2. Classification of Computers
• Computer are classified on the bases of size, speed, processing power and price
• Computer can be classified into the following categories
1. Personal Computer
2. Mobile Devices
3. Minicomputer
4. Mainframe Computer
5. Supercomputer
6. Embedded Computer
3. 1. Personal Computers/Microcomputers
• Persona computer is designed to be used by one persona at a time
• It consists of a processor, memory and one or more input, output and storage devices
• Personal computers are available in different sizes and shapes
• Personal computer is commonly used in business, at home and other fields of life
4. 1.1 Desktop Computer
• Desktop computers are the most common type of personal computer
• It is designed in a way that all of its components fit on a desk or table
• In one model, the system unit is placed horizontally on the desktop or table and monitor is placed
on the system unit
• In another model called tower model, both monitor and system unit are placed on the table
5. 1.2 Portable Computer
• Portable computer is a mobile personal computer that can be carried from one place to another
• It has input, output , storage and processing components integrated into a single unit
• It can receive power from battery
• Different types of portable computers include
I. Laptop
II. Tablet
6. 2. Mobile Devices
• A mobile device is a computing device designed to hold in the hand
• Mobile devices typically have small screens and some of them have keyboards
• Mobile devices can be connected to a large network to exchange data
• Popular types of mobile devices are smart phones
7. 3. Minicomputers
• Minicomputer is typically larger, more powerful and more expensive than personal computer
• Minicomputer can serve up to several hundreds connected users at the same time
• It can be used in networked environment as server computer
• It is normally access by users through a personal compute
• Some examples of mini computers are Prime 9955, HP 3000 etc
8. 4. Mainframe Computers
• Mainframe computer is a large computer designed to serve several thousands connected users at
the same time
• It is more powerful and expensive as compared to minicomputer
• These computers can store large amount of data, information and programs
• The user access a mainframe computer through personal computer
9. 5. Supercomputers
• Supercomputer is the fastest and the most powerful computer
• It is biggest in size and more expensive than any other computer
• It is used to perform complex tasks
• The modern supercomputer consists of thousands of microprocessors
• It can process trillions of instructions in one second
• Supercomputer is mostly used for weather forecasting, weapon design and atomic research etc
10. 6. Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is designed for special purposes
• It works as a component in a larger product
• These computers are very small and have limited hardware
• They perform various functions according to the requirement of the product in which they are
embedded
• Embedded computers are used in automobiles, robotics and home devices such as security
monitoring system
