According to the purpose, computer can be divided into 6 types:

supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers (mid-range

computers), microcomputers, workstation computer, and server computer. In
this post, MiniTool Partition Wizard will introduce the 6 types of computers to
you.

There are many computer types. Different types of computers have different
purposes. Learn about the 6 different types of computers and you may find
some of them are familiar.

1. Supercomputer
One of types of computers is supercomputer. It is a computer that is at the
front-line of current processing capacity, particularly speed of calculation. It is
usually used to do tasks involving intense numerical calculations such as
weather forecasting, fluid dynamics, nuclear simulations, theoretical
astrophysics, and complex scientific computations.

2. Mainframe Computer
Another computer type is mainframe computer. It is a computer that is
capable of handling and processing very large amounts of data quickly. Its
calculation speed can reach millions to tens of millions instructions per
second (MIPS) and it can respond to hundreds of millions of users at a time.

This computer type is mainly used in large institutions such as government,

banks and large corporations.

3. Minicomputer (Mid-Range Computer)

Minicomputers are a class of multi-user computers that lie in the middle range
of the computing spectrum, in between the smallest mainframe computers
and the largest single-user systems (microcomputers or personal computers).
Minicomputers are usually small in scale, simple in structure, easy to
maintain, and low in cost. Therefore, they are often used in universities,
scientific research institutions and industrial control fields.

4. Microcomputer (Personal Computer)

The term “microcomputer” was introduced with the advent of systems based
on single chip microprocessors. In the early days, the microcomputers would
still have been too expensive to be owned by a single individual. But in the late
20th century, microcomputers became the most common type of computer.

Therefore, the term "microcomputer" has practically become an anachronism

and has been replaced the term "personal computer (PC)".

Personal computer has developed rapidly because of its small size,

convenient use, low production cost, and low price. PC computing speed can
reach hundreds of thousands to millions instructions per second, which can
meet the requirements of data processing and scientific computing in
production, scientific research, and life.

PC can also be subdivided into the following types:

 Desktop computers—a case put under or on a desk. The display may be

optional, depending on use. Very small computers of this kind may be
integrated into the monitor.
 Rackmount computers—the cases of these computers fit into 19-inch
racks, and may be space-optimized and very flat. A KVM switch or built-
in remote control (via LAN or other means) can be used to gain console
access.
 In-car computers (carputers)—built into automobiles, for entertainment,
navigation, etc.
 Laptop Computers and notebook computers—portable and all in one
case.
 Tablet computer—like laptops, but with a touch-screen, entirely
replacing the physical keyboard.
  Smartphones, smartbooks, and Palmtop computers—small handheld
personal computers with limited hardware specifications.
 Programmable calculator—like small handhelds, but specialized on
mathematical work.
 Video game consoles—fixed computers built specifically for
entertainment purposes.
 Handheld game consoles—the same as game consoles, but small and
portable.

5. Workstation Computer
A workstation computer is a high-end personal computer between
microcomputers and minicomputers. It is usually equipped with large-capacity
memory, external storage, and large-screen displays. Therefore, it has strong
data processing capabilities and graphics processing capabilities.

Workstation computers are designed and developed mainly for professional

application fields like engineering design, animation production, scientific
research, software development, financial management, information services,
analog simulation, etc.

6. Server Computer
A server refers to a high-performance computer that provides shared
information resources and various services for many users on the network at
the same time in a network environment.

A server is expected to be capable of high-speed computing, long-term

reliable operation (it features error-correction of RAM; redundant cooling; self-
monitoring, RAID), and powerful external data throughput.

The structure of the server is similar to that of an ordinary computer. Many

smaller servers are actually personal computers that have been dedicated to
provide services for other computers. But they are very different in terms of
processing power, stability, reliability, security, scalability, and manageability.
According to the services provided, server computers can be subdivided into
database server, file server, Web server, FTP server, etc.