Types of computers:Computers For Organizations: Super computers Mainframe computers Minicomputers [Network Servers]

Early Computers

Early Computers The earliest computers were so big that they filled entire rooms! This picture shows one of the first computers, UNIVAC I, which was invented in 1951.

Super computers: Supercomputers are the fastest computers currently available. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers are scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data. Recently, some supercomputers have been constructed by connecting together large numbers of individual processing units

Supercomputer (Cray-2 from the 1980s)

CM-5 Supercomputer

The CM-5 supercomputer is a massively parallel processing computer capable of many billions of floating point operations per second. The computer contains hundreds of processing units, similar to the central processing units (CPUs) in personal computers. The processing units are linked together in parallel so that multiple calculations can be carried out simultaneously.

Mainframe computers: A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. Mainframes typically cost several hundred thousand dollars. They are used in situations where a company wants the processing power and information storage in a centralized location. Mainframe computers are used by large organizations e.g. banks and insurance companies.

Mainframe Computer

In 1964 International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) introduced its revolutionary System/360, the first mainframe computer.

Mainframe computer (this IBM z-series about 6 feet tall)

Minicomputers: Minicomputers are smaller than main frames but larger than microcomputers. Minicomputers usually have multiple terminals. Hundreds of users can use these computers at a time. Minicomputers may be used as network servers and Internet servers.

Types of computers:Computers For Individual Users: Workstations Notebook computers Handheld computers [Smart Phones] Microcomputers

Workstations: Work stations are specialized single user computers. They contain one or more microprocessor CPUs. They have greater power and processing speed as compared to ordinary PCs. They have high resolution monitors and enhanced features and graphics. These computers are mainly used by scientists and engineers.

Notebook computers: These are extremely lightweight computers. Notebook computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds and are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase. They run on battery power, but can also be plugged into a wall outlet. In terms of computing power, modern notebook computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives as that of microcomputers. Example is Laptop which costs more than desktop units.

Handheld computers: A portable computer that is small enough to be held in ones hand. Although extremely convenient to carry, handheld computers have not replaced notebook computers because of their small keyboards and screens. The most popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to provide PIM (personal information manager) functions, such as a calendar and address book. Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops, smart phones and pocket computers.

Microcomputer:- (Personal computers)

Microcomputers are also called personal computers. The most common types of this computer is desktop computer. Used friendly by everyone from preschoolers to scholars. Most common models are: 1) Tower model. 2) Desktop model