Types of computer

What are the different types of computers?

Different types of computer systems are nowadays available for different purposes according the user needs.

When you’ll have to order yours or even to build it, you should first define the expected use of your computer.

This step will help you to describe the basic capabilities and know the costs of your system.

What are the different types of computer system?

This is a brief view of the main expressions used to describe your computer.

Personal computers or microcomputers

Microcomputers are built to be used by one person. In fact when you talk about personal computers or its common acronym PC, you always mean microcomputers. For surfing the web, playing games or music, editing and many other tasks… you ordinarily use personal computers either at school, at home or at business.

You’ll find personal computers in two (2) major types: desktop and laptop.

If you opt for a desktop computer you have to set it up in a permanent location. Fortunately you are able to choose your preferred sizes such as a mini, mid or full tower.

You should then add many other devices to complete it such as keyboard, mouse and monitor which can be a CRT or LCD display.

What about Workstations and Servers?

If you need a high-end micro computer you should go for a workstation. This type of computer is recommended if you are working in game development, scientific calculations, engineering or 3D graphics. It is fastest than the common personal computer and even it can be used as server if you need to build a basic network client by example.

The server is generally used for a major client with the purpose to allow many users working together over a network. Servers require powerful processors, large amount of hard disk drives and ram memory.

Types of mobile computers

If you prefer the laptop you’ll go for the mobile or portable system. Your notebook, a common name of laptop, has the advantage to have all the parts built together.

Your notebook has the same computing power to the desktop machine but it is enough lightweight to be portable. If the mobile machine is relatively more expensive it’s because it costs more to design the small components.

Maybe you’ll need greater portability. So a handheld micro computer is your first option. To manage your phone book, diary or taking notes...etc a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is useful.

You can also use the Palmtop, a tinier laptop than the PDA, to the same purposes and even more. The Palmtop is designed with a small keyboard and a flip-up screen and is more usable to surf the web while you are on the move.

Types of mini computers

Apart the micro computers, you may consider three other types of computers: the minicomputers, the mainframes and the supercomputers.

Be advised that the name minicomputers does not mean it is slowest than your PC. Surely not! If you plan to build a home network the minicomputers can be used as a mid- range server to serve multiple users.

However with the mainframe you are able to build a large network for several hundred clients. You can process millions of transactions daily with the mainframe because of its high capacity. Most of enterprises such as large organizations, insurance businesses, industry, banking … usually use the mainframe for processing and storing enormous amounts of data every day.

The supercomputer is the fastest machine in the history of computer not only for its size but especially for its capacity. You won’t have to use this powerful system unless you are working with nuclear or aerodynamic companies for example.

Conclusion Through this brief description you had opportunity to learn a lot about the different generation of computer. Nowadays many electronics devices are working like computers. Your iPod, your cell phone or even your watch has an integrated computer application. In the near future you can’t imagine what you are expected as newer types of computer!