Types of naval ship

[mugs]

I'm looking for a clear definition of the different types of naval ships e.g

Cruisers
destroyers
minesweepers
etc etc etc

I want to know what their jobs are and what features and characteristics best tell them apart. I've tried several different sources and can't seem to get the clear definition i'm looking for

Thanks in advance

[hptmurphy]

not as easily defined as you may think as different countries classify ships in different ways..differnt tonnages radar fits and weapons fits put shhips into some catogories but not into others. Janes recognition giude is a fairly good rough guide..