1 / 43
Other keys: show •
Space: good •
1-4: rate •
0: skip •
5: flag •
6: invert
Question
What are the four main classes of computers?
Answer
Personal, server, supercomputer, and embedded — spanning everyday machines down to the hidden controllers in cars and appliances.
* Computers fall into four broad classes that trade off capability, reliability, and cost. *
| Class | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Personal computers | General purpose, variety of software, cost/performance tradeoff |
| Server computers | Network-based, high capacity/performance/reliability, range from small servers to large data centers |
| Supercomputers | High-end scientific/engineering calculations, highest capability but small market share |
| Embedded computers | Hidden components of systems (cars, appliances, IoT), stringent power/performance/cost constraints |
Go deeper:
Classes of computers (Wikipedia) — the full taxonomy (personal/micro, server, mainframe/supercomputer, embedded) by purpose, function and scale.- Embedded system (Wikipedia) — the least-familiar of the four classes: dedicated-function computers with processor, memory and I/O baked into a larger device.
Pe wiki editor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
or press any other key
Note saved — thanks!