Classification of Computers on basis of Sizes

Computers are classified into the following types based on their size:

Now let's define all the above types of computers on the basis of their size.

Microcomputers

Desktop computers, laptops, gaming consoles, the sound and navigation system of a car, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and smartphones are all types of microcomputers.

Microcomputers are widely used and the fastest-growing computers. These computers are the cheapest among the other three types of computers.

The microcomputers are specially designed for general-purpose usage in life, including entertainment, education, and work purposes.

Well-known manufacturers of microcomputers are:

Here is a list of some of the main characteristics of desktop computers:

Minicomputers

Minicomputers, also called mid-range servers, are more powerful computers than microcomputers in terms of processing power and capabilities.

Minicomputers are mainly multi-user systems where many users simultaneously work on the systems.

Minicomputers possess greater storage capacity and larger memories as compared to microcomputers. These are even capable of handling more input/output devices.

Examples of minicomputers are:

Mainframe computers

Mainframe computers are designed to handle huge volumes of data and information. These can support more than 100 users at the same time. These very large and expensive computers have great processing speed and very large storage capacities and memories as compared to minicomputers.

These computers even possess and work with more than one processor at the same time. Thus, one can say that these are multi-user, multiprocessor systems.

For controlling and keeping an eye on the operation of mainframe computers, you need very complex operating systems.

Examples of mainframe computers are:

Characteristics of Mainframe Computers

Here is a list of some main characteristics of mainframe computers:

Supercomputers

Supercomputers are the most powerful computers among digital computers. These consist of several processors running together, thereby making them immensely faster and more powerful.

These computers are capable of performing massive amounts of calculations that are beyond the capabilities of humans.

Supercomputers can perform billions of instructions per second. Some of today's supercomputers have the computing power of 40.000 microcomputers.

A Japanese supercomputer has calculated the value of Pi to 16 million decimal places.

Supercomputers are mainly used for the following purposes or applications:

Examples of supercomputers are:

Characteristics of Supercomputers

Here is a list of some of the main characteristics of supercomputers:

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