There are four main types of computers: microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers. Microcomputers are small, portable, and low-cost devices used in homes and offices. Minicomputers are medium-sized machines that support multiple users at lower costs than mainframes. Mainframes are large, room-sized computers that serve many distributed users and servers. Supercomputers are the fastest and most expensive computers, used for advanced research applications that require parallel processing.

1. Type of Computers

2. Types of Computers
Types of Computers
Microcomputer Minicomputer Mainframe Supercomputer

3. Microcomputer
• Digital computer that works
on a microprocessor
• Used in homes and offices
• Performs tasks such as word
processing, desktop
publishing, and accounting

4. Microcomputer
• Advantages
– Small size
– Low cost
– Portability
• Disadvantages
– Low processing speed

5. Minicomputer
• Known as the mid-range
server
• Medium sized multiprocessing
and multi-user computer
• Used by small sized companies

6. Minicomputer
• Advantage
– Cater to multiple users
– Lower costs than mainframes
• Disadvantage
– Large
– Bulky

7. Mainframe
• Known as enterprise servers
• Occupies entire rooms or floors
• Used for centralized computing
• Serve distributed users and
small servers in a computing
network

8. Mainframe
• Advantage
– Supports many users and instructions
– Large memory
• Disadvantage
– Huge size
– Expensive

9. Supercomputer
• Fastest and expensive
• Used by applications for
molecular chemistry, nuclear
research, weather reports, and
advanced physics
• Consists of several computers
that work in parallel as a single
system

10. Super Computer
• Advantage
– Speed
• Disadvantage
– Generate a large
amount of heat
during operation