Types of computers

Computers come in many sizes and power classes, each suited to a purpose — from tiny embedded controllers inside appliances to supercomputers that model the weather.

• Supercomputers: fastest, used for research, simulations, weather forecasting.
• Mainframes: process huge volumes of transactions for banks and governments.
• Servers: provide services (files, web pages, email) to other computers on a network.
• Personal computers: desktops and laptops for general use.
• Mobile devices: smartphones and tablets — portable, sensor-rich, always connected.
• Embedded/dedicated devices: built into cars, washing machines and TVs to do one job.

• Server — a computer that provides services to client computers.
• Embedded computer — a computer built into another device with a fixed function.