Types of Computers
Delhi Police Exam Exam
1. Definition – What are "Types of Computers"?
Computers are classified based on size, processing power, and purpose. There are mainly four major types: Microcomputer, Minicomputer, Mainframe Computer, and Supercomputer.
Based on Size & Power
Four Major Categories
SSC Syllabus Covered
Government Exam Focus
According to NIELIT & SSC syllabus, these categories often appear in basic computer knowledge questions for government exams.
2. Types of Computers
Microcomputer
Also known as a Personal Computer (PC). Used by individuals for daily work like typing, internet browsing, or gaming.
Based on microprocessor technology
Cost: Low
Users: 1 at a time
Speed: Moderate
Examples:
Desktop PC
Laptop
Tablet
Smartphone
Exam Tip: If the question says "used by a single person," answer = Microcomputer.
Minicomputer
Larger and more powerful than microcomputers but smaller than mainframes. Support 10–100 users at once.
Used in small organizations
Cost: Medium
Users: Multiple (10–100)
Speed: Higher than micro
Examples:
IBM AS/400
PDP-11
VAX series
Exam Tip: If you see "medium organization server," it's Minicomputer.
Mainframe Computer
Very large and powerful system used by banks, railways, airlines, and government offices to process huge data.
Supports hundreds of users
High processing speed
Massive storage capacity
Cost: High
Examples:
IBM z Series
Hitachi Z800
Exam Tip: Used by large organizations for central database storage.
Supercomputer
The fastest and most powerful computer type used for scientific research, weather forecasting, and space research.
Performs millions of calculations/sec
Cost: Very High
Users: Research teams
Speed: Extremely High
Examples:
PARAM 10000
Pratyush
Summit (USA)
Exam Tip: PARAM → Supercomputer of India (Developed by C-DAC).
3. Comparison Chart
| Feature | Micro | Mini | Mainframe | Supercomputer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Users | 1 | 10–100 | 100–1000+ | Teams of scientists |
| Speed | Moderate | High | Very High | Extremely High |
| Cost | Low | Medium | High | Very High |
| Examples | PC, Laptop | PDP-11 | IBM z Series | PARAM, Summit |
| Use Area | Personal work | Small org. | Banks, Railways | Research labs |
4. Exam Focus Points & Tricks
Microcomputer = Personal Computer
Minicomputer = Medium organization server
Mainframe = Large organization (central data storage)
Supercomputer = Scientific & space research
PARAM → Supercomputer of India (Developed by C-DAC)
5. Quick Recap
Micro
Personal use
Mini
Small business
Mainframe
Big organization
Super
Scientific research
You've completed Types of Computers Concepts!
Courage Tip: Remember the key differences - Micro (personal), Mini (small business), Mainframe (large organization), Super (scientific research). Focus on Indian examples like PARAM for Delhi Police exam.
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