Categories of Computer

The five categories of computer are:


Super Computers
A computer which, among existing general-purpose computers at any given time, is often in several senses: highest computation rate, largest memory, or highest cost.


Mainframe Computers
a large digital computer serving 100-400 users and occupying a special air-conditioned room.


Workstation computer
This computer has more computing capacity in its CPU than a typical personal computer.Scientists and engineers are the main users of workstations, although people who process graphics find a workstation necessary, since the processors can handle the huge amounts of data associated with graphic files.


Minicomputer
A mid-sized computer, usually fitting within a single cabinet about the size of a refrigerator, that has less memory than a mainframe.


Micro Computer
A personal computer


On the Other hand

Computer systems can be categorized according to their processing speed and power into:


Microcomputer --> is a computer that can perform all of its input, process, output, and storage activities by itself. Microcomputers are often known as personal computers (PC). Microcomputers include desktop computers, tower model computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, and Internet appliances.


Minicomputer --> is often used in situations where a microcomputer is not powerful enough but a mainframe is too expensive.


Mainframe --> is a large, expensive, but powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users at the same time.


Supercomputer --> is the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive computer used for applications that require complex and sophisticated mathematical calculations.


Other terms related to the classification of computer systems include:

1. Personal computer
Microcomputers are often known as personal computers (PC).

Microcomputers include desktop computers, tower model computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, and Internet appliances.

2. Stand-alone computer
A stand-alone computer is a computer that is not connected to a network, and is capable of performing the operations in the information processing cycle.

3. Server
A server provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information.

A dedicated server is a server that performs a specific tasks :

A file server stores and manages files.

A print server manages printers and print jobs.

A database server stores and provides access to a database.

A network server (e.g., a DNS) manages network traffic.

4. Client computer
A client computer is a computer that can access the resources on a network.

5. Network computer
A network computer (NC) is a computer designed specifically to connect to a network, especially the Internet.

6. Workstation
A workstation is a more expensive and powerful desktop computer. The term “workstation” can also refer to any client computer on a network.

Typical users of workstations include architects, engineers, and graphics designers.

7. Terminal
A terminal is a device with a monitor and a keyboard.

The term “terminal” can also refer to any device that sends and receives computer data.

Different kinds of terminals include:

A dumb terminal has no processing power, cannot act as a stand-alone computer, and must be connected to a server to operate.

An intelligent terminal has memory and a processor so that it can perform some functions independent of the host computer.

An EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) terminal is used to record purchases at the point where the consumer purchases the product or services.

EFTPOS (Electronic Fund Transfer Point of Sale) terminals are able to transfer funds from a customer's bank account directly to a retail outlet's account after reading the customer's debit card.

An automatic teller machine (ATM) is a self-service banking machine attached to a host computer through a telephone network.


8. Embedded System

An embedded system is any appliances that contains a microprocessor, which is pre-programmed to perform a dedicated task.

Examples of embedded systems are washing machines, rice-cookers, microwave ovens, video recorders, laser printers, and calculators.