What are the Different Types of Computers Based on Size?

A computer is an electronic device that takes information, processes it, and gives a result. The word computer conceive from the Latin word  ‘compute,’ which means to calculate. Charles Babbage invented the first computer in 1822. He gives the name “Analytical Engine.” Now modern computers can process numerical and non-numerical calculations.

There are different types of computers. A computer is divided on the base of size and storage capacity. There are three types of computers based on data handling capability and five types by size. In this article, we shall discuss types of computers based on size. You will also learn some amazing and interesting facts that will surprise you.

Types of Computers on the Base of Size

A computer has five types on the base of size. All types are different by size, internal structure, capacity, RAM, and working speed. These computer types are:

1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computers
3. Workstations
4. Minicomputers
5. Personal computers / Microcomputers

Supercomputer

A supercomputer is the most powerful machine. It can solve complex and complicated nanosecond problems and send a million instructions in one second. In 1960, Seymore Cray invented the supercomputer. The modern version has computing power equivalent to 40000 microcomputers. Japanese supercomputers can calculate the value of Pi to 16 million decimal places.

Application of Supercomputer 

1. Nuclear and plasma physics.
2. Weather forecasting
3. Molecular modeling
4. Climate research
5. Metrology
6. Seismology
7. Electronics
8. Petroleum engineering

Examples of Supercomputers

1. Cray 1
2. Cray 2
3. Cray 3
4. Param 
5. Cyber 810 and 830
6. PACE

Mainframe computers

A mainframe computer is a high-performer computer that can solve a trillion calculations within a second. Its initial goal was to manage large data transaction processes in real-time. It has a lot of storage space and can handle thousands of users simultaneously. It also has several microprocessors. Satellites are used to connect these computers. Today, IBM is the market leader in mainframe computers.

Examples of mainframe computers

1. IBM 3090
2. CDC6600
3. ICL39
4. VAX8842
5. IBM4381
6. IBM Es000 series
7. ICL 39 series

Applications of mainframe computers

1. Mainframe computers are used in big companies where thousands of employees can do work easily.

2. Commercial companies such as banks use the mainframe computer.

3. This is used in scientific research centers.

4. Large universities mostly use it for handling the data of admissions, fees, classes, exams, etc.

5. Mainframe computer used in the hospital for handling the data of the patients.

6. Airline companies use it for reservations and travel schedules.

7. This device is used in ATM machines. 

Workstations Computer

A workstation is a high-performing computer developed for a single person’s use. It exists between minicomputers and personal computers. The increasing capacity of mainstream PCs since the late 1990s has reduced the distinction between PCs and workstations. It has a large RAM, secondary storage, and a high-resolution graphic monitor. These computers are used in software development, desktop publishing, and engineering designs.

Workstation computer types

1. Graphical production
2. Servers
3. Multimedia
4. Modeling

1. Graphical Production: This device is used for image design or 2D/3D animations.
2. Servers: It is used to handle complex computational tasks.
3. Multimedia: GPU and CPU work together in production systems or multimedia to edit, encode, and produce professional video/audio.
4. Modeling: Modeling software like AutoCAD needs professional graphic cards to make models.

Minicomputers

A minicomputer is a computer between the size of a personal computer and a mainframe computer. It is the smaller version of a mainframe computer. This device can only support a few hundred users at once. Its size, storage capacity, and speed are high but less than mainframe computers. This machine contains good functionality power. The first minicomputer was introduced in 1960 by a Digital Equipment Corporation.

Applications of the Minicomputer

1. Minicomputers use in commercial businesses like banking.
2. It is used in the university library.
3. It is used in research centers.
4. It is helpful in the engineering field.
5. It is used in big shopping centers.

Some Examples of this Computer are:

1. VAX
2. MAGNUM 7500
3. Texas Instrument TI-990
4. PDP-11
5. Micro VAX
6. K-202
7. IBM 8000 

Personal computers / Microcomputers

A PC is a multi-purpose computer whose size, capacity, features, and price make it feasible for single-person use. It is utilized vastly due to its high speed and low weight. It is also called the microcomputer. It is on a single processor, and you can carry it anywhere. It was invented in 1970. A microcomputer is very cheap than the others. As the technology groom, the personal computer is divided into five types.

Types of a personal computer:

1. Desktop computers
2. Laptops
3. Hybrids
4. Notebooks
5. Tablets 
6. Smartphones  

Benefits of personal computer

1.  A personal computer is easy to use.
2. It is cheap and lightweight.
3. You can use it for entertainment purposes.
4. You can store private data for a long time.
5. You can use it for taking online lectures.
6. Any person can do freelancing on it.

Some Interesting Facts about Types of Computers on sized base

1. There are five types of computers by way of size.
2. A supercomputer is more expensive and fast.
3. The mainframe computer is very heavy. 
4. A workstation computer is very useful for  2D/3D animations.
5. The minicomputer is mid-size between the personal and the mainframe computer.
6. The microcomputer is also called a personal computer.
7. A desktop computer is a type of microcomputer. 
8. You can use a personal computer for entertainment purposes like watching a movie.

Learn more about the types of computers based on size

I have already written many articles on computer types based on size. You can study these articles with this link. Please click here:

conclusion

A computer is an electronic machine that takes instructions, processes them, and gives the result. A computer is divided on the base of size and storage capacity. There are five types of computers based on size, while three kinds of machines based on data storage capability exist. 

All types are different from each other. There are five types of computers based on size. The supercomputer is very fast and expensive. The mainframe computer is small in size from a supercomputer. Minicomputer has a small greater than a personal computer. The personal computer has a further six types.

FAQs About the Computer Types on Size Based

In this section, I have put all the questions related to the computer types. If you have a further query, you can ask any questions. I shall help you within a few hours.