CLASSIFICATION OF
COMPUTERS
Done by- Aadhinath Ajith Kumar
Computers can be classified based on their
•Size
•Technology
•Purpose
The main types of computers are
• Microcomputer
• Workstation
• Minicomputer
• Mainframe computer
• Super computer
Microcomputer
A microcomputer is the most common type of computer, whether in a
workplace, at school or on the desk at home.
• The CPU of a microcomputer is a single chip known as the microprocessor.
• These are single-user computers.
• They are mainly used in offices and homes.
• They are the least expensive.
• Eg. Desktop computers, Laptops or Notebook computers, Tablet PC etc
Workstations
Workstations are powerful single-user computers.
Features
They are used for tasks that require a great deal of power such as in computer
animations or scientific and mathematical work.
Eg. Computers used in banks and big offices
Minicomputers
Minicomputers are more powerful than microcomputers.
Features
• A minicomputer is a multi-user computer, ie, many people can use one
machine at a time.
• It has greater storage capacity than a microcomputer.
• It may be used as a network and internet server.
• Eg. PDP-11, SPARC
Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are very large and powerful computers
Features
• They are faster, more powerful and more expensive than microcomputers or minicomputers.
• They can support hundreds or thousands of users, handling massive amounts of input,
output and storage.
• They are used in large organizations such as banks and government offices .
• They are used as e-commerce servers for handling transactions over the internet.
• Eg. VAX 8842, CDC 6600, IBM 4381
Supercomputers
Supercomputers are the most powerful of all computers
Features
• They are the most expensive computers.
• They are massive in size and can occupy a whole room.
• They have several processors which make them very powerful and fast.
• They are used in areas such as weather forecasting, nuclear science etc.
• Eg. CRAY XT5- HE, India’s PARAM

Classification of computers

  • 1.
  • 2.
    Computers can beclassified based on their •Size •Technology •Purpose
  • 3.
    The main typesof computers are • Microcomputer • Workstation • Minicomputer • Mainframe computer • Super computer
  • 4.
    Microcomputer A microcomputer isthe most common type of computer, whether in a workplace, at school or on the desk at home. • The CPU of a microcomputer is a single chip known as the microprocessor. • These are single-user computers. • They are mainly used in offices and homes. • They are the least expensive. • Eg. Desktop computers, Laptops or Notebook computers, Tablet PC etc
  • 5.
    Workstations Workstations are powerfulsingle-user computers. Features They are used for tasks that require a great deal of power such as in computer animations or scientific and mathematical work. Eg. Computers used in banks and big offices
  • 6.
    Minicomputers Minicomputers are morepowerful than microcomputers. Features • A minicomputer is a multi-user computer, ie, many people can use one machine at a time. • It has greater storage capacity than a microcomputer. • It may be used as a network and internet server. • Eg. PDP-11, SPARC
  • 7.
    Mainframe computer Mainframe computersare very large and powerful computers Features • They are faster, more powerful and more expensive than microcomputers or minicomputers. • They can support hundreds or thousands of users, handling massive amounts of input, output and storage. • They are used in large organizations such as banks and government offices . • They are used as e-commerce servers for handling transactions over the internet. • Eg. VAX 8842, CDC 6600, IBM 4381
  • 8.
    Supercomputers Supercomputers are themost powerful of all computers Features • They are the most expensive computers. • They are massive in size and can occupy a whole room. • They have several processors which make them very powerful and fast. • They are used in areas such as weather forecasting, nuclear science etc. • Eg. CRAY XT5- HE, India’s PARAM