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Classification of Computers

The document classifies computers based on physical size, purpose, and functionality. It details four categories by size: supercomputers, mainframe computers, mini computers, and microcomputers, along with their characteristics and examples. Additionally, it distinguishes between general and special purpose computers, as well as digital, analogue, and hybrid computers based on their functionality.

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6 views2 pages

Classification of Computers

The document classifies computers based on physical size, purpose, and functionality. It details four categories by size: supercomputers, mainframe computers, mini computers, and microcomputers, along with their characteristics and examples. Additionally, it distinguishes between general and special purpose computers, as well as digital, analogue, and hybrid computers based on their functionality.

Uploaded by

okwalingaisaacemuron
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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OKWALINGA ISAAC.

BU/UP/2024/1466

Activity 1.5

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS.

Computers can be classified according to

1. Physical size
2. Purpose
3. Functionality

According to physical size

 Super computers.
These are the fastest, largest and also most expensive, most powerful computers. Their
characteristics include;
-very heavy computers
-they use multiple processors
-they generate a lot of heat.
-they have huge processing power.
Examples of super computers include; NEC-500, ENIAC,CDC 6600 and CRAY T3D.
 Mainframe computers.
These are less powerful and expensive than the super computers. Mainframe executes many
programs concurrently and supports many simultaneous execution of programs. They have
characteristics like;
-large in size. -they are multi user
-Multi processing. -Supports a variety of peripherals.
Examples include;
-BINAC -UNIVAC
-CDCB cyber series -ICL 39 series
 Mini computers.
A mini computer is physically smaller than a mainframe. However it can support the same
peripherals supported by a mainframe. Characteristics of mini computers include;
- Cheaper than mainframes
- They handle small amounts of data, are less powerful and have less memory than the
mainframes.
- Easier to manufacture and maintain compared to mainframes.
- Are slow compared to mainframe computers.
Applications of mini computers include;
-A counting
-Word processing
-Used in scientific laboratories.
-Used in research institutions.

 Micro computers.
These are PC's commonly found in homes today, schools etc. Their characteristics include;
-Are very fast. -Small in size
-Consume less power - Cheaper than both mini and mainframe computers.

According to purpose

 General purpose computers . These are flexible and can be applied in a wide range of
applications. Examples of general purpose computers include mainframes, mini computers,
micro computers and laptops.
 Special purpose computers. These are designed to handle a particular task only i.e they can not
perform any other task except the one they were meant to do. Examples include;
 - computers used in petrol pumps.
 - computers used in digital watches.
 - calculators used to carry out calculations only.

According to functionality

 Digital computers.
This is the most commonly used type of computers. They process data that is in descrete nature.
Descrete data is also known as digital data therefore any data to be manipulated by a digital
computer has to first be converted to digital form. Examples of digital computers include;
-calculators.
-Digital watches.
- And televisions with a button which is pressed to increase or decrease volume.
 Analogue computers.
These are computers that operate on continuous data. They carry out their data processing by
measuring the amount of change that occurs in physical attributes such as changes in speed,
currents, length and temperature.
Examples of analogue computers include;
- A thermometer
- A television with knobs that are rotated to increase or decrease the volume.
- A petrol pump.
- A monitor with knobs that are rotated to increase brightness.
 Hybrid computers.
These are designed to process both analogue and digital data i.e they combine both the
functional capabilities of the digital and analogue computers. Hybrid computers are more
expensive. They include;
- the machine used in the intensive care unit of a hospital for measuring the functionality of the
patient's heart, temperature and other vital organs.

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