Classes of Computers

• Supercomputers - such as the Cray Supercomputer. These puppies fill rooms and cost millions. But if you need serious number crunching and can program, this is your toy.
• Mainframe computers. Not seen all that often these days. However, for perspective, most campus systems used to run on mainframes.
• Workstations (UNIX). The typical model here is a powerful computer with terminals networked to it. They are still quite common, and GIS users often end up in jobs at which UNIX systems still dominate. Theyare also very popular in the web/email server and high end graphics markets. Probably the three major makers of workstations are Sun, Silicon Graphics, and Hewlett Packard. GIS software companies are slowly trying to wean users off workstations and onto PCs.
• Personal computers (PCs). These are your basic Windows/Macintosh computers. They are single user type systems, often networked, but do not require the network to run.
  • Including notebook/laptop computers
• Handheld computers
  • Including personal desktop assistants (PDAs), watches, calculators, etc.