CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER

PRESENTED BY:
LAIBA ABBASI
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
CLASSIFICATON OF COMPUTER
The computers are broadly classified into four categories based on
their size and type :
 Super Computer
 Mainframe Computer
 Mini Computer
 Micro Computer
 SUPERCOMPUTER:
 It was first developed by Roger Cray.
 They are specifically designed to process
huge amount of data.
 They are capable of processing trillions of
instructions(TIPS) in a few seconds as it has
thousands of processors interconnected.
 Supercomputer is the fastest and the most powerful
computer.
 It is biggest in size and more expensive in
price than any other computer
 It is used to perform complex tasks.
 The cost of one supercomputer can be
up to several billion dollars.
USED FOR:
 scientific purposes such as weather forecasting ,scientific
simulations(exploring the solar system, satellites and
movement of earth.)
 can understand climate patterns and forecast weather
conditions.
 MAINFRAME COMPUTER
 A powerful computer used by several large
organizations to managed large amount of
centralized data.
 Mainframe computer is a large computer in
terms of power, speed and price.
 It consists of multiple processors , it is more powerful than
minicomputer.
 It is specially designed to perform multiple tasks for multiple user
simultaneously.
 It will process information at 10 MIPS(million of instruction per
second).
Used for:
 Banks to keep track of millions of checks and deposits.
 Airlines to schedule thousands of flights and make seat
reservations.
EXAMPLES:
 Hospitals.
 Universities.
 Banks.
 Government offices.
 MINICOMPUTERS:
 They were developed in 1960’s resulting
from advances in microchip technology.
 Minicomputer is typically larger and more
powerful than desktop computers.
 It is more reliable than desktop computers.
 It generally consists of two or more processors.
 Run at several MIPS(Millions instructions per second) and
can support 5-20 users.
CHARACTERISTICS:
 Easy to carry.
 Less expensive than mainframe computers.
 Remains charged for a long time.
EXAMPLES:
 Prime 9955
 HP 3000
 MICRO COMPUTER:
 Microcomputers are computers that are
powered by microprocessor, also called
single chip processor.
 They were invented in 1970’s.
 Also known as personal computer.
 It is general purpose computer that is designed for
individual use.
 They are commonly found in homes, schools and offices.
 Relatively small and expensive.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Smallest in size among all types of computer
It is less expensive.
Capable of multitasking
Micro computers are :
(i) Desktops:
A desktop computer is a computer that fits or on
under a desk.
They utilize peripheral devices for interaction
such as: keyboard,mouse,monitior etc.
(ii) LAPTOPS:
Laptop is a portable computer that is more
efficient and nearly as powerful as desktops
Computers.
(iii) PALMTOP:
It was an IBM compatible electronic device
that was about the size of large pocket
calculator. It is based on DOS.
No longer manufactured in these days.