Types of computers

There are many types of computers. These include: microcomputers, mainframe computers, servers, mini computers, super computer s etc.

Micro computers are the most common type of computers in existence today, whether at work in school or on the desk at home. These computers include: desktop computers, personal digital assistants (more commonly known as PDA ’s), palmtop computers, laptop and notebook computers. The term “microcomputer” was coined at the time when most computers were cabinet sized like Mainframe Computers. Micro computers were the smallest, least powerful and least expensive of the computers of the time. The first microcomputers could only perform one task at a time, while bigger computers ran multi-tasking operating systems, and served multiple users. Referred to as a personal computer or desktop computer, Micro computers are generally meant to service one user (person) at a time.

The term “mainframe computer” was created to distinguish the traditional, large, institutional computer intended to service multiple users from the smaller, single user machines. These computers are capable of handling and processing very large amounts of data easily and quickly. Mainframe often refers to computers compatible with the computer architectures established in the 1960’s.

Server usually refers to a computer that is dedicated to the task of storing and retrieving large amounts of data. In some instances, a computer that was once considered a mainframe, is given the role of Server. This is because the actual data processing is taken over by individual personal computers.

Minicomputers, or workstations, were computers that are one step above the micro or personal computers and a step below mainframe computers. They are intended to serve one user, but contain special hardware enhancements not found on a personal computer.

A super computer is a specified variation of the mainframe. Where a mainframe is intended to perform many tasks, a super computer tends to focus on performing a single program of intense numerical calculations.