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Classification of Computers

The document classifies computers according to purpose, type of data handled, and size/capacity/speed. It discusses general purpose vs. special purpose computers. Digital computers represent data in binary form unlike analog computers which handle continuously changing data. Computers range in size from microcomputers to mainframes to supercomputers, with the latter being the largest, fastest and most expensive used for scientific applications.

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Renu Saini
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114 views

Classification of Computers

The document classifies computers according to purpose, type of data handled, and size/capacity/speed. It discusses general purpose vs. special purpose computers. Digital computers represent data in binary form unlike analog computers which handle continuously changing data. Computers range in size from microcomputers to mainframes to supercomputers, with the latter being the largest, fastest and most expensive used for scientific applications.

Uploaded by

Renu Saini
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CLASSIFICATION

OF
COMPUTERS
CLASSIFICATION OF
COMPUTERS

1. According to Purpose

2. According to Types of Data Handled/


Technology

3. According to Size, Capacity and Speed


A. According to Purpose

• General Purpose Computers

• Designed to handle a variety of problems and to


meet different needs
• Used for varied applications
2. Special-purpose Computer
• Virtually all computers from micro to mainframe
are general purpose computers.
Special Purpose Computers

 These are computers designed to handle a specific


problem or to perform a specific task.

 Examples of special-purpose computers are those used


for collecting highway tolls, airline reservations, weather
forecasting, satellite tracking, oil exploration, and
industrial process control.
B. According to the Type of Data Handled

1. Analog Computers
The term analog is taken from the word
“analogous” which means “similar”.
Analog computers deal with continuously
changing physical data (such as pressure,
temperature, and current). Eg. automobile
speedometer
2. Digital Computers

 These are high speed programmable electronic device


that specialized in counting.
 Unlike the analog computer which receives data in
continuous form, the digital computer handles values
that are discrete (separate or distinct) in form. Since
most business data are in discrete form, the digital
computer is readily adaptable to business data
applications, especially when repetitive arithmetic
operations are involved and when 100 percent
accuracy is demanded.
 They represent data whether no. , letters or symbols in
binary form.
3. Hybrid Computers

These computers are machines that incorporate in a


single computer both analog and digital signals.
These computers are used in working out special
types of problems in science and various areas of
engineering, such as space vehicle simulation and the
training of astronauts.
They have speed of analog computers and accuracy
of digital computers
They are usually used for special problems in which
input data is derived from measurement is converted
into digits and processed by data.
C. According to Size, Capacity and Speed
1. Supercomputers

•These are the biggest, fastest and most expensive computers.

• Applications range from nuclear weapons development to accurate


weather forecasting and other applications where maximum speed
and power are so important that costs are just secondary.

• Used primarily for scientific applications that are mathematically


extensive. The aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronics and
petroleum industries use supercomputers extensively.

• speed is measured in teraflops (trillions of operations per second).


These types of computers derive much of their speed from the use
of multiple processors.
Example: PARAM
2. Mainframes

• Large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds of


thousands of connected users simultaneously
• Stores tremendous amount of data and information

• Used by large companies such as banks, airlines, and insurance

• Requires an environment with closely monitored humidity and


temperature.

• Cost considerably less than supercomputers


• Used for extensive input-output operations

• People access programs on a mainframe via terminals.

• The term mainframe has fallen out of use in favor of enterprise server.
• Eg: IBM Mainframe
MAINFRAME COMPUTER SYSTEM
MAINFRAME
3. Midrange Server

• Is more powerful and larger than a workstation computer

• Typically supports several hundred and sometimes up to a thousand


connected computers at the same time

• Used to be known as minicomputers


• They came into existence in 1960’s
• They may be used in network servers and internet servers eg: IBM
AS/400e, PDB- 11/70, Honeywell

4. Microcomputers
• sometimes called “single-chip processor” or “system-on-a chip”, this
computer is a digital computer system that uses a microprocessor, a
read-only memory and a random-access memory.
• They are commonly known as personal computers
• They are the smallest, least expensive, consume less power and permit
fewer peripherals to be attached.
MIDRANGE SERVER
MICROCOMPUTER
CATEGORIES OF MICROCOMPUTER
• PC
The personal computer (PC)
defines a computer designed for
general use by a single person.
While a Mac is a PC, most
people relate the term with
systems that run the Windows
operating system. PCs were first
known as microcomputers
because they were a complete
computer but built on a smaller
scale than the huge systems in
use by most businesses.
• Desktop

A PC that is not designed


for portability. The
expectations with desktop
systems are that you will
set the computer up in a
permanent location. Most
desktops offer more
power, storage and
versatility for less cost
than their portable
brethren.
 Laptop - Also called notebooks, laptops are portable
computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing
device or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive all in
a battery-operated package slightly larger than an average
hardcover book.
• Tablet PC – is a special type of notebook computer that
allows you to write or draw on the screen using a digital
pen.
 Palmtop - More commonly known as Personal Digital
Assistants (PDAs), palmtops are tightly integrated computers
that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for
storage. These computers usually do not have keyboards but
rely on touchscreen technology for user input. Palmtops are
typically smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with
a reasonable battery life. A slightly larger and heavier version
of the palmtop is the handheld computer.
• Workstation
A desktop
computer that has
a more powerful
processor,
additional memory
and enhanced
capabilities for
performing a
special group of
task, such as 3D
Graphics or game
development APPLE’S POWERMAC G5
 Wearable - The latest trend in computing is wearable
computers. Essentially, common computer applications (e-mail,
database, multimedia, and calendar/scheduler) are integrated
into watches, cell phones etc.
Comparisons between different types of computers:
Type Components Physical Cost Usage
Size and
Capacity

Microcomputer All components in a Smallest Cheapest At homes, in schools


single unit and offices

Minicomputer Several functional Small Cheap In universities,


units medium-sized
companies,
departments of large
companies
Mainframe Several separate Large Expensive In large organizations,
computer units universities,
government

Supercomputer Several separate Largest Most In scientific research,


units expensive weather forecasting,
space exploration,
military defense

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