Type
of Computer
Computers
are divided into different types based on different criteria.
1.
Based on the data handling capabilities and
2. Based on the size.
3.
Based on purposes, [General and Special Purpose].
Based
on the data handling capabilities, the computer is of three types:
1.
Analog Computer
2.
Digital Computer
3.
Hybrid Computer
1.
Analog Computer
Analog computers are designed
to process analogue data. Analogue data is continuous data that changes
continuously and cannot have discrete values. We can say that Analog computers
are used where we don't need exact values always.
Analogue computers directly accept the data from the
measuring device without first converting it into numbers and codes. They
measure the continuous changes in physical quantity and generally render output
as a reading on a dial or scale. Speedometer and mercury
thermometer are examples of Analog computers.
2.
Digital Computer
Digital computer is designed to
perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It accepts the raw
data as input in the form of digits or binary numbers (0 and 1) and processes
it with programs stored in its memory to produce the output. All modern
computers like laptops, desktops including smartphones that we use at home or
office are digital computers.
3.
Hybrid Computer
Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like an analogue computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can process both continuous and discrete data. It accepts analogue signals and convert them into digital form before processing. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analogue and digital data is processed. For example, a processor is used in petrol pumps that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price. Similarly, they are used in airplanes, hospitals, and scientific applications.
Based
on the size, the computer is of five types:
1.
Micro Computer
2.
Mini Computer
3.
Mainframe Computer
4.
Super Computer
5.
Workstations
1.
Micro Computer:
It is a
single-user computer which has less speed and storage capacity than the other
types. It uses a microprocessor as a CPU. The first microcomputer was built
with 8-bit microprocessor chips. The common examples of microcomputers include
laptops, desktop computers, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets, and
smartphones. Microcomputers are generally designed and developed for general
usage like browsing, searching for information, internet, MS Office, social
media, etc.
2.
Mini Computer:
Mini-computers are
also known as "Midrange Computers." They are not designed for a
single. They are multi-user computers designed to support multiple users
simultaneously. So, they are generally used by small businesses and firms.
Individual departments of a company use these computers for specific purposes.
For example, the admission department of a University can use a Mini-computer
for monitoring the admission process.
3.
Mainframe Computer:
It is also a
multi-user computer capable of supporting thousands of users simultaneously.
They are used by large firms and government organizations to run their business
operations as they can store and process large amounts of data. For example,
Banks, universities, and insurance companies use mainframe computers to store
the data of their customers, students, and policyholders, respectively.
4.
Super Computer:
Super-computers
are the fastest and most expensive computers among all types of computers. They
have huge storage capacities and computing speeds and thus can perform millions
of instructions per second. The super-computers are task-specific and thus used
for specialized applications such as large-scale numerical problems in
scientific and engineering disciplines including applications in electronics,
petroleum engineering, weather forecasting, medicine, space research and more.
For example, NASA uses supercomputers for launching space satellites and
monitoring and controlling them for space exploration.
5. Work stations:
It is a single-user computer. Although it is like a personal computer, it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor than a microcomputer. In terms of storage capacity and speed, it comes between a personal computer and minicomputer. Work stations are generally used for specialized applications such as desktop publishing, software development, and engineering designs.
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