Computer Types

Computers can be classified into a number of types.

Supercomputers are the fastest, most powerful and most expensive computers. They generate so much internal heat that they need their own internal cooling system and to be in an air-conditioned room. Supercomputers can process information from over ten thousand terminals at once. They can work at speeds of over two hundred MIPS (million instructions per second). Supercomputers are used mainly in scientific applications such as aerodynamic design and simulation, and in processing geological, genetic and weather data.

Mainframe Computers are large, fast and powerful. They need to be in an air-conditioned room where the temperature, humidity and dust can be controlled. They usually co-ordinate and manage vast amounts of data. They use a technique called time-sharing to enable many people at different terminals to use the computer at once. To each person it will appear as if they are the only people using the computer. Mainframes can process information from one thousand terminals at once. They can work at speeds of one hundred to two hundred MIPS (million instructions per second). Mainframes can be rented, leased or bought. Banks, government departments, universities, hospitals and large commercial and industrial businesses usually use them.

Midi Computers are powerful general purpose computers. Most do not need to be in an air-conditioned room. Midis can work at speeds of five to one hundred MIPS (million instructions per second). Midis are suited to accounting, word processing and database management tasks. They are also used for specific industry applications. As personal computers become more powerful, the line between them and midis is becoming more and more blurred.

Personal Computers are self contained computers. They use a microprocessor (a single silicon chip) as their central processing unit. They do not need to be in an air-conditioned room. Personal computers are smaller, have less power, and can't be attached to as many peripherals as the computers above them in this classification. Personal computers are used by many people in many different ways. Some of the common things they are used for are word processing, games, spreadsheets, the Internet, and to work from home.