UNIT-2: Types of Computers

A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It

processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the user
and gives the desired output. Computers are of various types and they can be
categorized in various ways on the basis of size, on the basis of working
principle/functions, and on the basis of brand.

Classification of computers based on application/functions/work/Data

We can identify three different classes if we look upon how a computer works
or what they are applied for.

1. Analog Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer

1. Analog Computer:

It is particularly designed to process analogue data. Continuous data that

changes continuously and cannot have discrete values is called analogue data.
So, an analogue computer is used where we don’t need exact values or need
approximate values such as speed, temperature, pressure etc. It can directly
accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it into
numbers and codes. It measures the continuous changes in physical quantity. It
gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example speedometer, mercury
thermometer, etc.

Application:

They are used in the fields of technology, science, research, engineering, etc.
Because quantities like voltage, pressure, electric current, temperature are used
more in these areas, these types of computers give only approximate estimates.

Examples:

A simple clock, the vehicle’s speedometer, Voltmeter, etc. are examples of

analog computing.

2. Digital Computer:

Digital computers are designed in such a way that it can easily perform
calculations and logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as an input
and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the final output.
It only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input data is converted
to 0 and 1 by the computer and then it is processed by the computer to produce
the result or final output. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops
including Smartphone's are digital computers.

Examples of Digital Computers

Personal Desktop Computers, Calculators, Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets,

Chromebooks, Digital watch, Accounting machines, Workstations, Digital
clock, etc.

3. Hybrid Computer:

As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two different
things. Similarly, the hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and
digital computers. Hybrid computers are fast like an analog computer and have
memory, and accuracy like a digital computer. So, it has the ability to process
both continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts analog signals
as input then it converts them into digital form before processing the input data.
So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analog and digital
data is required to be processed. A processor which is used in petrol pumps that
converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price is an example of
a hybrid computer.

Applications of hybrid Computer:

Hybrid computers are most commonly used in vast industries, research centres,
organizations, and manufacturing firms (where many equations need to be
solved).

Also, the solutions and uses of hybrid computers have proved to be much more
detailed, accurate, and useful. Hybrid computers are used in scientific
calculations, for nations’ defence and radar systems as well.

Examples:

Auto Gasoline pump is the example of a hybrid computer, this device is

installed on a petrol pump do not only to measure the amount of petrol but also
to calculates its value, in this way It is capable of both functions i.e hybrid
function.
Classification of computers based on size

We’ve already seen how large the computers were and these days we are using
very small computers, some even embedded in wrist watch. So, another
interesting aspect to classify computers is based on size. If we look at the
computers from this perspective, we can group them into three major classes –
Mainframe, Mini and Microcomputers.

On the basis of size, there are five types of computers:

1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Microcomputer

1. Supercomputer:

A Supercomputer is the very fastest and powerful, and expensive type of

computer for processing data. Supercomputers’ size and storage capacity are
also huge (can occupy huge premises) designed to process vast amounts of data
in a short time with high productivity.

These are specially made to perform multi-specific tasks. Therefore, many

CPUs work in parallel order on these supercomputers. This function of a
Supercomputer is called Multiprocessing or Parallel Processing.

Supercomputers are designed such that they can process a huge amount of data,
like processing trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is because
of the thousands of interconnected processors in supercomputers. It is basically
used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting,
scientific simulations, and nuclear energy research. It was first developed by
Roger Cray in 1976.

Characteristics of supercomputers:

• Supercomputers are the computers which are the fastest and they are also
very expensive.
• It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is
also the reason which makes it even more faster.
• It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online
currency world such as bitcoin etc.
 • It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from
exploring the solar system, satellites, etc.

Applications: The uses of supercomputers are dedicated to –

• In research and study of energy and nuclear weapons and designing the
aircraft, airplanes, and flight simulators.
• Climate research and Weather Forecasting and Prediction of Natural
Disasters.
• Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
• Used in scientific research laboratories.
• Used in Chemical and Biological research and for highly calculation
complex tasks.

Examples: IBM Roadburner, IBM Blue Gene, Intel ASI Red. PARAM-1000,
and CRAY-XMP-14.

2. Mainframe computer:

Mainframe computers are multi-programming, high-performance computers,

and multi-user, which means they can handle the workload of more than 100
users at a time on the computer.

The storage capacity of the mainframe is enormous, with a high-speed data

process as well. As well as handling hundreds of input and output devices at a
time.

The mainframe is a highly efficient computer capable of simultaneously solving

complex calculations and continuously for a long time. These computers have
several microprocessors that have the ability to function the data at too high
performance and speed.

Characteristics of mainframe computers:

• It is also an expensive or costly computer.

• It has high storage capacity and great performance.
• It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking
sector) very quickly.
• It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.
Applications: Uses of Mainframe Computer –

Mainframe computers are mainly used by departmental and commercial

organizations like Banks, Companies, Scientific research centers, and
governmental departments like railways. These computers can work for 24
hours. Hundreds of users can work on these computations simultaneously.

Using the mainframe completes the tasks, Such as keeping details of payments,
research centres, advertising, sending bills and notices, paying employees, ticket
booking, maintaining details of purchases by users, keeping detailed tax details,
etc.

Examples: IBM Es000 series, ICL39 Series, and CDC 6600.

3. Minicomputer

Minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computer system with the connection

of more than one CPU. Thus, many people can work on these computers
simultaneously instead of a single person. Also, it can process with other
accessories like a printer, plotter, etc.

Minicomputers are the medium type of computers that have more functionality
power and are expensive than microcomputers. On the other hand, the size,
storage, and speed of minicomputers are large but less than the mainframe and
supercomputers.

Minicomputers are made for performing multiple computing tasks at a single

point of time, instead of assigning many microcomputers for a single task,
which will be time-consuming and expensive.

In general, a minicomputer is a multi-threaded system (several processes at a

time) capable of supporting from one to up to 200 users simultaneously: these
computers are currently used to store large databases, multi-user applications,
and the automation industry.

Characteristics of minicomputer:

• Its weight is low.

• Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
• less expensive than a mainframe computer.
• It is fast.
Applications: The uses of Minicomputers –

The minicomputers are used as real-time applications in Industries, bookings,

and Research Centres. Banks also use minicomputers for preparing payroll for
employees’ salaries, records, tracking of financial accounts, etc. As well as in
the field of Higher Education and Engineering.

Examples: PDP 11 and IBM (8000 Series).

4. Microcomputer

Today we are using many computers at home is also the most common
microcomputer. With this invention of the microprocessors in the year 1970, it
became possible to use computers for people personally at a low cost and
reasonable price known as Digital Personal Computer.

The design of microcomputers is minimal in size and storage capacity. These

computers consist of many parts like Input and Output devices, Software,
operating systems, networks, and Servers all these need to connect to form a
complete Personal Digital Computer.

There is not only a PC or laptop are examples of microcomputers. Other

examples of the microcomputer are smartphone, Tablet, PDA, server, palmtop,
and workstation.

The primary purpose of microcomputers is to keep and process the everyday

tasks and needs of the people. Only one person can work on a single PC at a
time, but its operating system is multitasking. The PC can be connected to the
Internet to take benefits and enhance the user experience.

The development of multimedia, small equipment, optimized energy

consumption, and the LAN made the microcomputers increase in demand for
every field.

The increase in the demand and need for microcomputers between the people
leads to the tremendous development of each part related to the
microcomputers.

This can be installed in any work area or even at home for personal use.

Applications: The uses of MicroComputer –

 • PC is being widely used in many fields like home, office, data collection,
business, education, entertainment, publishing, etc.
• It keeps the details and prepares letters for correspondence in small
businesses, creating bills, accounting, word processing, and operation of
the filing systems in a large company.

Some of the major PC manufacturers are IBM, Lenovo, Apple, HCL, HP, etc.

Examples: Desktops, tablets, smartphones, and Laptops.

The fast development of microcomputers with technology. As a result, today,

microcomputers coming in the form of a book, a phone, and even a clock in the
name of a digital clock.

Classification of Computers on the basis of purpose

Purpose wise computer can be classified into two types::

1. General Purpose Computer

2. Special Purpose Computer

1. General Purpose Computer – Theses computer can store different programs

and can thus be used in countless application. A General Purpose Computer can
perform any kind of jobs with equal efficiency simply by changing the
application program stored in main memory.

General computers can do various everyday tasks such as writing a word

processing letter, Document preparation, recording, financial analysis, Printing
documents, creating databases, and calculations with accuracy and consistency.

The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers are mainly less. The
ability of these computers is limited in performing specialized tasks. Still, it has
versatility and useful for serving people’s basic needs at home or in the
workplace in the environment.

Examples:

Desktops, laptops, Smartphone's, and tablets are used on daily basis for general
purposes.
2. Special Purpose Computer – A Special Purpose Computer is the one that is
designed to perform only one special task. The program or instructions set is
permanently stored in such a machine. It does its single task very quickly and it
cannot be used for any other purpose.

These computers are often used to perform specific function such as controlling
a manufacturing process or directing communications.

These computers are designed to perform a particular or specialized task. The

size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers mainly depend on the nature
and size of the work. The function of these computers is consistent with any
particular task.

The special computer needs specific and input and devices as well as a
compatible motherboard with the processor to conduct work efficiently.

These computers are used for special purposes in weather forecasting, space
research, agriculture, engineering, meteorology, satellite operation, traffic
control, and research in chemical sciences.

Examples:

• Automatic teller machines (ATM),

• Washing machines,
• Surveillance equipment,
• Weather-forecasting simulators,
• Traffic-control computers,
• Defense-oriented applications,
• Oil-exploration systems,
• Military planes controlling computers.

Classification of Computer on the basis of Brand

Brands are specific names that companies use to identify their product against
others in the market. There are many companies involved in computer
manufacturing.
1. IBM PC

It stands for International Business Machine Personal Computer and developed

by IBM Company. It is commonly known as the IBM PC. IBM Company is the
first company that manufactured computer. It was founded by a team of
engineers and designers. It has given the new technology on the basis of Charles
Babbage principal.

Example : Original IBM PC, XT And AT.

2. IBM Compatible

The term compatible means ' Able to exist together and successfully'. IBM
compatible computer system is assembled form of different components
developed by different companies . It is based on IBM principle that can use
standard hardware and software designed for the IBM PC and its own additional
features.

Example : IBM PC Compatible Computers are those generally similar to the

original IBM PC, XT and AT.

3. Apple/Macintosh Computers

Computers developed by Apple Industry are Apple Computers. This used a

standard microprocessor chips. The chip enabled them to put together a
complete computer, a keyboard for input, and processors in memory and screen
all in box. Apple II is known as personal computer. IBM PC and its compatible
version have largest scope in PC market. Most of the users of the world have
IBM PC than these computers but Apple has its own users, mostly people
interested in graphics works, documentation and publishing sectors.