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List of computer size categories

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This list of computer size categories attempts to list commonly used categories of computer by the physical size of the device and its chassis or case, in descending order of size. One generation's "supercomputer" is the next generation's "mainframe", and a "PDA" does not have the same set of functions as a "laptop", but the list still has value, as it provides a ranked categorization of devices. It also ranks some more obscure computer sizes. There are different sizes like minicomputers, microcomputers, mainframe computers and super computers.[1][2]

Large

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A supercomputer at the Argonne Leadership Angela Yang Computing Facility in Lemont, Illinois, USA

These are mainly used for scientific calculations or simulations and processing big data with high precission.[2]

Intermediate

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Microcomputer

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This is a very broad categorization that includes computers with a single microprocessor as their central processing unit (CPU).[2][6]

Mobile

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Others

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Warford, J. Stanley (November 2004). Computer Systems. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7637-3239-4.
  2. ^ a b c d II, Joseph D. Dumas (25 November 2016). Computer Architecture: Fundamentals and Principles of Computer Design, Second Edition. CRC Press. p. 35. ISBN 978-1-4987-7274-7.
  3. ^ "Mainframe | Definition & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 8 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Supercomputer | Definition, Characteristics, Examples, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 8 April 2024.
  5. ^ Connolly, James (September 30, 1985). "Superminis: Dynamic machines evolving to new uses". Computerworld. p. SR/4, SR10. Retrieved 5 December 2019. No one can say with certainty who coined the word 'superminicomputer' and to what systems he meant it to apply, but consensus is emerging that a supermini is nothing more than a minicomputer — a high-end mini, but a mini nonetheless.
  6. ^ "Microcomputer | Definition, Examples, Uses, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 19 March 2024.