Classification of Computer Based on Configuration

Super computer

Super computer is the fastest, most expensive, big in size, and most powerful computer that can perform multiple tasks within a 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. These computers are used to forecast the weather and global climates, digital film recording, etc.

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 the 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. These computers are used for credit card processing, marketing, air traffic control system etc.

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

MAI Basic 4, Data generation NOVA, Microdata Corp/Micro 820, 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.