Different types of computer systems in different environment

Super computers
Super computers are employed for heavy usage like construction of atom bombs, weather forecasting, finding oil, earthquake predictions, electronic design and scientific simulations. These computers are extremely faster that other computers currently available. They can perform hundreds of millions of commands per second. Mainframe computers

Mainframe computers are very large, expensive and powerful multi-user computers. It supports up to hundreds of users simultaneously. It is build into a frame means all units were hung into a frame, therefore it is called mainframe computer. Banks, companies and universities use mainframe computers. Some features of this computer are given below. Has 1 to 16 CPU’s

Memory ranges from 128Mb over 8Gb on line RAM
Processing power ranges from 80 over 550 Mips
Has different cabinet for storage, I/O and RAM
Has separate processes for
Task management
Job management
Catalogs
Communication
Serialization
Inter address space

Mini computers
They are low cost and midsize computers. These computers are associated with de-centralized computing that most of computing tasks place on the mini itself. A mini computer can support up to 200 users simultaneously. So it is a multi processing system. Workstations

These types of computers are used for desktop publishing, engineering applications, software development and other types of applications which required high quality graphics. UNIX and Windows NT operating systems are most commonly used in these computers. These types of computers are built in network support, contain large amount of RAM and a graphical user interface. Most workstation doesn’t have a disk drive. These computers are used to form a local area network. Personal computers

Personal computers are design for an individual user. They are low-cost and small in size. These are based on micro processor technology. These are being used for the purpose of word processing, desktop publishing, running spreadsheet, surfing internet and playing game. According to the size and framework personal computers are classified into following types, i. Tower model: the power supply, motherboard and storage devices are stacked on top of each other in a cabinet. These are narrow and tall.

ii. Desktop model: it is designed to fit on top of a desk. Generally it contains three internal mass storage devices. These are broad and low in size. The common components are CPU, monitor, mouse, speakers, keyboard, and CD/DVD drive.

iii. Notebook computer: it is a lightweight, less powerful and expensive compared to desktop computers.

iv. Laptops: they have the same processors as desktops. We can carry these laptops. Instead of mouse, touchpad is built on it. Mostly they have built in wireless technology.

v. Palmtop computers: they have small sensitive touch screen. They contain PCMCIA slots to insert disk-drives, modems, memory and other devices. These computers are also called PDAs, hand-held computers.

vi. Hand-held computers: these are pen based devices. They rely on handwriting recognition technologies. They have small screens and keyboards which make easier to carry.

vii. PDA: most PDA computers are pen based and use stylus instead of keyboard for input. These computers can function as cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer. These are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.