I remember when I was first learning about the different types of computers and what they can do. Back then, I started where most people do, learning about desktop computers, laptops, and servers. Today, there is a lot more variety an individual can access. So let’s get started looking at what they are and what makes them unique.
1. Personal computers
Personal computers are typically desktop computers used at home. In general, it refers to a computer that can run an operating system like Windows or some Linux/Unix variant but not Mac OS. They are characterized by having a fairly large computer case that needs to sit on the floor or the desk surface, a separate monitor, and a keyboard/mouse for input.
They often have wired internet connections, but it’s possible to get a wireless-capable version. Their construction is more than adequate for home users, but they appear to be built a bit lighter when compared to business-grade workstations. During the early days of computers, this was the most common computer purchased.
2. Workstation computers
Workstation computers are very similar to their personal computer cousins in almost every way except that they are typically built a little heavier. This supports the possibility of being moved around or handled a bit more than a home user would do. It also facilitates upgrades. They generally use a bit higher quality components to ensure they meet life cycle expectations.
Often, a business will completely change out their computers every three years or so. Therefore, these machines need to be built tough enough to handle the environment and last at least 3 years or more. Port selection on a workstation is also more geared towards business users. For example, DisplayPort connectors were more common on workstations before becoming more common in the consumer market.
3. Laptop computers
Laptop computers are very much the same as a desktop, only with a much smaller size. All of the same components are inside. They’re just shrunk down to fit in a smaller package. They’re so small and light you can actually use one while it’s resting on your lap. Laptops have an integrated monitor, keyboard/pointing device, and computer hardware.
They’re easy to recognize because they are complete computers in a compact package. The ability for the screen to fold down for storage while the computer is being moved is an integral part of the laptop concept. Easy to transport, light, and compact. They have also increased in capability to the point where they are being used to replace workstations in the work environment.
4. Tablet computers
Tablet computers are one of the latest additions to the assortment of computers available today. They appear to be a single flat screen and nothing else, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. These are complete computers with touch screen interfaces.
Normally, they run a mobile operating system like Apple iOS or Android, but some versions will actually run Windows. They are different in that they bring a unique computing experience to people who don’t have the needs of a full computer.
They are also very convenient, fast, and intuitive to learn. They’re always on and have improved access to digital media and information for thousands of people.
5. Mobile phones
A mobile phone in the form of a smartphone with a touch screen interface may not seem like a computer, but it really is. It has all of the hallmark features of a computer only with superior connectivity and a pocket-sized form factor. It has a screen for viewing and inputting data, and it has a processor, memory or RAM, and onboard storage.
The widespread adoption of such a device has revolutionized how we use the web and consume information. We can be more connected, more informed, and more organized. We can stay in touch with friends and family while working more effectively and efficiently. The modern smartphone has allowed us to leverage the computer to enhance our personal lives more than any other innovation.
6. Servers
Servers are the workhorse that makes networked systems valuable. They can be in the form of a large desktop computer or mount in a rack to save space. They are often used over the network, and they don’t have a dedicated monitor or keyboard/mouse combination.
These are the computers that sit on the internet and serve up web pages when you visit them. They also hold your data stored in the cloud or online. Servers can provide a dedicated role a lot like an appliance if necessary. For example, as a domain controller or as an engineering server.
Databases of information run on servers that can handle large amounts of data and access it quickly. Servers are a backbone element to the way we use information technology today.
7. Programmable logic controllers
Programmable logic controllers are small and usually expandable computers that engineers can program to control and collect data from industrial processes or equipment. They are usually mounted in a cabinet where all of the wires from the machine or process come to. The wires get connected to the programmable logic controller so it can interact with the system.
These small computers are vital to modern industry and manufacturing. They were originally designed to replace the large boards of relay logic once used in the past. They bring flexibility and better control while being smaller and easier to work with. You can find them in almost any workplace which uses processes that need to be monitored and controlled.
8. Embedded computers or microcontrollers
Embedded computers or microcontrollers are tiny single-chip computers. They may be on only a single black electronic chip, but they are a complete computer. They have processors, memory, and storage, just like a full-size computer. They also have multiple ways of communicating with other chips, other microcontrollers, or even other computers on a network.
You often find these installed in devices that need digital control, like a microwave, a modern stove, or even certain toys. More powerful versions can run stripped-down operating systems so they can perform much more advanced control. You’ve likely interacted with microcontrollers thousands of times and didn’t even know it.
9. Supercomputers
Supercomputers are very high-performance computers. So high in performance that they measure their performance in floating-point operations per second or FLOPS. Decimal calculations, also known as floating-point operations, are hard for a computer, making for a good metric.
In addition, supercomputers are so large that they typically take up an entire building or a significant portion of it. It used to be that supercomputers were necessary to do things that can easily be completed on a personal computer today.
These days, supercomputers are put to work solving huge data science problems. Problems like those found in physics, weather prediction, or oil & gas exploration.
10. Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers received their name from the characteristically large metal frame that they are housed in. It used to be that mainframes were often mentioned in movies, but that somewhat fell out of fashion with the advent of the workstation computer. They are smaller than supercomputers, but they are still high-end commercial computers often used as servers.
In addition, they are typically used by businesses for their own in-house data science needs. Mainframes are known for their reliability and stability since a high degree of their design is dedicated to redundancy and uninterrupted uptime. On the extreme side, they can stay running for decades. They also have more advanced communications allowing them to send and receive tremendous amounts of information.