Micro Computers:
Size: Micro computers are the smallest among the four categories. Most of them are desktop systems,
but there are also notebook micro computers that can fit into a briefcase.
Cost: They are economical in terms of costs.
Use: Micro computers, also known as personal computers (PCs), are commonly used for small data
processing tasks in bigger companies. They can also serve as complete computer systems for small firms.
Additionally, PCs can be connected to larger computers and used as intelligent terminals.
Storage: Micro computers typically have limited storage capacity.
Speed: Their processing speed is moderate.
Example: Personal computers fall into this category
Mini Computers:
Size: Mini computers are larger than micro computers but smaller than most mainframes.
Cost: They cost somewhere between Rs. 5 to 15 lac (depending on the configuration).
Use: Mini computers are popular among medium-sized companies. They offer faster processing of
voluminous information. They find applications in computer-aided manufacturing and departmental
computing. They also serve as gateways between mainframe networks and as main servers for local area
networks of microcomputers.
Storage: Mini computers have more storage capacity than micro computers.
Speed: Their processing speed is higher than micro computers but lower than mainframes.
Example: VAX 8000 series from Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and AS/400 series from IBM are
well-known mini computers1.
Mainframe Computers:
Size: Mainframes are bigger computers designed to handle data processing needs for large
organizations, such as head offices of banks, multinational companies, or public utility offices.
Cost: They cost between 1 to 5 million dollars (depending on the configuration).
Use: Mainframes offer larger storage capacity and high-speed processing. They are suitable for central
database servers and parallel processing. However, their popularity has declined due to the emergence
of microcomputers and client-server technology.
Storage: Mainframes have extensive storage capabilities.
Speed: Their processing speed is expressed in terms of millions of instructions per second (MIPS).
Example: IBM System 390 is a popular mainframe series1.
Supercomputers:
Size: Supercomputers are considered the most powerful computers in terms of performance and
processing.
Cost: They are expensive and often custom-built for specific purposes.
Use: Supercomputers are used for complex scientific simulations, weather forecasting, nuclear research,
and other high-performance computing tasks.
Storage: Supercomputers have massive storage capacity.
Speed: Their processing speed is exceptionally high.
Example: Various supercomputers exist worldwide, such as those used by research institutions and
government agencies2
