC-AT, PC-XT
DRAWBACKS:
 Limited Hardware devices can be connected

 Experts were required
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5. DESKTOP COMPUTERS:
A Desktop computer is a personal computer for regular use at a single location, as

opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer.
PURPOSE: Education system and small scale industry

CALLED: HOME or Briefcase Computers
KEY FEATURES/ CHARACTERISTICS:
 Portable
 High speed processing processor.
 Requires RAM from 16 MB to 64 MB
 Internet facility for communication
 Costs around Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000
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EXAMPLE
HCL, PCL, Wipro, COMPAQ, HP, LEO, SAMSUNG, etc
DISADVANTAGES:
Execute limited software and languages related to windows based
6. POCKET COMPUTER
KEY FEATURES
 Small in size
 Portable like a digital diary
 Requires RAM maximum up to 1GB
 Disk capacity is 80 GB
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DISADVANTAGE:
Execute limited Software
Hardwar vs Software:
 Hardware: Hardware is any part of the computer that has a physical structure which is
tangible such as the computer monitor, keyboard, hard desk, speakers etc.
 So the physical components of a computer are called Hardware.
 Also the physical (electronic and mechanical) parts of a computer are called Hardware.
 The storage devices (Hard disk, CD’s etc.,), mouse, keyboard CPU and display devices
(Monitor) are Hardware.
 The hardware devices attached to the computer are called peripheral devices.
 Software: Computer Instructions or data, anything that can be stored electronically is

called Software.
 Software is any set of instructions that tells to hardware what to do. It guides the
hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task. Some examples of software are web
browsers, games, and word processors such as Microsoft Word etc.
 As a computer is an electronic device and can’t do anything on its own. It must be
instructed to do a desire jobs.
 So it is necessary to specify a sequence of instructions that a computer must perform to
solve a problems.
 So the term software refers to the computer programs, routines and packages required to
utilize and control the operation of the computer system.

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Types of Computers

PURPOSE: Special purpose computers handle mostly complex scientific, statistical

KEY FEATURES/ CHARACTERISTICS:

 Operating Supercomputer requires highly qualified staff.

 Large size but smaller than super computer

A minicomputer is a class of smaller computers that developed in the mid-1960s. They

2. The 7400 series of TTL integrated circuits started appearing in minicomputers.

 Smaller than Mini Computer

2. Data point 2200:

3. Uptron, HCL, PCL, Wipro, PCs, HP, PC-AT, PC-XT

 Limited Hardware devices can be connected

A Desktop computer is a personal computer for regular use at a single location, as

PURPOSE: Education system and small scale industry

KEY FEATURES/ CHARACTERISTICS:

 Software: Computer Instructions or data, anything that can be stored electronically is

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