Non-embedded computers are classified based upon their size into

- Microcomputers that are small-sized and single-user and that include (i) notebooks also referred to as laptops and portables, (ii) personal computers (PCs) also referred to as desktops, and (iii) workstations.

- Minicomputers that are medium-sized and multi-user and that are used in medium-size organizations.

- Mainframes that are large-sized and multi-user and that are used in large-size organizations.

- Supercomputers that are very large-sized and multi-user and that are used in very large scientific and research laboratories.

Roughly speaking, non-embedded computers can be ranked based upon their processing speed from the least powerful to the most powerful as follows:

- Notebooks

- Personal computers

- Workstations

- Minicomputers

- Mainframes

- Supercomputers