Type Of Computer

In the last Post we already known about Basic Computer Component  in this postc we will getting to understand Computer that Classified by their Capacity.

Micro Computer

The Microcomputer has the lowest level capacity.  The machine has memories that are
generally made of semiconductors fabricated on silicon chips.  Large-scale production of
silicon chips began in 1971 and this has been of great use in the production of
microcomputers.  The microcomputer is a digital computer system that is controlled by a
stored program that uses a microprocessor, a programmable read-only memory (ROM) and a
random-access memory (RAM). The ROM defines the instructions to be executed by the
computer while RAM is the functional equivalent of computer memory.
The Apple IIe, the Radio Shack TRS-80, and the Genie III are examples of microcomputers
and are essentially fourth generation devices. Microcomputers have from 4k to 64k storage
location and are capable of handling small, single-business application such as sales analysis,
inventory, billing and payroll.

Mini Computer

In the 1960s, the growing demand for a smaller stand-alone machine brought about the
manufacture of the minicomputer, to handle tasks that large computers could not perform
economically.  Minicomputer systems provide faster operating speeds and larger storage
capacities than microcomputer systems.  Operating systems developed for minicomputer
systems generally support both multiprogramming and virtual storage. This means that many
programs can be run concurrently. This type of computer system is very flexible and can be
expanded to meet the needs of users.
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Minicomputers usually have from 8k to 256k memory storage location, and a relatively
established application software.  The PDP-8, the IBM systems 3 and the Honeywell 200 and
1200 computer are typical examples of minicomputers.

Medium Size Computer 

Medium-size computer systems provide faster operating speeds and larger storage capacities 

than mini computer systems. They can support a large number of high-speed input/output 

devices and several disk drives can be used to provide online access to large data files as 

required for direct access processing and their operating systems also support both 

multiprogramming and virtual storage. This allows the running of variety of programs 

concurrently.  A medium-size computer can support a management information system and 

can therefore serve the needs of a large bank, insurance company or university.  They usually 

have memory sizes ranging from 32k to 512k.  The IBM System 370, Burroughs 3500 

System and NCR Century 200 system are examples of medium-size computers. 

Large Computer 

Large computers are next to Super Computers and have bigger capacity than the Medium-

size computers.  They usually contain full control systems with minimal operator 

intervention. Large computer system ranges from single-processing configurations to 

nationwide computer-based networks involving general large computers.
Large computers have storage capacities from 512k to 8192k, and these computers have internal operating speeds measured in terms of nanosecond, as compared to small computers where speed is 

measured in terms of microseconds.

Expandability to 8 or even 16 million characters is possible with some of these systems. Such characteristics permit many data processing jobs to be accomplished concurrently.  

Large computers are usually used in government agencies, large corporations and computer 

services organizations. They are used in complex modeling, or simulation, business 

operations, product testing, design and engineering work and in the development of space 

technology.  Large computers can serve as server systems where many smaller computers can 

be connected to it to form a communication network.    

Super Computer 

The supercomputers are the biggest and fastest machines today and they are used when 

billion or even trillions of calculations are required. These machines are applied in nuclear 

weapon development, accurate weather forecasting and as host processors for local computer.

and time sharing networks.  Super computers have capabilities far beyond even the traditional 

large-scale systems. Their speed ranges from 100 million-instruction-per-second to well over 

three billion.  Because of their size, supercomputers sacrifice a certain amount of flexibility. 

They are therefore not ideal for providing a variety of user services. For this reason, 

supercomputers may need the assistance of a medium-size general purpose machines (usually 

called front-end processor) to handle minor programs or perform slower speed or smaller 

volume operation. 

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