What Are the 3 Types of Computers?
We are surrounded by computers in the modern world. When you step on the accelerator in your car, a computer determines precisely how much fuel to inject into the cylinders. Computers control the climate in large office buildings. You're using a computer right now to read this. There are many types of computers, but most fall into one of three categories: the microcomputer, midrange, and mainframe system categories.
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MIcrocomputers
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Microcomputers are the most common computer. Microcomputers are the most familiar to us. These are small, self-contained, digital computers using one or more microprocessors and are generally designed to be used by one person at a time. Laptops and desktops are both included in this category. Microcomputers are designed to run a variety of operating systems, including but not limited to Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh OS X, and many versions of Linux. High-end microcomputers are often used as application, web, and file servers. The term "microcomputer" dates back to the 1970s when it was used to describe a computer that contained a single microprocessor. The terms "desktop," "laptop," "Mac" and "PC" are more common today.
Midrange Computers
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Midrange computers, or "minicomputers," comprise the category of systems between the small microcomputers and the large mainframes. Midrange computers were introduced in the 1960s and manufactured by companies such as IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation and Hewlett-Packard. Midrange computers are used in a client-server environment where many microcomputer "clients" connect to the midrange computer "server" over a local area network. The line between midrange and microcomputers has blurred somewhat as microprocessors become more powerful, but midrange systems continue to be used in small and midsized businesses.
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Mainframe Computers
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Mainframes are large, powerful computers Mainframe computers, also known as "big iron," are powerful computer systems used mainly by larger corporations and government entities for applications requiring significant processing power. Mainframes handle the bulk data processing needs of the IRS and census bureau and transaction processing of the largest financial institutions with ease. Mainframe systems are composed of many large components and are housed in a data center or large computer room. A team of computer operators, analysts and programmers are required to keep a mainframe running smoothly.
Other Types of Comuputers
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While microcomputer, midrange and mainframe systems make up the majority of what many of us see on a daily basis, they are by no means the only computers being used to make our lives easier, safer and more enjoyable. Specialty computers are designed for many specific tasks, such as the onboard computer in most modern vehicles, automatic pilot systems in aircraft, traffic control systems and videogame consoles. Computers are all around us, but their presence is not always obvious.
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