Types of computers

Table of Contents
I. What is Computer?
II. Types of computers with examples
a. Types of computers on the basis of sizes
b. Types of computers on the basis of data handling capabilities
III. Details about all the types of computers
a. Supercomputer
i. Characteristics of supercomputers
ii. What are supercomputers used for?
b. Mainframe computer:
i. Characteristics of mainframe computers:
c. Minicomputer
i. Characteristics of a minicomputer
d. Workstation
i. Characteristics of Workstation:
e. PC (Personal Computer)
i. Characteristics of personal computer
f. Analogue Computer:
g. Digital Computer:
h. Hybrid Computer
i. Characteristics of Hybrid Computer
IV. Sample Questions on Types of Computers
V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on types of computers
I. What is Computer?

• A computer is a digital electronic device that takes data from the user and converts the data into meaningful
information. It automatically carries the function through a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations
(calculations).

II. Types of computers with examples

Computers can be classified in two ways based on their different types and sizes and their data-handling
capabilities.

a. Types of computers on the basis of sizes

• On the basis of size, there are five types of computers:

1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Workstation
5. PC (Personal Computer)
b. Types of computers on the basis of data handling capabilities

• There are three types of computers in terms of data handling capabilities.

1. Analogue Computer
2. Digital Computer
 3. Hybrid Computer
III. Details about all the types of computers

Supercomputer

• They are the biggest and fastest computers(in terms of speed of processing data).

• They are designed to handle large amounts of data, such as processing trillions of instructions in one second.

• A supercomputer consists of thousands of interconnected processors that help execute user instructions very
quickly.

• The first supercomputer was built by Roger Cray in 1976.

Characteristics of supercomputers

• Data processing speed is very fast.

• These are Very expensive

• It can perform up to ten trillion distinct calculations each second.

• Super Computers used in a large organisation to manage a huge amount of data, such as the Stock market.

• It is used in various scientific research and development to analyze data obtained from the exploration of solar
systems, satellites, etc.

• Supercomputers perform resource-intensive calculations that general-purpose computers cannot handle. They
often run engineering and computational science applications, such as the following:

What are supercomputers used for?

• Supercomputers are widely used in the following fields.

Weather forecasting:
• To predict the impact and affected areas of extreme storms and floods.

Oil and gas exploration

• To collect huge quantities of geophysical seismic data to aid in finding oil reserves.

Molecular modeling
• For calculating and analyzing the structures and properties of chemical compounds and crystals.

Physical simulations
• Physical simulations like modeling supernovas and the birth of the universe.

Aerodynamics
• Used in designing cars with the lowest air drag coefficient.
Nuclear fusion
• Research to develop a nuclear fusion reactor that extracts energy from plasma reactions.

Medical research
• To develop new cancer drugs, understand genetic factors that contribute to opioid addiction, and find
treatments for COVID-19.

Next-generation materials identification

• To find new materials for manufacturing

Cryptanalysis
• Analyzing ciphertexts, ciphers, and cryptosystems to understand how they work and identify ways to defeat
them.

Mainframe computer:

• A mainframe computer is not as large as a supercomputer.

• It has higher processing power than some classes of computers such as minicomputers, servers, workstations,
and personal computers.

• Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users at the same time.

• It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So, they can carry out different processes simultaneously.

• Mainframe computer is ideal for large organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high
volume of data in general.

Characteristics of mainframe computers:

• It is also an expensive computer.

• It has a high storage capacity and great performance.

• It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very quickly.

• It runs smoothly for a long period of time.

• Its lifespan is also long.

Minicomputer

• A minicomputer is a class of small general-purpose computers developed in the mid-1960s.

• A minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer.

• In this type of computer, there are two or more processors.

• It supports up to 200 users at a time.

• Minicomputers are used in different work like billing, accounting, inventory management etc.

• It is smaller than a mainframe computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.

Characteristics of a minicomputer

• Its weight is low.

• Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
• Less expensive than a mainframe computer.
• Faster than Workstation.

Workstation

• A workstation is a special-purpose computer system designed for technical or scientific applications.

• It consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and a high-speed graphic adapter.

• They are usually connected to local area networks and run multi-user operating systems.

• It is generally used to perform a specific task with great accuracy.

Characteristics of Workstation:

• It is expensive compared to personal-computer.

• They are exclusively designed for complex tasks.

• It provides large storage capacity, better graphics, and a more powerful CPU when compared to a PC.

• Some workstations are designed or certified for use only with a specific application such as AutoCAD, Avid
Express Studio HD, or 3D Studio Max.

PC (Personal Computer)

• A personal computer (PC) also known as a multi-purpose microcomputer.

• Its price, capacity, and size make it feasible for individual use.

• Personal computers can be operated directly by the user without the need for experts or technicians.

• It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing unit (CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit.

• Example of Personal Computer is Laptops and desktop computers.

Desktop computer
• A personal computer is designed to be in one location and fits on or under a desk.

Laptop computer (or notebook)

• A laptop computer is a battery-powered portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user’s
lap and can be carried from one place to another.

Characteristics of personal computer

• It is relatively cheaper than other computers.

• It is designed for personal or individual use.

• Time-sharing features like mini and mainframe computers are not available in these types of computers.

• Suitable for personal work such as making an assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office work,
etc.

• Easy to use.
• It uses a limited number of software.
• It is the smallest in size.

Analogue Computer:

• It is specifically designed to process analog data.

• Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values is called analog data.

• Analog computer is used where we do not need exact values or approximate values like speed, temperature,
pressure etc.

• It can receive data directly from measuring instruments without first converting them to numbers and codes.

• It measures continuous changes in physical quantities. It outputs the reading on a dial or scale. Like
speedometers, mercury thermometers etc.

Digital Computer:

• A digital electronic computer is a computer machine that is both an electronic computer and a digital
computer.

• It takes raw data as an input and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the final output.

• It only understands binary inputs 0 and 1, so the raw input data is converted into 0 and 1 by the computer and
then processed by the computer to produce the result or final output.

• All modern computers like smartphones, laptops, desktops are digital computers.
Hybrid Computer

• A hybrid computer exhibits characteristics of both an analog computer and a digital computer.

• It is a combination of both analog and digital computers.

Characteristics of Hybrid Computer

• Hybrid computers are fast like analog computers and have memory, and accuracy like a digital computer.

• It has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data.

• It converts the input analog signals to digital form before processing the input data.

• It is widely used in specialized applications where the processing of both analog and digital data is required.

Example of Hybrid computers

• A petrol pump fuel meter that converts fuel flow measurements into quantity and price is an example of a
hybrid computer.

• Hycomp 250 was the first desktop hybrid computing system,

released by Packard Bell in 1961.
 Classification of Computers

The computer systems can be classified on the following basis:

1. On the basis of size.

2. On the basis of functionality.
3. On the basis of data handling.

Classification on the basis of size

1. Super computers : The super computers are the most high performing system. A supercomputer is a
computer with a high level of performance compared to a general-purpose computer. The actual
Performance of a supercomputer is measured in FLOPS instead of MIPS. All of the world’s fastest 500
supercomputers run Linux-based operating systems. Additional research is being conducted in China,
the US, the EU, Taiwan and Japan to build even faster, more high performing and more technologically
superior supercomputers. Supercomputers actually play an important role in the field of computation,
and are used for intensive computation tasks in various fields, including quantum mechanics, weather
forecasting, climate research, oil and gas exploration, molecular modeling, and physical simulations. and
also Throughout the history, supercomputers have been essential in the field of the cryptanalysis.
eg: PARAM, jaguar, roadrunner.

2. Mainframe computers : These are commonly called as big iron, they are usually used by big
organisations for bulk data processing such as statics, census data processing, transaction processing and
are widely used as the servers as these systems has a higher processing capability as compared to the
other classes of computers, most of these mainframe architectures were established in 1960s, the
research and development worked continuously over the years and the mainframes of today are far more
better than the earlier ones, in size, capacity and efficiency.
Eg: IBM z Series, System z9 and System z10 servers.

3. Mini computers : These computers came into the market in mid 1960s and were sold at a much cheaper
price than the main frames, they were actually designed for control, instrumentation, human interaction,
and communication switching as distinct from calculation and record keeping, later they became very
popular for personal uses with evolution.
In the 60s to describe the smaller computers that became possible with the use of transistors and core
memory technologies, minimal instructions sets and less expensive peripherals such as the ubiquitous
Teletype Model 33 ASR.They usually took up one or a few inch rack cabinets, compared with the large
mainframes that could fill a room, there was a new term “MINICOMPUTERS” coined
Eg: Personal Laptop, PC etc.

4. Micro computers : A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor

as its CPU. It includes a microprocessor, memory, and minimal I/O circuitry mounted on a single
printed circuit board.The previous to these computers, mainframes and minicomputers, were
comparatively much larger, hard to maintain and more expensive. They actually formed the foundation
for present day microcomputers and smart gadgets that we use in day to day life.
Eg: Tablets, Smartwatches.
Classification on the basis of functionality

1. Servers : Servers are nothing but dedicated computers which are set-up to offer some services to the
clients. They are named depending on the type of service they offered. Eg: security server, database
server.

2. Workstation : Those are the computers designed to primarily to be used by single user at a time. They
run multi-user operating systems. They are the ones which we use for our day to day personal /
commercial work.

3. Information Appliances : They are the portable devices which are designed to perform a limited set of
tasks like basic calculations, playing multimedia, browsing internet etc. They are generally referred as
the mobile devices. They have very limited memory and flexibility and generally run on “as-is” basis.

4. Embedded computers : They are the computing devices which are used in other machines to serve
limited set of requirements. They follow instructions from the non-volatile memory and they are not
required to execute reboot or reset. The processing units used in such device work to those basic
requirements only and are different from the ones that are used in personal computers- better known as
workstations.

Classification on the basis of data handling

1. Analog : An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the continuously-changeable aspects of
physical fact such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.
Any thing that is variable with respect to time and continuous can be claimed as analog just like an
analog clock measures time by means of the distance traveled for the spokes of the clock around the
circular dial.

2. Digital : A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as
digits, usually in the binary number system of “0” and “1”, “Computer capable of solving problems by
processing information expressed in discrete form. from manipulation of the combinations of the binary
digits, it can perform mathematical calculations, organize and analyze data, control industrial and other
processes, and simulate dynamic systems such as global weather patterns.

3. Hybrid : A computer that processes both analog and digital data, Hybrid computer is a digital computer
that accepts analog signals, converts them to digital and processes them in digital form.
 Exercises on Types of Computers

Exercise one: Sample Questions on Types of Computers

Q1. What are the types of computers based on data handling capabilities?
A. 5
B. 3
C. 2
D. 1
Question 2. Which computer can deal with analog data?
A. Analogue Computer
B. Digital Computer
C. both a and b
D. None of the above
Question 3. Which of the following is also known as a Microcomputer?
A. Supercomputer
B. Minicomputer
C. Workstation
D. Personal computer
Question 4. Which of the following computers is designed for personal use only?
A. Minicomputer
B. Personal computer
C. Analogue computer
D. All of the above
Question 5. Modern computers, like laptops, Desktops are examples of ……….. computers.
A. Hybrid
B. Analogue
C. Digital
D. Supercomputer

Exercise two: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on types of computers

Q1. What are the 4 main types of computers?

Q2. What are the 2 types of personal computers?

Q3. What are supercomputers used for?

Q4. Which types of computers have microprocessors as central processing units (CPU), memory, an input unit,
and output unit?

Q5. Which type of computer has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data?

Correction of Exercises on Types of Computers

Exercise one: Sample Questions on Types of Computers

Q1. What are the types of computers based on data handling capabilities?
A. 5
B. 3
C. 2
D. 1
Answer: B. 3 (Analogue Computer, Digital Computer, Hybrid Computer)
Question 2. Which computer can deal with analog data?
A. Analogue Computer
B. Digital Computer
C. both a and b
D. None of the above
Answer: Analogue computer
Question 3. Which of the following is also known as a Microcomputer?
A. Supercomputer
B. Minicomputer
C. Workstation
D. Personal computer
Answer: Personal computer
Question 4. Which of the following computers is designed for personal use only?
A. Minicomputer
B. Personal computer
C. Analogue computer
D. All of the above
Answer: Personal computer
Question 5. Modern computers, like laptops, Desktops are examples of ……….. computers.
A. Hybrid
B. Analogue
C. Digital
D. Supercomputer
Answer: Digital

Exercise two: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on types of computers

Q1. What are the 4 main types of computers?
Answer: There are 4 main types of computers such as supercomputers. Mainframe computer. Minicomputer.
Microcomputer.
Q2. What are the 2 types of personal computers?
Answer: Personal computers are basically of two types – desktop computers and laptop computers.
Q3. What are supercomputers used for?
Answer: Supercomputers are used to handle large amounts of data such as weather forecasting, molecular
modeling, and aerodynamics.
Q4. Which types of computers have microprocessors as central processing units (CPU), memory, an input unit,
and output unit?
Answer: Personal Computers
Q5. Which type of computer has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data?
Answer: Hybrid Computer
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 TYPES OF COMPUTERS
A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It processes the input according to
the set of instructions provided to it by the user and gives the desired output. Computers are of various types
and they can be categorized in two ways on the basis of size and on the basis of data handling capabilities.
So, on the basis of size, there are five types of computers:
1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Workstation
5. PC (Personal Computer)
And on the basis of data handling capabilities, there are three types of computer:
1. Analogue Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer
Now let us discuss each type of computer in detail:

1. Supercomputer:
When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when thinking of computers is
supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest computers(in terms of speed of processing data).
Supercomputers are designed such that they can process a huge amount of data, like processing trillions of
instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the thousands of interconnected processors in
supercomputers. It is basically used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting,
scientific simulations, and nuclear energy research. It was first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.
Characteristics of supercomputers:
 Supercomputers are the computers which are the fastest and they are also very expensive.
 It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is also the reason which makes it
even more faster.
 It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online currency world such as bitcoin
etc.
 It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from exploring the solar system,
satellites, etc.

2. Mainframe computer:
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that it can support hundreds or thousands of users at the
same time. It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different processes
simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big organizations like banking,
telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume of data in general.
Characteristics of mainframe computers:
 It is also an expensive or costly computer.
 It has high storage capacity and great performance.
 It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very quickly.
 It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.

3. Minicomputer:
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are two or more
processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time. Minicomputers are used in places like institutes or
departments for different work like billing, accounting, inventory management etc. It is smaller than a
mainframe computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.
Characteristics of minicomputer:
 Its weight is low.
 Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
 less expensive than a mainframe computer.
 It is fast.

4. Workstation:
Workstation is designed for technical or scientific applications. It consists of a fast microprocessor, with a
large amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapter. It is a single-user computer. It generally used to
perform a specific task with great accuracy.
Characteristics of Workstation:
 It is expensive or high in cost.
 They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
 It provides large storage capacity, with better graphics, and a more powerful CPU when compared to a
PC.
 It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation, and editing.

5. PC (Personal Computer):
It is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a general-purpose computer and designed for individual
use. It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit.
This kind of computer is suitable for personal work such as making an assignment, watching a movie, or at
office for office work, etc. For example, Laptops and desktop computers.
Characteristics of PC (Personal Computer):
 In this limited number of software can be used.
 It is smallest in size.
 It is designed for personal use.
 It is easy to use.

6. Analogue Computer:
It is particularly designed to process analogue data. Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot
have discrete values is called analogue data. So, an analogue computer is used where we don’t need exact
values or need approximate values such as speed, temperature, pressure etc. It can directly accept the data
from the measuring device without first converting it into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous
changes in physical quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example speedometer,
mercury thermometer, etc.

7. Digital Computer:
Digital computers are designed in such a way that it can easily perform calculations and logical operations at
high speed. It takes raw data as an input and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the
final output. It only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input data is converted to 0 and 1 by the
computer and then it is processed by the computer to produce the result or final output. All modern
computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones are digital computers.
8. Hybrid Computer:
As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two different things. Similarly, the hybrid
computer is a combination of both analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers are fast like an analog
computer and have memory, and accuracy like a digital computer. So, it has the ability to process both
continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts analog signals as input then it converts them into
digital form before processing the input data. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both
analog and digital data is required to be processed. A processor which is used in petrol pumps that converts
the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price is an example of a hybrid computer.

Sample Questions

Question 1. On the basis of data handling capabilities, how many computers are
there?
(A) 5
(B) 3
(C) 2
(D) None of the above
Solution:
The correct option is B i.e., 3
On the basis of data handling capabilities, there are three types of computer which are
Analogue Computer, Digital Computer, Hybrid Computer.
Question 2. Which computer can deal with analogue data?
(A) Analogue Computer
(B) Digital Computer
(C) both a and b
(D) None of the above
Solution:
The correct option is A, i.e., Analogue computer
Analogue computer is particularly designed to process analogue data. A continuous data
that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values is called Analogue data.
Question 3. __________ is also known as a Microcomputer.
(A) Supercomputer
(B) Minicomputer
(C) Workstation
(D) Personal computer
Solution:
The correct option is D, i.e., Personal computer
Question 4. Which type of computer has two or more processors and it supports 4 to
200 users at one time.
(A) Minicomputer
(B) Personal computer
(C) Analogue computer
(D) All of the above
Solution:
The correct option is A, i.e., Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium sized multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there
are two or more processors and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time.
Question 5. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones, are
______________computers.
(A) Hybrid
(B) Analogue
(C) Digital
(D) Supercomputer
Solution:
The correct option is C, i.e., digital