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Introduction
A computer is a machine that converts raw data into useful information. It interprets the input and produces the desired output in accordance with the user’s instructions. Computers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they may be classified in two ways: by size and by data handling capability.
Types of Computer-Based on Size
a. Micro Computer
b. Mini Computer
c. Mainframe Compute
d. Supercomputer
Microcomputer
The word “microcomputer” is now interchangeable with “personal computer,” although they were dubbed “microcomputers” when they were first made available to the general public, due to the development of microprocessors. The Altair 8800, which was introduced in 1975, was one of the most well-known early microcomputers.
There are two forms of memory in microcomputers: volatile and non-volatile.
Volatile memory is a memory that holds data for a brief amount of time until the light is turned on. Non-volatile memory is a memory that stores data indefinitely.
Advantages
Microcomputers built for everyday usage are quite affordable nowadays.
Microcomputers are simple to maintain.
Microcomputers are a wonderful source of information since they can readily connect to the internet.
A microcomputer with Internet access improves the user’s ability to communicate with people all around the world.
Microcomputers are small and portable, allowing them to be taken practically everywhere in the globe.
Microcomputers are capable of completing a wide range of tasks.
Disadvantages
Microcomputers are capable of doing extremely quick calculations. However, they are still slower than mainframe and supercomputer systems.
The internet connection of microcomputers poses a number of security risks.
Minicomputers
Minicomputers are the most powerful microcomputers and the least powerful mainframes. Sometimes, this machine is referred to as a mid-range computer. However, because actual minicomputers have been relegated to the pages of history, the phrase has become mostly obsolete.
Small to midrange servers are now often employed for corporate and scientific applications that demand computers that can serve numerous users at once. IBM was the first to launch minicomputers in the 1960s
Advantages
• They are simple to operate.
• They are versatile and may be used in a variety of settings.
• They’re compact and lightweight.
• They are lightweight and portable.
• They are quick in comparison to their size.
• They have a lengthy charge retention period.
• They didn’t necessitate a meticulously managed operational environment.
• They have a higher level of dependability.
Disadvantages
• Some minicomputers lack USB connectors.
• CD/DVD drives are not available on minicomputers.
• The operating system may be unfamiliar to the user.
• For quick typists, the keyboard may be too tiny.
• There isn’t a lot of storage on board in this case.
• It may be insufficient for some tasks.
Mainframe computer
Minicomputers are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computers, which are larger and more powerful. In reality, their processing power, huge storage capacity, and ability to perform dependably without ever breaking down are what makes them one of the pillars of modern commercial operations that necessitate the ability to analyse large volumes of data.
Advantages
The processing rate is quite quick.
Multiple inputs can be handled at the same time.
Redundancy, Can endure a component failure without impacting the remainder of the computer’s functionality.
They are always available since once started, they will stay on for the duration of the session.
Reliability.
Disadvantages
Because mainframes are designed for specialised tasks, they cannot be utilised as a regular computer.
It runs on a unique operating system.
They are really costly.
The majority of the time, it’s employed for business purposes such as transaction processing.
Cannot do sophisticated calculations or solve issues as well as a supercomputer.
Supercomputer
These are by far the most powerful PCs on the market right now. Unlike mainframes, which are measured in MIPS (million instructions per second), supercomputers are measured in FLOPS (floating-point operations per second) (floating-point operations per second). The world’s most powerful supercomputers can perform many quadrillions of FLOPS.
In the 1960s, supercomputers were first developed, with Cray being connected with the bulk of supercomputers released at the period. The power of supercomputers in the 1970s was low by today’s standards, as they only had a few processors.
Advantages
More businesses are using this PC on a part-time basis.
The supercomputer has an incredible ability to read animation and provide good results.
A supercomputer is used to address more complex issues.
It solves more issues in less time.
This makes virtual testing possible.
Environmental protection.
It is equipped with advanced graphic capabilities.
Disadvantages
It may be costly.
It necessitates the use of qualified personnel.
Physical testing is not replaced by this computer.
It takes up a lot of room.
The data bandwidth does not match the hard disc storage capacity of the device. As a result, the processing speed is significantly slowed.
It’s possible that it’ll only be useful in certain situations.
Demand for a lot of power
Due to the enormous number of CPUs and the stress on devices, they heat up rapidly.
Conclusion
A computer has at least one processing device, usually a central processing unit (CPU), as well as some type of memory. Arithmetic and logic operations are performed by the processing element, which also includes a sequencing and control unit that may vary the sequence of operations based on stored data.
