Personal Computers or Micro Computers

Personal computers or Microcomputers are the most widely used computers which have found application in everyday activity of the modern world. The speed and accuracy of processing of the personal systems account for their high popularity. Think of a world where share market trading had to be carried out manually and the times when the fastest means of communication was but for the telephones were the telegrams. Those days are not even past 50 years, yet you cannot imagine life without the aid of personal computers or “PCs” as you abbreviate them.

Personal computers remind us mostly of Desktop computers or at the most Laptop computers. But actually Personal computers refer to:-

* Desktop computers – Desktop Computers are those Personal computers that one comes across in business institutions, ATM s, Offices, etc. They have the second largest market among all kinds of PCs. They are unportable and long lasting.

* Laptop computers – Laptop Computers are a personal system sub-type. As the name goes, it is a portable computer which is usually a light weight PC. The special feature of course, is that it is far lighter than a Desktop PC and being a wireless system, you can use it even when there is a power cut or you are away from home where electricity is not available.

* Hand held computers or palm tops – Palm tops like laptops are portable personal computers which are even smaller and lighter and can be carried in a pocket. Ideally a palmtop is used for storage of personal information like phone numbers, appointments and the likes. Nowadays with the improvement of technology palmtops come with colored monitors, sound recording facilities, and even provision for access to the Internet.

* Tablet Personal Computers – Tablet PCs are also a kind of micro computers. They are mostly used in Graphics work is an electronic device that utilizes digital ink to write or draw directly on the monitor of you PC.

* Work Stations – This is slightly different from the regular PC in respect that it has evolved from the mini computers. Originally used for Engineering, Graphics and such other non-personal work or technical work, work station computers were designed for the purpose of singular interaction of computer with one person at a time.

Mainframe Computers

Mainframes are computers that are the most bulky types and with the advancement of technology, they have almost become extinct. Computers are of three types – Mainframe computers, Minicomputers and Microcomputers. Mainframe computer systems can be called the predecessor of servers because they could actually support multi users though as efficiently as the servers. Usually, a main frame would occupy an entire room and could cost over million dollars.

Used for the purpose of research, engineering works, meteorological calculations, graphics and the likes, mainframes today constitutes Unix, Linux, and IBM's z/OS, OS/390, MVS, VM, and VSE. Mainframe systems were manufactured extensively throughout the 1950s and were marketed by IBM, Control Data, General Electric, NCR, UNIVAC, Honeywell, RC, and Burroughs.

The three important Features of mainframe Computers:

• Mainframes provide for maximum I/O connectivity as they accommodate huge disc farms.
• Mainframes excel in providing maximum I/O band width. Interestingly in spite of all the connected drives connected to the mainframe system, no data blocking ever happens to mar its efficiency.
• Mainframe systems also provide for very good single thread operations.

Types of Computers

* Analog Computers: The analog computer is almost an extinct type of computer these days. It is different from a digital computer in respect that it can perform numerous mathematical operations simultaneously. It is also unique in terms of operation as it utilizes continuous variables for the purpose of mathematical computation. It utilizes mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical energy or operation.

* Hybrid computers: These types of computers are, as the name suggests, a combination of both Analog and Digital computers. The Digital computers which work on the principle of binary digit system of “0” and “1” can give very precise results. But the problem is that they are too slow and incapable of large scale mathematical operation. In the hybrid types of computers the Digital counterparts convert the analog signals to perform Robotics and Process control.


Apart from this, computers are also categorized on the basis of physical structures and the purpose of their use. Based on Capacity, speed and reliability they can be divided into three categories of computers:

1. The Mainframe Computer – These are computers used by large organizations like meteorological surveys and statistical institutes for performing bulk mathematical computations. They are core computers which are used for desktop functions of over one hundred people simultaneously.

2. The Microcomputer – These are the most frequently used computers better known by the name of “Personal computers”. This is the type of computer meant for public use. Other than Desktop Computer the choice ranges as follows:

* Personal Digital Computer
* Tablet PC
* Towers
* Work Stations
* Laptops
* Hand Held Computer

3. The Mini computer – Mini computers like the mainframe computers are used by business organizations for the maintenance of accounts and finances. Yet another category of computer is the Super Computers. It is somewhat similar to mainframe computers and is used in economic forecasts and engineering designs. Today life without computers is inconceivable. Usage of different types of computers has made life both smooth and fast paced.

What are different types of computer systems?

Depends of you are talking about different types of operating systems or what exactly. Different opperating systems would be Windows XP or some other level of windows. Could also be a Mac, Lynix, etc etc. Diffenty systems could also be things like "laptops" vs. PC vs. blackberry or other handhelds. Different systems could be something else as well such as brand names like Dell, Gateway etc.

Gotta narrow down your question a little bit if you can onless this has helped already.

One example of system analysis and design concepts is office automation system (OAS).

Types of Mini Computers

Apart the micro computers, you may consider three other types of computers: the minicomputers, the mainframes and the supercomputers.

Be advised that the name minicomputers does not mean it is slowest than your PC. Surely not! If you plan to build a home network the minicomputers can be used as a mid- range server to serve multiple users.

However with the mainframe you are able to build a large network for several hundred clients. You can process millions of transactions daily with the mainframe because of its high capacity. Most of enterprises such as large organizations, insurance businesses, industry, banking … usually use the mainframe for processing and storing enormous amounts of data every day.

The supercomputer is the fastest machine in the history of computer not only for its size but especially for its capacity. You won’t have to use this powerful system unless you are working with nuclear or aerodynamic companies by example.

Types of computer

Different types of computer systems are nowadays available for different purposes according the user needs.

When you’ll have to order yours or even to build it, you should first define the expected use of your computer.


This step will help you to describe the basic capabilities and know the costs of your system.


What are the different types of computer system?


This is a brief view of the main expressions used to describe your computer.



Personal computers or microcomputers


Microcomputers are built to be used by one person. In fact when you talk about personal computers or its common acronym PC, you always mean microcomputers. For surfing the web, playing games or music, editing and many other tasks… you ordinarily use personal computers either at school, at home or at business.


You’ll find personal computers in two (2) major types: desktop and laptop.

If you opt for a desktop computer you have to set it up in a permanent location. Fortunately you are able to choose your preferred sizes such as a mini, mid or full tower.


You should then add many other devices to complete it such as keyboard, mouse and monitor which can be a CRT or LCD display.