Classes of computers: Difference between revisions

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{{chart top|width=95%|Classes of Computers|collapsed=yes}}

{{tree chart/start|align=center|summary=Computer chart}}

{{tree chart| | | | | | | |Computer|Computer=Computer}}

{{tree chart| | | | |,|-|-|'|!|`|-|-|.| }}

{{tree chart| | | |Analog| |Hybrid| |Digital|Analog=Analog|Hybrid=Hybrid|Digital=Digital}}

{{tree chart| | | | | | | | |!| }}

{{tree chart| | | |,|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|.| }}

{{tree chart| |Super| |Mainframe| |Mobile| |Mini| |Micro|Super=Super Computers|Mainframe=Mainframe Computers||Mobile=Mobile Computers|Mini=Mini Computers|Micro=Micro Computers}}

{{tree chart/end}}

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|style="text-align: left;"|'''Notes:'''

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=== Microcomputers (personal computers) ===

[[Microcomputer]]s became the most common type of computer in the late 20th century. The term “microcomputer”"microcomputer" was introduced with the advent of systems based on single-chip [[microprocessor]]s. The best-known{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}} early system was the [[Altair 8800]], introduced in 1975. The term "microcomputer" has practically become an [[anachronism]] as it has fallen into disuse.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Books Ngram Viewer |url=https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=Microcomputer&year_start=1800&year_end=2019&corpus=26&smoothing=3&direct_url=t1;,Microcomputer;,c0 |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=books.google.com |language=en}}</ref>

These computers include:

* [[Desktop computer]]s – A case put under or on a desk. The display may be optional, depending on use. The case size may vary, depending on the required expansion slots. Very small computers of this kind may be integrated into the monitor.

* Rackmount computers – The cases of these computers fit into [[19-inch rack]]s, and maybemay be space-optimized and very flat. A dedicated display, keyboard, and mouse may not exist, but a [[KVM switch]] or built-in remote control (via LAN or other means) can be used to gain console access. Many [[server (computing)|servers]] are rackmount computers and [[data center]]s may have dozens or hundreds of racks with hundreds or thousands of rackmount computers acting as servers.

* In-car computers ([[carputer]]s) – Built into automobiles, for [[In car entertainment|entertainment]], [[Automotive navigation system|navigation]], etc.

* [[Laptop]]s and [[Notebook (laptop)|notebook computer]]s – Portable and all in one case.

* [[Tablet computer]] – Like laptops, but with a [[touch-screen]], entirely replacing the physical keyboard.

* [[Smartphone]]s, [[smartbook]]s, and [[palmtop computer]]s – Small handheld personal computers with limited hardware specifications.

* [[Programmable calculator]] – Like small handhelds, but specialized in mathematical work.

* [[Game console|Video game console]]s – Fixed computers built specifically for entertainment purposes.

* [[Handheld game console]]s – The same as game consoles, but small and portable.