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Classification of Computer

There are three main ways to classify computers: by type, by purpose, and by size/capacity. By type includes digital, analog, and hybrid computers. By purpose includes special purpose computers designed for specific tasks and general purpose computers with many applications. By size/capacity includes macro, mini, and micro computers based on price, memory, power, and user support.

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Ajay Kumar
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190 views

Classification of Computer

There are three main ways to classify computers: by type, by purpose, and by size/capacity. By type includes digital, analog, and hybrid computers. By purpose includes special purpose computers designed for specific tasks and general purpose computers with many applications. By size/capacity includes macro, mini, and micro computers based on price, memory, power, and user support.

Uploaded by

Ajay Kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Classification of Computer

Classification of Computer
• There are basically three main ways to classify
computers. These are:
– By Type
– By Purpose
– By size/capacity
Computer Classification by Type
• There are three types of computer
– Digital
– Analog
– Hybrid
Type Contd….
• Digital Computers
– These are computers that represent data
/information in a binary form. That is they
represent signals in just two states. 0s and
1s are used during data communication.
– Examples: Desktop, laptops, mobiles,
Ipads, etc
Type Contd…
• Analogue computers
– These computersrepresent data/information in a
continuous form. That isthere are no breaks during
signal transmission.
– Examples: Speedometer, Thermometer, Conventional
watch
Type Contd…
• Hybrid Computer
– The digital component normally serves as
the controller and provides logical
operations, while the analogue
component normally serves as a solver of
different equations.
– Example ATM, Electrocardiogram
Classification by Purpose
• There are two categories
– Special Purpose Computer
– General Purpose Computer
• Special Purpose:
– A computer issaid to be special purpose if it is designed to
solve a specific class of problem for which it was made.
– Example: Computer for chemical processes, digital
watches
• General Purpose
– A general purpose computer isnot limited to the number of
applications it can be used for.
Classification by size/capacity
• There are three categories under this group
– Macro
– Mini
– Micro
Classification by size/capacity Contd…
• Macro Computers
– They are the largest of all the computers in terms of
price, memory size, power and speed of processor.
• Characteristics:
– Very expensive
– Generate a lot of heat
– Large memory size
– Wider variety of peripheral support
– Supports multiple users
• Example: Mainframe, supercomputer
Classification by size/capacity Contd…
• Micro Computers
– They are the smallest of all the computers. They are also called
Personal Computers because they are used by one person at a
time.
• Characteristics:
– Small in size
– Used by one person
– Generate less heat
– Not expensive
• Examples: Desktop computer, laptop, Mobile
phones etc
Classification by size/capacity Contd…
• Mini Computer
– A small computer that is intermediate between a
microcomputer and a mainframe in size, speed,
and capacity, that can support time-sharing, and
that is often dedicated to a single application.
– IBM's AS/400e, Honeywell200, TI-990.

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