COMPUTER SCIENCE

Week - 5

Miss. Kiran Falak

Lecturer of Computer Science

Abdul Wali Khan

University Mardan
 Classification of Computer
Computers can be classified in various ways based on different criteria.

Here are some common classifications of computers:

• Based on Size and Processing Power
• Based on Purpose and Usage
• Based on data handling capabilities
 Classification of Computer
Based on Size and Processing Power

Supercomputers:
• Extremely powerful computers used for complex
calculations and simulations.
• It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations
per second, this is also the reason which makes it even
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.
Examples:
• IBM's Summit
• Fujitsu's Fugaku.
 Classification of Computer
Based on Size and Processing Power

Mainframe Computers:
• Large-scale computers used in organizations for critical
applications.
• 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.
• They are mainly used in banks, airlines and industrial
companies.
Examples:
• IBM zSeries
• Unisys ClearPath.
 Classification of Computer
Based on Size and Processing Power

Minicomputers:
• Mid-sized computers smaller than mainframes but
more powerful than microcomputers.
• Often used in small to medium-sized businesses.
• Its weight is low.
• Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
• less expensive than a mainframe computer.
Examples:
• DEC PDP series
• VAX series
 Classification of Computer
Based on Size and Processing Power

Microcomputers/Personal Computers:
• Small, affordable computers designed for
individual use.
• Used for personal tasks, in homes, offices,
schools, and by small businesses. They handle
tasks like word processing, internet browsing,
and multimedia.
Examples:
• Desktops
• Laptops
• Tablets
Classification of Computer
Based on Purpose and Usage

Desktop Computers:
Computers designed to be used
on a desk or table.
Commonly used for general
computing tasks.
Classification of Computer
Based on Purpose and Usage

Laptop Computers:
Portable computers with
built-in screen, battery and
keyboard.
Classification of Computer
Based on Purpose and Usage

Tablet Computers:
Touchscreen-based devices
without a physical keyboard.
Examples: iPads, Android tablets.
Classification of Computer
Based on Purpose and Usage

Servers:
Computers designed to manage
network resources and provide
services to other computers
(web servers, file servers, etc.)..
 Classification of Computer
Based on Data Handling

On the basis of data handling capabilities, the computer

is of three types:
1. Analogue Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer
 Classification of Computer
Based on Data Handling
1) Analogue Computer
• Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data.
• Analogue data is continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have
discrete values.
• We can say that analogue computers are used where we don't need exact values
always such as speed, temperature, pressure and current.

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.
 Classification of Computer
Based on Data Handling
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.
 Computer Networking
A computer network is a system that connects two or more computing
devices for transmitting and sharing information. A network connection
between these devices can be established using cable or wireless media.
There are several types of computer networks based on their scale,
purpose, and geographical coverage.
 Computer Networking
1. (PAN) Personal Area Network
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is the smallest and most localized type of
computer network. It is used for connecting devices within the range of an
individual person, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.
Bluetooth and infrared are two common technologies used in PANs.
 Computer Networking
2. (LAN) Local Area Network
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively
small geographic area, such as a single building, a group of buildings, or a
campus. LANs are widely used to connect computers and other network
devices within homes, offices, schools, and other institutions to facilitate
resource sharing and communication.
 Computer Networking
3. (MAN) Metropolitan Area Network
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer network that spans a city
or a large campus. It's larger than a Local Area Network (LAN) but smaller
than a Wide Area Network (WAN).
 Computer Networking
4. (WAN) Wide Area Network
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a type of computer network that spans a large
geographic area, such as a country, a continent, or even the whole world.
WANs are used to connect multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) together,
allowing devices in different locations to communicate and share resources.
 Computer Networking
Components of Data Communication Network
Data communication mean the transfer of data between two points via a
communication medium. A data communication system consists of five basic
components.
• Sender
• Message
• Medium
• Protocol
• Receiver
 Computer Networking
Components of Data Communication Network
1. Sender: The device that produces the message to be transmitted and sends
the data to the destination is the Sender. It can be a computer, cell phone,
video camera and so on.
2. Message: Message is the data or information that is to be transmitted.
Messages can be text, graphics, phonic, videos.
3. Medium: Medium is a physical path that a message uses to travel from
source to destination. It can be Fiber optic cable, coaxial cable or twisted
pair cable and even wireless media.
4. Protocol: A protocol is a set of rules that governs data communications.
5. Receiver: The computer or device, which receives the decoded signal
from communication media.
COMPU TER SCIENCE

Abdul Wali Khan

University Mardan