Types of computer

 computers are classified based on;

 size
 Cost
 Performance:-
i. Speed of processing data
ii. Storage capacity
iii. Ability to handle input and out
put devices.
 Computers can be classified into;
i. Super computer iii. mini computer
ii. Main frame computer iv. Micro computer
 Super computer
 are the largest, fastest and costliest computers
available on the market.
 these kind of computers are used for;
a. launching missiles c. Biomedical research
b. whether forecasting d. Aircraft design
 super computers are also used to design new
drugs and chemical compounds
 Super computers are also extensively used by
the military for weapons and defense systems
 are especially designed so that they can work
on a single problem at a time, devoting all
resources to the solution.
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 super computers are different than other
types of computers in that they are designed
to work on a single problem at a time.
 Super computers are so expensive that
usually one large companies, universities and
government agencies and laboratories can use
them.
 There are few super computers in the world.
Some examples;
 IBM Blue Gene/L
 IBM Roadrunner
Super computers
 Mainframe computer
 More powerful than minicomputers and less
than supercomputers.
 they have high processing speeds and can
store large amounts of data.
 they are used in wide area networks and
support hundreds of users. However they
consume more electricity.
 mainframe computers are a high level
computer designed for the most intensive
computational tasks.
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 main frame computers can be used for;
 scientific researches
Large businesses
Military
 mainframes designed so that they can work on
numerous problems and support numerous
users.
some examples are;
 IBM 3000
 Univac 1180
Main frame computer
 Mini computers
 mini computers are small general purpose
computers, also called mid range servers.
These computers can perform more complex
tax and cost more than microcomputer.
 They are large in size and they have small to
media storage capacity.
 They are used for processing data and
analysing results of experiments.
 They are also used for controlling and
monitoring production processes.
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 is also a mid level computer built to perform
complex computations while dealing efficiently
with a high level of inputs and outputs.
 can also connect to other microcomputers on
a network and distribute processing among all
the attached machines.
 some example ;
 PDX 11/42
 VAX11
 Micro computers
 Microcomputers are also called Personal
Computers (PCs). These computers use
microprocessors.
 they are small in size. Also, they do not have
large storage capacities.
 they can perform difficult tasks. They are used
mainly for:-
 desktop publishing
 accounting
 statics analysis
 graphics designing
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 micro computers are usually used to personal
use and to

 some examples are:-

 Apple II
 IBM PC
 IBM PC/2
 Macintosh
 these are:-
A. Desktops
B. Portables(laptop , notebooks, palmtops)
Micro computers
 A, Desktop
 These pcs are those in which the case or main
housing sits on a desk, with keyboard in front and
screen(monitor) often at the top.
 A desktop is characteristics of the apple
Macintosh and of windowing program, such as
Microsoft windows.
 some examples of desktop are:-
 dell 2500/07
 HP 5000
 IBM
Desktop
 B, portable(laptop)
 these are small-sized machines that have the
same power of a desktop
 the weight of a laptop is around 7 to 12 kg.
The drawback of a laptop is that it is too bulky.
 laptops can be charged again to be able to
when the power is not prevailed
 laptops main drawback is averted by
notebooks
 some examples are;
 Toshiba 5200C
SLT/286
 C, portables(notebook)
 these are smaller than a laptop and are
designed to overcome the drawbacks of a laptop.
 they have the same size as a notebook but are
as a desktop.
 they weigh 3 to 4 kg.


 some examples are:-

 contura 3/20
 Acer Anyware
 D, portables(palmtop)
 These are hand held computers which have
the size of a pocket calculator
 they are not as powerful as a desktop.
 palmtops combine personal combine personal
organization tools-
 schedule planner
 address books
 to do lists
 some examples are
 HP95LX
palmtop