What is the distinguishing factor of a supercomputer compared to other types of computers?

The distinguishing factor of a supercomputer is its processing power and speed. Supercomputers are designed to perform complex calculations at incredibly high speeds, enabling them to solve large-scale problems that require immense computational resources. This characteristic allows supercomputers to tackle tasks such as climate modeling, simulations of molecular interactions, and cryptographic analysis that would be impractical for regular computers or even high-performance workstations.

While cost and size can also differ significantly between supercomputers and other computer types, these factors do not specifically identify a supercomputer's capabilities. User-friendliness is generally not a trait associated with supercomputers, as they are typically operated by professionals who understand their complexities and require specialized knowledge to use effectively. Hence, the primary feature that sets supercomputers apart is their unmatched processing capabilities, allowing them to execute operations much faster than conventional computing systems.