4/17/25, 3:19 PM Types of Computers | GeeksforGeeks

Search...

DSA Practice Problems Python C C++ Java Courses Machine Learning DevOps Web Developm

Types of Computers
Last Updated : 22 Jul, 2024

Pre-Requisite: Basics of Computer

A computer is an electronic device that has storage, computations, input (data),

output (data) and networking capabilities. With the growing AI, computers also
have learning capabilities from the data provided. The input and output data
can be in different forms like text, images, audio and video. A computer
processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the
user and gives the desired output. Computers are of various types and they can
be categorized in two ways on the basis of size and on the basis of data
handling capabilities.

Computer

Types of Computer
There are two bases on which we can define the types of computers. We will
discuss the type of computers on the basis of size and data handling
capabilities. We will discuss each type of computer in detail. Let’s see first
what are the types of computers.
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our
Super Computer Got It !
site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/ 1/11
4/17/25, 3:19 PM Types of Computers | GeeksforGeeks

Mainframe computer
Mini Computer
Workstation Computer
Personal Computer (PC)
Server Computer
Analog Computer
Digital Computer
Hybrid Computer
Tablets and Smartphone

Now, we are going to discuss each of them in detail.

Supercomputer

When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when
thinking of computers is supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest
computers (in terms of speed of processing data). Supercomputers are
designed such that they can process a huge amount of data, like processing
trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the
thousands of interconnected processors in supercomputers. It is basically used
in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific
simulations, and nuclear energy research. It was first developed by Roger Cray
in 1976.

Super Computers
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our
site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy
Characteristics of Supercomputers
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/ 2/11
4/17/25, 3:19 PM Types of Computers | GeeksforGeeks

Supercomputers are the computers that are the fastest and they are also
very expensive.
It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is
also the reason which makes it even faster.
It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online
currency world such as Bitcoin etc.
It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from
exploring the solar system, satellites, etc.

Mainframe computer

Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they can support
hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple
programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different processes
simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big
organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume
of data in general.
Characteristics of Mainframe Computers
It is also an expensive or costly computer.
It has high storage capacity and great performance.
It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking
sector) very quickly.
It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.

Minicomputer

Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of

computer, there are two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at
one time. Minicomputer is similar to Microcontroller. Minicomputers are used in
places like institutes or departments for different work like billing, accounting,
inventory management, etc. It is smaller than a mainframe computer but larger
in comparison to the microcomputer.
Characteristics of Minicomputer
Its weight is low.
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our
Because of
site, you acknowledge thatits
youlow
haveweight, it is easy
read and understood ourto carry
Cookie anywhere.
Policy & Privacy Policy

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/ 3/11
4/17/25, 3:19 PM Types of Computers | GeeksforGeeks

less expensive than a mainframe computer.

It is fast.

Workstation Computer

A workstation computer is designed for technical or scientific applications. It

consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and a high-
speed graphic adapter. It is a single-user computer. It is generally used to
perform a specific task with great accuracy.
Characteristics of Workstation Computer
It is expensive or high in cost.
They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
It provides large storage capacity, better graphics, and a more powerful CPU
when compared to a PC.
It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video
creation, and editing.

Personal Computer (PC)

Personal Computers is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a

general-purpose computer designed for individual use. It consists of a
microprocessor as a central processing unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and
output unit. This kind of computer is suitable for personal work such as making
an assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office work, etc. For
example, Laptops and desktop computers.

We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our
site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/ 4/11
4/17/25, 3:19 PM Types of Computers | GeeksforGeeks

Personal Computer

Characteristics of Personal Computer (PC)

In this limited number of software can be used.
It is the smallest in size.
It is designed for personal use.
It is easy to use.

Server Computer

Server Computers are computers that are combined data and programs.
Electronic data and applications are stored and shared in the server computer.
The working of a server computer is that it does not solve a bigger problem like
a supercomputer but it solves many smaller similar ones. Examples of server
computer are like Wikipedia, as when users put a request for any page, it finds
what the user is looking for and sends it to the user.

Analog Computer

Analog Computers are particularly designed to process analog data.

Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values
are called analog data. So, an analog computer is used where we don’t need
exact values or need approximate values such as speed, temperature, pressure,
etc. It can directly accept the data from the measuring device without first
converting it into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous changes in
physical quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example
speedometer, mercury thermometer, etc.

Digital Computer

Digital computers are designed in such a way that they can easily perform
calculations and logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as input
and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the final
output. It only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input data is
converted to 0 and 1 by the computer and then it is processed by the computer
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our
site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/ 5/11
4/17/25, 3:19 PM Types of Computers | GeeksforGeeks

to produce the result or final output. All modern computers, like laptops,
desktops including smartphones are digital computers.

Hybrid Computer

As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two different
things. Similarly, the hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and
digital computers. Hybrid computers are fast like analog computers and have
memory and accuracy like digital computers. So, it has the ability to process
both continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts analog signals
as input then it converts them into digital form before processing the input
data. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analog and
digital data are required to be processed. A processor which is used in petrol
pumps that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price is
an example of a hybrid computer.

Tablet and Smartphones

Tablets and Smartphones are the types of computers that are pocket friendly
and easy to carry is these are handy. This is one of the best use of modern
technology. These devices have better hardware capabilities, extensive
operating systems, and better multimedia functionality. smartphones and
tablets contain a number of sensors and are also able to provide wireless
communication protocols.

We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our
site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/ 6/11
4/17/25, 3:19 PM Types of Computers | GeeksforGeeks

Tablet and Smartphones

We generally classify computers on the basis of size, functionality, and data

handling capabilities. For more, you can refer to Classification of Computers.

1. Which computer can deal with analog data?

(A) Analogue Computer

(B) Digital Computer

(C) both a and b

(D) None of the above

Solution:

The correct option is A, i.e., Analogue computer

Analogue computer is particularly designed to process analogue data. A

continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete
values is called Analogue data.

2. __________ is also known as a Microcomputer.

(A) Supercomputer

(B) Minicomputer

(C) Workstation

(D) Personal computer

Solution:

The correct option is D, i.e., Personal computer.

3. Which type of computer has two or more processors and supports 4 to

200 users at one time?
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our
(A)acknowledge
site, you Minicomputerthat you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/ 7/11
4/17/25, 3:19 PM Types of Computers | GeeksforGeeks

(B) Personal computer

(C) Analogue computer

(D) All of the above

Solution:

The correct option is A, i.e., Minicomputer

Minicomputer is a medium sized multiprocessing computer. In this type of

computer, there are two or more processors and it supports 4 to 200
users at one time.

4. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones, are

______________computers.

(A) Hybrid

(B) Analogue

(C) Digital

(D) Supercomputer

Solution:

The correct option is C, i.e., digital.

Comment More info Advertise with us Next Article

Top National Parks in India 2024:
Comprehensive State-wise List

Similar Reads
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our
site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/ 8/11
4/17/25, 3:19 PM Types of Computers | GeeksforGeeks

IBPS PO General Awareness Syllabus 2024

IBPS PO General Awareness Syllabus 2024: The General Awareness syllabus is an important subject for the
IBPS PO exam. Read the article to know more about topic wise IBPS PO general awareness syllabus. IBPS P…

9 min read

Sports

General Knowledge-WorldGK

Government Schemes

Computer Awareness

Economicsand Finance

Static GK

Input and Output Devices

An input/output (I/O) device is any hardware that enables a human user or another system to communicate
with a computer. As the name suggests, these devices can both receive data (input) from the user or anothe…

12 min read

Types of Computers
Pre-Requisite: Basics of Computer A computer is an electronic device that has storage, computations, input
(data), output (data) and networking capabilities. With the growing AI, computers also have learning…

7 min read

General Knowledge (India GK)

Miscellaneous

We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our
site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-computers/ 9/11