Classification of Computer On the Basis of Size

We can classify computers on the basis of size as below:

Super computer

Super computer is the fastest, most expensive, big in size, and most powerful computer that can perform multiple tasks within no second. It has multi-user, multiprocessing, very high efficiency and large amount of storage capacity. It is called super computer because it can solve difficult and complex problem within a nano second.

Application

• Used to forecast the weather and global climates
• Used in military research and defense systems
• In automobile, aircraft, and space craft designing
• Used in seismography, plasma and nuclear research
• Study of genetic engineering
• Digital film recording

Example
C-DAC (Center for Development of Advanced Computer) of India has developed PARAM series of Super Computer. ANURAG is also Indian Super Computer. Other Super Computers are CRAY XMP/14, CDC-205 etc. Mr. Seymour Cray was a pioneer person in the field of supercomputer production. He had developed the first super computer Cray-1 in 1976.

Mainframe Computer

Mainframe Computer is the large sized computer that covers about 1000 sq feet. It is general purpose computer that is designed to process large amount of data with very high speed. It accepts large amount of data from different terminals and multiple users and process them at same time. More than 100 users are allowed to work in this system. It is applicable for large organization with multi-users for example: large business organization, Department of examinations, Industries and defense to process data of complex nature. It uses several CPU for data processing.

Application Areas

• Government and civilian
• Credit card processing
• Back Account management
• Marketing
• Business data processing in large organization
• Air traffic control system
• Industrial design

Example
IBM S/390, IBM S/709, ICL 39, CDC 6600

Minicomputer

Mini Computers are medium sized computer. So, these are popular as middle ranged computer. It is also multiple user computer and supports more than dozen of people at a time. It is costlier than microcomputer.

It is also used in university, middle range business organizations to process complex data. It is also used in scientific research, instrumentation system, engineering analysis, and industrial process monitoring and control etc.

Example
Languages, multimedia, graphics, 3D graphics and games. These are popular among students, professionals and home users due to small size, low price and low maintenance.
PDP-11, VAX etc.

Microcomputer

Most popular general purpose computers which are mostly used on day to day work are microcomputers. These are popular as Home PC or Personal Computer (PC) because these are single user computers and mostly used for personal use and application. These support many higher level application cost and easy in operation.

Example
IBM PCs, Apple Mac, IBM PS/2, All computer available with Pentium Models etc.

Things to remember

• On the basis of size there are four types of computer. They are minicomputer, micro computer, mainframe computer and super computer.
• Super computer is the fastest, most expensive, big in size, and most powerful computer that can perform multiple tasks within no second.
• Mainframe Computer is the large sized computer that covers about 1000 sq feet.
• Most popular general purpose computers which are mostly used on day to day work are microcomputers.
• Mini Computers are medium sized computer.

• It includes every relationship which established among the people.
• There can be more than one community in a society. Community smaller than society.
• It is a network of social relationships which cannot see or touched.
• common interests and common objectives are not necessary for society.

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