Classification of computers

the four major categories of computers are personal computers mini computers mainframe computers and super computers these categories based on the different in the size,speed,processing,capabilities,and price of computers

1.PERSONAL COMPUTER

A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input processing,output,and storage activities by itself . it is also called stand-alone -computer it caontains at least one input device ,one output device,one storage device memory and processor

Examples

IBM PC/XT/AT

IBM PS/2

TYPES OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS

A.DESKTOP COMPUTERS

B.PORTABLE COMPUTERS

FIRST DEFINE DESKTOP COMPUTER

THE most common type of personal computer is the desktop computer.A desktop computer is designed so the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table

i.WORKSTATION COMPUTERS

A workstation is a specialized, single user computer that typically has more power and features then a standard desktop PC. these machine are popular among scientists,engineers and animators who need a system with greater than average speed and the power to perform sophisticated tasks.

B.DEFINE PORTABLE COMPUTER

Portable is a personal computer type that can shift easily from one place other place some times this type of computer is also called mobile computer portable computer has following types

I. NOTE BOOK COMPUTERS/ LAPTOP COMPUTERS

Notebook computers as their name implies approximate the 15 inches notebook and easily fit inside a briefcase these computers speed is fast and distance b/w motherboard and hard disk is min

ii. TABLET COMPUTER

THE tablet computer is the newest development in portable full-featured computer tablet computer offers all the functionality of a notebook computer, but they are lighter and can accept input from a special pen called a stylus or a digitalpen

iii. Handheld computer

handheld computer are computing devices small enough to fit in your hand. A popular type of handheld computer is the personal digital assistance (pda)

iv. SMART PHONES COMPUTERS

Some cellular phones double as miniature PCS. Because these phones offer advanced featured not typically found in cellular phones

2. Minicomputers

A minicomputer is more powerful and larger then a workstation computer. Minicomputer often can support up to 4000 connected users at the same time . it is also knows as a mire range computer. Users often access a minicomputer through terminal

terminal is a device with a monitor and keyboard

such terminals sometimes called dumb terminals b/c they have no processing power cannot act as stand alone computers and must be connected to the minicomputer to operate

EXAMPLES

IBM SYSTEM/ 36

IBM SYSTEM/ 38

IBM AS400

3.Mainframe computers

A mainframe is a large expensive very powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously . like minicomputer, mainframe computers also can act as a server ina network environment. it is also known as Host computer

Examples

IBM 4300

IBM4340

NEC ACOS mainframe

4.Super computer

A super computer is the fastest most powerful computer and the most expensive . capable of processing more than 64 billion instructions in a single second

super computer are used for applications requiring complex sophisticated mathematical calculation

For example a super computer would be used for weather forecasting nuclear energy etc..

super computer