Classification of Computer

On the basis of size and type, computers can be classified as follows:

Super Computers:

Super computers are the computers with the most processing power.
The primary application of super computer has been in scientific and military works but their use is growing in business as their prices decreases.
They are specially valuable for large simulation models of real world phenomena where complex mathematical representation and calculations are required or for image creation and processing.
They are also used in weather prediction, design aircraft (Boeing 777), motion pictures like star wars and Jurassic park.
They operates generally at 4 to 10 times faster than the next most powerful computer class, the mainframe.

Main-frame computer:

Main-frames are powerful multi-user computers capable of supporting many hundreds of users simultaneously in a network.
They are comparatively less powerful and less expensive than super computers.
Large corporate use mainframe computers for centralized data processing maintaining large databases.
Application that run on mainframe can be large and complex, allowing for data and information to be shared throughout the organization. Example: Airline reservation system, corporate payroll, student information etc.
A mainframe may have anywhere from 50 megabytes to several gigabytes of primary storage.
Secondary storage may use high capacities magnetic and optical storage media with capacities in the gigabytes to terabyte range.
Typically, several hundreds or thousands of on-line computers can be linked to a mainframe.
Advance mainframe perform more than 1000 MIPS and can handle up to billion transactions per day.

Mini-computer:

Also called midrange computers, mini-computers are relatively small, inexpensive and compact computer that perform the same functions as mainframe computers but to limited extent (capable of supporting 10 to 100's of user simultaneously).
They are designed specially for accomplishing specific tasks such as process control, scientific research and engineering applications.
Popular makers of mini-computer includes: Digital Equipment corporation (DEC) that built the popular VAX minicomputer used in universities, bank and engineering firms. IBM, built AS/400 series branding of Mini-computer. Hewlett Packard (HP) built HP 9000 series brand.

Micro-computer:

Micro-computers are also called personal computer (PCs) and are small, single user systems, that provide a simple microprocessor and just a few input/output devices.
Micro-computer ranges from palmtops to Desktop computers. Laptops/Notebooks are very popular now a days.
The lower cost in the development and production of CPU and various components of the micro-computer allowed it to become a broad market general-purpose computer.

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