What are 2 types of computer?

Answer 1

Computers come in a variety of shapes and forms, and can be categorized in many different ways.

Personal computers are computer systems for use by an individual. Today's personal computers are desktop systems, laptop or netbook systems. More recently, powerful tablet computers may also be categorized as personal computers.

Mainframe computers are more powerful computer systems, designed for use by more than one individual.

Embedded computers are often hidden (embedded) in another device, and do not generally take a form commonly recognized as a computer. For example, a modern washing machine has an embedded computer.

Another distinction can be made based on the computer's use.

A computer may be used as a standalone computer for local operations such as word processing, as is the case with computers used without a network connection. Computers may be used as client computers, consuming services and data offered by another computer, as is the case with most networked (internet-connected) personal computers. Other computers may be used as server computers, designed to offer services to client computers, as is the case with a web server, for example. Most computers in use today have more than one task, and take on the role of both client and server (and generally that of a standalone device).

Another distinction can be made on the type of tasks a computer can handle:

Some computers are designed for a specific task, as is often the case with embedded computers. Other computers are designed as general-purpose computers, as is the case with most personal computers.

Another distinction can be made on grounds of mobility:

mobile computers are those that can draw power from a battery, and which can be carried around with relative ease. Modern smart phones, tablet computers, netbooks and laptops (and some embedded computers) are mobile devices.

Stationary computers are those that are not mobile, as is the case with mainframe computers, some models of personal computers, and many embedded computers.