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Types of Computers

Computers come in various types, primarily categorized by their data handling capacity and physical size. Based on the size, computers are 5 types namely, Micro Computer, Mini Computer, Mainframe Computer, Super Computer and Work stations. Whereas, based on data handling capacity, there are 3 types of computers namely analogue computers, digital computers, and hybrid computers. All the different types of computers perform different tasks and have been designed differently. For your reference, we have discussed all the types of computers and you can scroll through the page to read them all.

Based on Size

There are various types of computers available in the markets which are of different sizes. These computers are different from each other with respect to the amount of work they can do or the amount of data they can hold. Here we have classified the main 5 types of computers based on their size and have also provided the details regarding the same.

Different Types of Computers based on Size
1	Micro Computers	Microcomputers are small, affordable computers for personal use. Examples include desktops and laptops. They handle everyday taska like browsing, word processing, and entertainment.
2	Mini Computers	Minicomputers are mid sized computers, more powerfull than personal computers but smaller than mainframes. They handle complex tasks for businesses and institutions, offering moderate processing capabilities.
3	Mainframe Computers	Mainframe computers are powerful computers used by large organisations for critical applications and data processing.
4	Supercomputers	Supercomputers are high performance machines used for complex calculations, simulations, and scientific research.
5	Workstations	Workstations are advanced computers used for graphics, engineering, and scientific apllications.

1. Micro Computers

Micro computers are mainly single user computers and have comparatively lesser storage and speed than other computers. The first microcomputer was built with 8-bit microprocessor chip as CPU. Laptops, smartphones, desktop computers, etc. are all examples of microcomputers. These computers are made for everyday taska like browsing the web and using programs like Microsoft Office MS Word etc.

2. Mini Computers

Mini computers or Mid Range Computers are mainly multi user computers designed in a way so as to entertain multiple users simultaneously. Small businesses and firms use these computers for their specific processes. For example, a company or organisation may use minicomputers to look after the employee directory which may handle the payment history of its emplyees and any schools amy use them to keep records of the students or for admission purpose.

3. Mainframe Computers

Mainframe Computers are also not designed for single user, rather it is a multi user computer that can handle thousands of users all at once. Large industries and government organisations utilize these computers to facilitate their business operations by storing substantial volumes of data. Banks and insurance companies use these3 computers to store the data of their customers, their policies, etc.

4. Supercomputers

Super Computer is the fastest type of computer amongest all and is also the most expensive. They can store a large number of data and can perform the most complex tasks within seconds. These computers are designed specifically to handle specific tasks such as weather forcasting, space research, etc. Supercomputers are aslo used by ISRO for their satellite launching.

5. Work Stations

Workstations are single user computers and have more powerful microprocessors than a microcomputer. When it comes to speed and storage capacity, it comes between a personal computer and a mini computer. The most common uses of a workstation are desktop publishing, engineering designes, etc.

Based on Data Handling Capacity

Computers can be divided into 3 types based on their data handling capacity namely, analog, digital, and hybrid computers. These are different from each other with respect to the type of work they can do and the amount of data they can handle. We have discussed these types of computers in detail below.

Different Types of Computers based on Data Handling Capacity
1	Analog Computers	Analog computers use continuous physical quantities to represent data and perform calculations. They operate with signals like voltage and are distinct from digital computers.
2	Digital Computers	Digital computers process information using discrete elements (bits) represented as 0s and 1s. They perform calculations through logical operations, enabling versatile tasks and precise results.
3	Hybrid Computers	Hybrid computers combine features of both analog and digital computers. They use analog for continuous data and digital for precise calculations, offering versatility across various applications.

1. Analog Computers

The main function of Analog Computers is to process analog data. The data that changes frequently and does not have discrete values are called data and the analog computers are used at places where we have approximate values e.g., speed, temperature, pressure, etc. These computers can pick data from the devices without converting it into machine language. Some common examples of analog computers are speedometers, thermometers, etc.

2. Digital Computers

Digital Computers are designed in a way so that they can perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. These computers input raw data and with the help of the programs stored in their memory, it gives the final output. Digital computers can only understand binary language i.e., 0 and 1 hence, the raw data to be given as input is converted into 0 and 1 and then it is processed. Examples are laptops, desktops, smartphones, etc.

3. Hybrid Computers

Hybrid, as the name suggests is a mixture of both analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers are as fast as analog computers and also have accuracy like that of digital computers. These computers can process both continuous and discrete data as they accept analog signals and then convert them into digital signals before processing. Some common uses of Hybrid computers are in airplanes, hospitals, etc.