10 Types of Computers

Desktop

A PC that is not designed for portability.

PC (Personal Computer)

A computer designed for general use by a single person.

Server

A computer that has been optimized to provide services to other computers over a network.

WorkStation

A desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or some game development.

Supercomputer

An expensive computer that is comprised of multiple high performance computers working in parallel as a single system.

Wearable Computer

Essentially, common computer applications (e-mail, database multimedia, calendar/scheduler) are integrated into watches, cell phones, visors and even clothing.

Mainframe

Otherwise known as an Enterprise Server, these are huge computers that can fill an entire room or even a whole floor. You'll still hear the term used, particularly in large companies to describe the huge machines processing millions of transactions every day.

Laptop

Portable computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, processor, memory, and hard drive all in a battery-operated package.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

Tightly integrated computers that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. These computers usually do not have keyboards but rely on touchscreen technology for user input.

Netbook

Ultra-portable computers that are even smaller than traditional laptops.