先决条件–计算机分类
小型计算机：
小型计算机是小型计算机，与个人计算机相比，它们的功能更强大，但如果将它们与大型机或超级计算机进行比较，它们的功能将有所降低。它属于能够执行与大型机相同类型任务的多用户计算机类别。它是在1960年代推出的。小型计算机旨在满足中小型企业环境中几个人的计算需求。 IBM开发了第一台小型计算机，即IBM的AS / 400e。
超级计算机：
超级计算机是世界上功能强大的计算机，主要用于复杂的科学计算。这些计算机每秒能够处理数万亿条指令。尽管它们的组件类似于台式计算机，但是它们的处理速度非常快，这就是为什么它们主要用于工程问题和科学计算的原因。他们能够快速有效地执行复杂的任务。 2003年，印度开发了一款名为PARAM Padma的超级计算机，这标志着迈向高性能计算的关键一步。
小型机和超级机之间的区别：
| Minicomputer | Supercomputer |
|---|---|
| Minicomputers are standalone mid-sized machines that fall somewhere between smaller mainframe and powerful microcomputers. | Supercomputers are most powerful computing machines on the planet and the ultimate engine of the digital age. |
| They have speed in the range of 10-30 MIPS. | The speed of supercomputer is in the range of 100-900 MIPS. |
| They are functional intermediate between a microcomputer and a mainframe computer. | They are able to process trillions of instructions per second. |
| The main purpose of the mini computer is to fulfill the computing needs for several people from small to medium-sized business environment. | They are primarily used for scientific research and forecasting along with scientific simulations, fluid dynamics calculation, nuclear energy research, etc. |
| Minicomputers are very less expensive than supercomputers. | Whereas supercomputers are quite expensive. |