1.

Super Computer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Mini Computer
4. Workstation Computer
5. Personal Computer (PC)
6. Server Computer
7. Analog Computer
8. Digital Computer
9. Hybrid Computer
10. Tablets and Smartphone

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

 Types of Computer

There are two bases on which we can define the types of computers. We will discuss the type of computers on the basis
of size and data handling capabilities. We will discuss each type of computer in detail. Let’s see first what are the types
of computers.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

Super-computer

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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

 Characteristics of Supercomputers
•Supercomputers are the computers that 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
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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed in such a
way that they 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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

 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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

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.
Minicomputer is similar to Microcontroller.
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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

 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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

Workstation Computer

A workstation computer is designed for technical or

scientific applications. It consists of a fast microprocessor,
with a large amount of RAM and a high-speed graphic
adapter. It is a single-user computer. It is generally used to
perform a specific task with great accuracy.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

 Characteristics of Workstation Computer

• It is expensive or high in cost.

• They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
• It provides large storage capacity, 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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

Personal Computer (PC)

Personal Computers is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a

general-purpose computer 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 the office for
office work, etc. For example, Laptops and desktop computers.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

 Characteristics of Personal Computer (PC)

• In this limited number of software can be used.

• It is the smallest in size.
• It is designed for personal use.
• It is easy to use.
Analog Computer
Analog Computers are particularly designed to process
analog data. Continuous data that changes continuously and
cannot have discrete values are called analog data. So, an
analog 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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

 Features of Analog Computers:
• Uses continuous signals: Analog computers use continuous physical quantities, such as
voltage or current, to represent data and perform calculations.
• Real-time processing: Analog computers are capable of performing calculations in real-
time, which makes them useful in applications such as scientific simulations and control
systems.
• Accuracy: Analog computers are capable of performing calculations with high accuracy,
but this accuracy is limited by the precision of the components used in the system.
• Non-programmable: Analog computers are typically designed to perform specific types of
calculations and cannot be programmed to perform other functions.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

Server Computer

Server Computers are computers that are combined data and

programs. Electronic data and applications are stored and
shared in the server computer. The working of a server
computer is that it does not solve a bigger problem like a
supercomputer but it solves many smaller similar ones.
Examples of server computers are like Wikipedia, as when
users put a request for any page, it finds what the user is
looking for and sends it to the user.
Digital Computer

Digital computers are designed in such a way that they can

easily perform calculations and logical operations at high
speed. It takes raw data as 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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

 Features of Digital Computers:

• Uses binary code: Digital computers use binary code, which is a combination of
zeros and ones, to represent data and perform calculations.
• Programmable: Digital computers are capable of being programmed to perform a
wide variety of calculations and functions, making them highly versatile.
• Storage: Digital computers can store large amounts of data and retrieve it quickly.
• Accuracy: Digital computers are capable of performing calculations with high
accuracy, which is limited by the precision of the digital components used in the
system.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

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 analog
computers and have memory and accuracy like digital
computers. 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 are 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.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

Tablet and Smartphones

Tablets and Smartphones are the types of computers

that are pocket friendly and easy to carry is these are
handy. This is one of the best use of modern
technology. These devices have better hardware
capabilities, extensive operating systems, and better
multimedia functionality. smartphones and tablets
contain a number of sensors and are also able to
provide wireless communication protocols.

Lesson Ref: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/

 Lesson Review

1. Which computer can deal with analog data?

(A) Analogue Computer

(B) Digital Computer

(C) both a and b

(D) None of the above

Ans: A
2. __________ is also known as a Microcomputer.

(A) Supercomputer

(B) Minicomputer

(C) Workstation

(D) Personal computer

Ans: D
3. Which type of computer has two or more processors and
supports 4 to 200 users at one time?

(A) Minicomputer

(B) Personal computer

(C) Analogue computer

(D) All of the above

Ans: A,B
4. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones,
are ______________computers.

(A) Hybrid

(B) Personal Computer

(C) Digital

(D) Supercomputer

Ans: B
4. ___________ are computers that are combined data and programs.

(A) Hybrid

(B) Analogue

(C) Sever Computer

(D) Supercomputer

Ans: C
All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big
organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc.

(A) Hybrid

(B) Mainframe Computer

(C) Sever Computer

(D) Supercomputer

Ans: B
These devices have better hardware capabilities, extensive
operating systems, and better multimedia functionality.

(A) Hybrid

(B) Mainframe Computer

(C) Sever Computer

(D) Tablet and Smartphone

Ans: D