Since
the advent
of the first computer
different types and sizes of computers are offering different services.
Computers can be as big as occupying a large building and as small as a laptop
or a microcontroller in mobile & embedded systems.
The
four basic types of computers are as under:
- Supercomputer
- Mainframe Computer
- Minicomputer
- Microcomputer
Supercomputer
The
most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are the
Supercomputers. These are specialized and task specific computers used by large
organizations. These computers are used for research and exploration purposes,
like NASA uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling them
and for space exploration purpose.
 |
| Example of Super Computer |
The supercomputers are very expensive and
very large in size. It can be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms; some
super computers can span an entire building.
Uses
of Supercomputers
In
Pakistan Supercomputers are used by Educational Institutes like NUST for
research purposes. Pakistan Atomic Energy commission
& Heavy Industry Taxila uses supercomputers for Research purposes.
Space Exploration
Supercomputers
are used to study the origin of the universe, the dark-matters. For these
studies scientist use IBM’s powerful supercomputer “Roadrunner” at National
Laboratory Los Alamos.
Earthquake studies
Supercomputers
are used to study the Earthquakes phenomenon. Besides that supercomputers are
used for natural resources exploration, like natural gas, petroleum, coal, etc.
Weather Forecasting
Supercomputers
are used for weather forecasting, and to study the nature and extent of
Hurricanes, Rainfalls, windstorms, etc.
Nuclear weapons testing
Supercomputers
are used to run weapon simulation that can test the Range, accuracy & impact
of Nuclear weapons.
Popular Supercomputers
- IBM’s Sequoia, in United States
- Fujitsu’s K Computer in Japan
- IBM’s Mira in United States
- IBM’s SuperMUC in Germany
- NUDT Tianhe-1A in China
Mainframe computer
Although
Mainframes are not as powerful as supercomputers, but certainly they are quite
expensive nonetheless, and many large firms & government organizations uses
Mainframes to run their business operations. The
Mainframe computers can be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms because
of its size.
Super-computers are the fastest computers with large data storage
capacity, Mainframes can also process & store large amount of data. Banks
educational institutions & insurance companies use mainframe computers to
store data about their customers, students & insurance policy holders.
Popular Mainframe computers
- Fujitsu’s ICL VME
- Hitachi’s Z800
Minicomputer
Minicomputers
are used by small businesses & firms. Minicomputers are also called as
“Midrange Computers”. These are small machines and can be accommodated on a
disk with not as processing and data storage capabilities as super-computers
& Mainframes.
 |
| Example of Mini Computer |
These
computers are not designed for a single user. Individual departments of a large
company or organizations use Mini-computers for specific purposes. For example,
a production department can use Mini-computers for monitoring certain
production process.
Popular Minicomputers
- K-202
- Texas Instrument TI-990
- SDS-92
- IBM Midrange computers
Microcomputer
Desktop
computers, laptops, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets & smartphones
are all types of microcomputers. The micro-computers are widely used & the
fastest growing computers. These computers are the cheapest among the other
three types of computers. The Micro-computers are specially designed for
general usage like entertainment, education and work purposes.
Well known
manufacturers of Micro-computer are Dell, Apple, Samsung, Sony & Toshiba.
Desktop
computers, Gaming consoles, Sound & Navigation system
of a car, Netbooks, Notebooks, PDA’s, Tablet PC’s, Smartphones, Calculators are
all type of Microcomputers.
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