What is Computer and Different types of Computers
- IT tech
- Feb 14, 2019
- 2 min read
A computer is a device that can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically via computer programming. Modern computers have the ability to follow generalized sets of operations, called programs. These programs enable computers to perform an extremely wide range of tasks.
A Computer is one of the bright creation of mankind. Computers perform a vast range of functions. Some computers are so powerful that hundreds or even thousands of users can use them at a single instant.
Classification of computers is based on the usage, speed and size of computers :-
The four basic types of computers are as under :-
Microcomputer.
Minicomputer.
Mainframe Computer.
Supercomputer.
Microcomputers
Microcomputers, also known as personal computer, is a digital computer that works on a micro processor.
Individuals in homes and offices are the major users of the Microcomputers. It is an inexpensive computer that performs tasks such as Word Processing, Desktop Publishing, and Accounting. It is also useful for running Spreadsheet and Database Management Applications. Microcomputers are widely used for entertainment purposes as well as for playing games, listening music, watching movies and Internet surfing.
Minicomputers
Minicomputer is a midsized multiprocessing and multi-user computer.
Minicomputers are also called as “Mid-range Computers”. Multiprocessing is the process of running multiple programs or processes at a given time. The Minicomputer is a medium range computer. It will also used for servers. We can used it in business organizations for the maintenance of accounts and finance data and applications. Minicomputers are mostly used in the manufacturing processes, and scientific researches.
Mainframes
In starting, Mainframes were huge computers occupying entire rooms or floors.
Mainframes were used to serve as the center of large systems in an organization. They were designed to serve the purpose of centralized computing instead of the distributed computing. Mainframes are very large and expensive computer. Thousands of people can used a Mainframe at a time. It can process millions of transactions everyday. "Banks educational institutions & insurance companies use mainframe computers to store data about their customers, students & insurance policy holders."
Supercomputers
The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are the Supercomputers. These are specialized and task specific computers used by large organizations.
Supercomputer is the fastest and most expensive type of Computer. Supercomputers specialize in High-Speed data processing. Some of these applications are Molecular Chemistry, Nuclear Research, Weather Reports and Advanced Physics. The advantage of Supercomputer is their speed, which is unmatched by any other computer. A major disadvantage of Supercomputer is that they generate a large amount of heat, during their operations.
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