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An Acer Chromebook Wikimedia Commons There Are Four Different Computer TypesWe have four different computer types classified according to their performance, power, and size. A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, stores data, and then produces an output. In this article, we are going to have a look at the differences between super, mainframe, mini, and microcomputers. Amalka Supercomputing Facility Wikimedia Commons 1. SupercomputersSupercomputers are very expensive and very fast. They are the most powerful computers we have in the world. Supercomputers are optimized to execute only a small number of programs. This makes it possible for them to execute these few programs at a very high speed. Due to their inhibiting cost, they are used in high-end places like in scientific research centers. The supercomputer consists of thousands of processors, allowing it to clock in at very high speeds measured by petaflops. These computer types are also very large in size due to the numerous parts and components involved in their design. A good example of a supercomputer is Tianhe-2, which is located in the National Supercomputer Center in Guangzhou, China. It features 3.12 million cores, allowing it to run at speeds of 33.86 petaflops. 2. Mainframe ComputersThese are large and expensive computers that are capable of supporting thousands of users simultaneously. They are mostly used by governments and large organizations for bulk data processing, critical applications, and transaction processing. They are ranked below supercomputers. 3. MinicomputersMinicomputers are mid-sized computers. In terms of size and power, they are ranked below mainframes. A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously. The use of the term minicomputer has diminished since the introduction of microprocessors. These machines are now more commonly called midrange computers. 4. MicrocomputersA microcomputer, also known as a personal computer, is designed to be used by one user at a time. The term microcomputer relates to the microprocessor that is used for the purpose of processing data and instruction codes. These are the most common computer types since they are not very expensive.
A Closer Look at MicrocomputersThe most common type of microcomputers are desktop and portable machines. Here are some more details on these devices. Desktop ComputersDesktop computers are not built to be mobile. They are designed to be stationary as they are plugged into their power supply. Scroll to Continue Desktop computers are large and heavy in comparison to portable devices. They can be carried in specially manufactured cases. However, this is only to assist a support engineer while moving; it's not a frequent procedure. The monitor, keyboard, and mouse are all separate items on a desktop. Desktop computer components and devices, although quite resilient to movement while active, are not made to be constantly moved, even less so when they are operational. The main power supply is mandatory as desktop computers cannot work without a constant supply of electrical power. Desktops can further be subdivided depending on the casing type. Tower CasingFor tower casing, the motherboard is placed inside of the system unit. Other major components, like the power supply and mass storage devices, are stacked on top of each other in a cabinet. One main advantage with computers using a tower casing is that there is ample space for future upgrades, like if you wish to add more storage devices. Desktop CasingFor desktop casings, the motherboard lies on the bottom and is parallel to the desk or table. The system unit is usually smaller and more compact. It is not a very good choice if you are going to install other drives like another hard disk or a DVD writer. One main advantage is that they are small and will occupy less space. The placement is also ideal since it will lie on top of a desk. This can allow you to place your monitor on top. Tower or Desktop Casing?Desktop cases are designed to lay flat on a desk while tower cases are designed to stand up. The size of your desk will typically determine which setup you will use. If you have a small desk with limited space, you might consider the smaller mini-tower case. There are two things that may make you consider going for a full-sized tower case:
In terms of cost, tower casing prices are a little bit higher compared to desktop casings. Keep in mind that you can flip over a tower casing and end up with a desktop setup and vice versa. The problem will be that your drives will be facing sideways. So you will always have a problem inserting or removing your CDs because they will keep on falling. Other drives might fail to access your CD or DVD contents due to the awkward position. Portable or Mobile ComputersPortable or mobile computers are designed for mobility. This means a user can comfortably transport the device or even use it on the go. These devices are small, compact, and lightweight. They have their own power source in the form of a built-in battery. These portable devices are produced in a variety of sizes and they possess very high processing capabilities. Good examples of mobile computers include;
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters. Questions & AnswersQuestion: What is a computer system? Answer: A computer system is a complete and functional computer which includes all the hardware and software required to make it functional for a user. The computer should have the ability to receive user data, process it, and with the processed data, create information for storage and/or output. Question: What is a computer? Answer: We have various definitions of a computer but they all mean the same. It is just a matter of how the answer is phrased electronically and grammatically. Well, a computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it using set instructions or simply programs, stores the data that has been processed and finally gives us an output on what we have been working on. Thus, it is a device designed to work with information. The term computer is derived from the Latin word ‘computare’, which means to calculate. Question: What are 5 examples of a Mainframe Computer? Answer: Mainframe computers are large and expensive computer types that have larger and more processing power than some other classes of computers such as minicomputers, servers, workstations, and personal computers. We do not have different types of Mainframe computers. What we have is different models developed by a specific company. For instance, you can mention the following models from IBM; IBM zSeries, System z9, and System z10 servers. © 2010 Patrick Kamau Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on December 21, 2020: Thanks a lot, Elorm Ametepe and everyone else for taking time to read this article and leave a comment. I am happy to know you are learning something new. Abigail bako on September 10, 2020: I like it Elorm Ametepe on September 07, 2020: I really appreciate the information, it's really good for students like us Zahari on September 05, 2020: Very good information Akshit on August 30, 2020: Good information and knowledge anonymous on July 29, 2020: Good info Ahmed from iraq on July 17, 2020: Extremiy good interesting information Christian on July 17, 2020: I really love this lesson keep it up SHREYA PRAJAPATI on July 05, 2020: I like the computer Abasikponke on June 22, 2020: I like the computer ayeni on June 17, 2020: thank u Abdi Asnake on June 11, 2020: Thank U a lot.. Lita Pakalani on June 03, 2020: very helpful, thank you Isaac on May 31, 2020: Simple, understandable, and informative. Great Job. I like it on May 19, 2020: Good job I like it on May 12, 2020: I like it Semir on March 20, 2020: I like it alex on March 09, 2020: i like it Tobias Shawah on March 04, 2020: This is excellent Christian nicholson on February 25, 2020: Very good work sir i am from sierra leone masengesho bashir on February 24, 2020: that's nice to know it Skeva M. on January 29, 2020: ..enough information and good Kebede Regasa on January 23, 2020: it's very very good Emmanuel James on January 07, 2020: I want to training comp uter Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on December 04, 2019: Iqra qureshi thanks for reading and reaching out. I am happy you learned something new. Keep reading to gain more. Iqra qureshi on December 04, 2019: Well done! Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on November 28, 2019: You are much welcome Elias mutaboyerwa. Keep reading to gain more. Elias mutaboyerwa on November 27, 2019: Thankyou i have gain knowledge it is good on November 25, 2019: it is good Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on November 24, 2019: You are much welcome Adaama and keep researching and learning new things from the Internet. All the best. Adaama on November 24, 2019: Am learning and helping me more James on November 17, 2019: Please can you share examples of mini compiters Marlisa on November 13, 2019: Hi thanks may I ask wat is ure name Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on November 10, 2019: You are welcome Ahme. Keep reading more interesting stuff relating to computers. ahme toyb on November 06, 2019: more thanks Bob nguru on November 01, 2019: Been here more than once. king on October 21, 2019: thank youy Usman Pirzada on October 17, 2019: thanks Sruthi Dalavai on October 03, 2019: It is very help full to me thanks a lot Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on September 25, 2019: You are much welcome Onesimus Quayee. Keep reading and amassing knowledge. Onesimus Quayee on September 25, 2019: Thanks for the informations Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on September 24, 2019: Great to hear that Alfred. Thanks for the feedback, it makes us keep writing. 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Jenevy on February 04, 2019: Nice farman Ullah on October 25, 2018: i appreciate this article Taru on October 17, 2018: Nice I like it on October 07, 2018: nice division of types ismael ainebyoona on October 07, 2018: Thank you so much, God bless! pretty on September 22, 2018: this information is really enthusiastic .....i like it MK Peters on September 18, 2018: I find this very educative and useful for teacher and student I have just added to my knowledge Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on September 03, 2018: Thanks gizachew, I am happy you learnt something from this articles Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on September 03, 2018: You are much welcome Ebuka ekweozo, keep checking more of my articles Ebuka ekweozo on September 03, 2018: thanks sir it's help me in my holiday assegment gizachew on September 02, 2018: The explanation is very good Asres Dagne on August 28, 2018: Good. RONALDO on August 17, 2018: VERY NICE Musa Jawara on August 06, 2018: Good Work Sir ,it Easy Work For Teachers Bibek on July 22, 2018: Thanks sir it help in my holiday homework Anum Robert on July 19, 2018: This is Awesome Patrick Kamau (author) from Nairobi, Kenya on July 03, 2018: Hello Aryan Goyal, I am glad the article was of help to you. Keep reading and all the best. Aryan Goyal on July 01, 2018: Thanks for this I like it very well and also loved it . It help me in my home work. Thank again Dick on June 29, 2018: this is the hbest tite on June 24, 2018: not enough Bruce on June 11, 2018: Nice!! bucie on March 20, 2018: thanks a lot NYASHA VENGE on March 17, 2018: THE WEBSITE IS UEFUL Grace Mungai on March 06, 2018: thanks Patrick for the detailed descriptions.. could you please give the applicable computers used in large data amounts and they should be processed within a short time?? Gloria on February 19, 2018: Thanx,the website was very helpful fredrick soka on January 26, 2018: Thanx alot i like your page because u used a simply english so we can all understand well what we are reading abhishake on January 25, 2018: nice Tee on January 23, 2018: Hi thank you sir really helped with my subject CAT ALK on December 30, 2017: Helpful for me What kind of computer is used to process very large amounts of information?Supercomputer – a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of computation very quickly. Supercomputers are used for areas related to: Science. Engineering.
What is the largest type of computer called?Mainframe computer is the largest computer.. Mainframe computers can execute millions of instruction simultaneously. Supercomputers are the largest computers in the world. ... . HPE Has Constructed The Largest Single-Memory Computer System Ever Built. ... . A mainframe computer's size depends primarily on its age.. What computer processes information the fastest?A supercomputer is a computer with a high level of performance as compared to a general-purpose computer. The performance of a supercomputer is commonly measured in floating-point operations per second (FLOPS) instead of million instructions per second (MIPS).
What type of computers are large powerful expensive and used in the background of most large organizations?Mainframe computers are the big, powerful, expensive computers used in the background by most large organizations. Like mainframes, these are very powerful and also very expensive.
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