Types of computers

Computers are manufactured by different types of companies. Each type of

computer is characterised by a number of unique features although they
share some common features. These types of computers include the
following:
1. Super computer
- Is the largest and most powerful kind of computer costing millions of
dollars.
- These are usually owned by large organisations and mainly used for
research and special jobs.
- A super computer requires a room with air condition. A super computer
is 50 000 times faster than the micro- computer.
2. Mainframe computer
- Are powerful expensive general purpose computers with large
storages, extensive processing and input/output capabilities.
- It can process billions of data. These are used by banks airlines
government etc.
3. Mini computers
- These are smaller versions of the mainframe. A typical mini computer
system might support several terminals with multitask and process
several jobs.
- These are used by medium size organisation or divisions of large
companies to carry special tasks such as accounting /stock taking.
4. Micro computer
- These are small general computer systems that use a microprocessor
as its CPU.
- A microprocessor is an integrated circuit which contains a micro-chip ie
the CU, ALU and memory.
- It can be used by only one person at a time. It can be used
independently (personal computer) or as a terminal.
Computer generation
-

The first electronic computers were produced in 1940s.Since then a

series of radical breakthrough in electronics has occurred.
a) First generations
Early computers using electronic valves (circa 1940s).Examples are
EDSAC, EDVAC, LEO and UNIVACI (Universal Automatic Calculator)
b) Second generation
More reliable computers using transistors that replace the first
generation (circa 1950s), examples are LEO mark III, ATLAS and the

IBM 7000 series; Electronic Numerical Integrator and computer

(ENIAC).
c) Third generation
More powerful, reliable and compact computer using sample
integrated circuits (ICs) circa 1960s and early 1970s) examples are
the ICL1900 series and the IBM 360 series
d) Fourth generation
The computers in use today which contain more sophisticated
micro-electronic devices such as complex ICs which are classified as
Large Scale Integration (LSI) or Very Large Scale Integration
(VLSI).
e) Fifth generation
There are many predictions that by the early 21 st Century
computers will have been developed that will be able to converse
with people in a human like manner and that will be able to mimic
human senses, mammal skills and intelligence. This is still in
progress although some developments have been made in artificial
intelligence