In this lesson, we are going to learn about the different types of computers, including their functions, users, and how they have evolved over time to meet various computing needs.
Supercomputers are the fastest and most powerful computers, built to handle complex calculations such as weather prediction and scientific research. Mainframes, on the other hand, focus on centralised processing and are used by large organisations for tasks like banking and census management. Servers store data and software for multiple users and are designed to manage and share information across networks.
Workstations are powerful, single-user systems used for specialised tasks in engineering, science, and design, while personal computers (PCs) are affordable and widely used for general tasks at home and in offices. PCs became popular in the late 1970s with the development of microprocessors, making computing accessible to a larger audience. Early PCs were mainly for hobbyists, but soon they evolved into mass-produced systems for productivity and entertainment.
Microcontrollers, also known as embedded computers, are small-scale systems found in everyday devices like appliances and vehicles. These systems perform basic commands with little user interaction and are often built into a single circuit. While similar to mainframes in serving multiple purposes, microcontrollers are more limited and focused on controlling specific functions within other machines.