In the past few decades, computers have transitioned from a research-institution resource to a living-room luxury to an essential commodity found in most people’s pockets. And as computers progress alongside emerging tech, like artificial intelligence, they continue to shape the world around us and how we interact with it.
Types of Computers
- Personal computers (microcomputers)
- Minicomputers
- Servers
- Mainframes
- Workstations
- Supercomputers
Below, we rounded up the main types of computers and their defining traits.
6 Types of Computers to Know
1. Personal Computer (Microcomputer)
Personal computers, or PCs, are general-purpose microcomputers made for individual use. These setups typically feature one central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage and peripheral devices like a keyboard, mouse and monitor. They’re capable of running a wide range of software applications, from word processing and internet browsing to gaming and multimedia playback, and come in various forms — desktops, laptops and tablets — that offer their own combination of portability, performance and functionality.
Distinguishing Features:
- General-purpose computers
- Designed for convenience and affordability
- Single user
- Versatile models, from desktops to smartphones
- Used for web browsing, multimedia streaming and gaming
Desktop
A desktop computer is a personal computer made for regular use in a single location, typically a desk. It features a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers and often a printer that are all connected to a computer tower, housing the power supply, motherboard and processor. Desktops are used for day-to-day tasks like web browsing, word processing, email, gaming and streaming, and offer powerful performance within an affordable system.
Laptop
A laptop is a portable personal computer. Its foldable, clamshell build includes a screen, keyboard, touchpad and internal hardware enclosed in a single unit. Laptops typically feature rechargeable batteries, lightweight construction and various connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB ports, allowing users to perform computing tasks on the go. Hardware specifications — data storage, memory capacity and processor speed — as well as price points vary based on the model and user configuration. Laptops usually operate on desktop operating systems and often feature built-in webcams, microphones and even touchscreens.
Tablet and Smartphone
Tablets and smartphones are portable touchscreen devices that run on mobile operating systems. With high-resolution screens, internet access and powerful hardware, these pocket-sized computers offer immediate connectivity and versatile on-the-go use. While they’re primarily designed for multimedia streaming, web browsing and messaging, these devices also come with built-in GPS, cameras, microphones and connectivity ports to support navigational and personal needs as well as productivity.
Handheld Computer
A handheld computer is a battery-powered computer that can be held and operated with one hand. Predating smartphones, the idea behind these compact mobile devices was to miniaturize the standard personal computer. Featuring electronic displays, audio capabilities, and internet access, these devices became more colloquially referred to as personal digital assistants, or PDAs, during their rise in the 1990s, and were often used for keeping schedules, calendars and address book information handy.
Wearable
“Wearables” refer to portable, compact computers designed to be worn in close contact to skin. These body-mounted Internet-of-Things devices use biofeedback sensors to collect and analyze personal data in real time. Gadgets like smartwatches, fitness trackers and augmented reality glasses make information more readily available to the user while syncing data with the cloud and other connected devices.
2. Minicomputer
A minicomputer is a mid-sized, multiprocessing computing system that’s more powerful than a microcomputer but less powerful than a mainframe. These machines contain more than one processor and can multitask while supporting hundreds of users at one time. Minicomputers are often dedicated to one application, and they are frequently used for industrial control systems, scientific research, business transaction processing, file handling and database management.
Distinguishing Features:
- Multiple processors
- Can support multiple users
- Programmed for a specific application
- Used for industrial control systems, business transaction processing and database management
3. Server
A server is a specialized computer that sends information to and processes requests from other “client” computers on a shared network. All data and applications are stored within the server, which can reliably handle many simultaneous requests. It provides access to resources, data, services or programs to in-network nodes, and serve various roles such as web hosting, database management, email services and file storage. Using the HTTP protocol, the internet itself uses millions of servers around the world to transmit web pages to online users like you.
Distinguishing Features:
- Manages data within a computer network
- Client-server architecture
- Handles a number of simultaneous requests
- Scalable to handle larger workloads
- Used for web hosting, file sharing, email hosting and database management
4. Workstation
A workstation is a specialized high-performance computing system designed for technical or scientific applications. In order to handle computationally intensive requests and run sophisticated multitasking software programs — like 3D modeling, simulations, engineering design and data analysis — these machines feature a powerful CPU, substantial random access memory (RAM), storage disks and custom graphics processing units (GPU). Workstations are intended for professional use, and are often connected to two or more display monitors. They can only manage one user at a time, and have become less distinguishable from high-end personal computers as the latter becomes more capable. The term workstation may also refer to “dumb” terminals that are connected to a mainframe computer.
Distinguishing Features:
- Professional grade
- For technical and scientific application
- Single user
- Used for 3D modeling, simulations and data analysis
- Often feature two or more displays
5. Mainframe
A mainframe is a high-performance computing system designed to rapidly process large amounts of data in bulk and host hundreds of thousands of end users at one time. Primarily used by large organizations, these fault-tolerant, refrigerator-sized machines serve as the central hub for critical business applications, and are responsible for nearly all credit card transactions in the world. They’re built with specialized hardware and redundant components, making them the most secure, reliable computers.
Distinguishing Features:
- Most reliable, secure computers
- Can support hundreds of thousands of users at a time
- Solves more than one million calculations per second
- Built to last
- Used for mission-critical applications
6. Supercomputer
A supercomputer is a high-performance system that solves complex computations by splitting tasks into multiple parts and processing them concurrently through parallel processing. This allows it to handle massive sets of data and execute intricate calculations at rapid speeds, acting as a unified collective machine. With multiple CPUs, large storage capacity and fast input-output capabilities, supercomputers are the fastest computers in the world, solving one-quintillion calculations per second. Stored in warehouses, these sizable machines are used to simulate climate modeling, the evolution of the cosmos and nuclear weapons as well as solve cryptographic messages.
Distinguishing Features:
- Fastest computers in the world
- Massive in size
- Computes one quintillion calculations per second
- Multiple CPUs
- Uses parallel processing
- Used for advanced simulations and data analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common types of computers?
The most common types of computers are desktop computers, laptops and smartphones — which are all a form of microcomputers.
