Classification of Computers according to Size, Type, Purpose and

Period/Generation
There are different classes of computer technology available these days. The functionality and
data processing of each type of computer is different and output results as well.
However, the methods or techniques, Size, capacity, characteristics, and data handling of the
data of each computer may be different too.
Classification of Computers
We can classify the computers into the following four (4) categories:
Classifications of Computers System:-
Computer can be classified into FOUR broadly categories:
(1). On the basis of Generation.
(2). On the basis of Size,
(3). On the basis of Data Processed and
(4). On the basis of Purpose.

The diagram below depicts the general classifications of computers

1) On the Basis of Size and Capacity, [Supercomputer, Mainframe, Mini, and Micro
Computer].
2) On the Basis of Purposes, [General and Special Purpose].
3) On the Basis of Hardware Design and Type [Analog, Digital, and Hybrid Computer].
4) On the basic of Period/ Generation [First, Second, Third and Fourth Generation]

Computer on the Basis of Size and Capacity:

1. Supercomputer 2.Mainframe
3Mini and 4. Micro Computer

Computers on the Basis of Size and Capacity

1. SuperComputer
2. Mainframe Computer
3. Mini Computer
4. Micro Computer

Computers on the Basis Purpose

1. General Purpose
2. Special Purpose

Computers on the Basis of Data Processed (Hardware Design and Data Handling).
 1. Analog Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer

(A) Computers on the Basis of Size and Capacity

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.
A supercomputer’s design is complicated, like it can be heterogeneous, combining computers
of different architectures, is significantly surpassed most existing personal computers. This
made this machine an ultra-high-performance supercomputer.
Each part of a supercomputer is responsible for its own specific task, such as structuring and
solving the most complex problems requiring an incredible amount of calculations.

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.
Good to Know ~ World’s first supercomputer is the Control Data Corporation (CDC)
6600 invented by Seymour Cray.

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.

The mainframe is ahead of our conventional modern Personal computers in almost every
metric. The possibility of their “hot” replacement in the mainframe computer ensures
continuity of operation. And the standard amount of processor utilization effortlessly exceeds
85% of the total power. Some mainframes can be more powerful than supercomputers because
the mainframe supports many processes simultaneously. On the other hand, supercomputers
can run a single program but faster than a mainframe. In the past, Mainframes requires entire
rooms or even floors of whole buildings for set up.
In today, IBM company is leading the production of mainframe computers.
Mainframe reliability is increased with development in the past 60 years. These computers
can fix most of the hardware and software bugs.

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. Mini Computer
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.

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).
Good to Know ~ PDP-1 was the world’s first minicomputer, small and interactive,
introduced in 1960 by the Digital Equipment Corporation.

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

Applications: The uses of Micro Computer –

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.

(B) Computers on the Basis of Purpose

1. General Purpose
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, smartphones, and tablets are used on daily basis for general purposes.

2. Special/ Specific Purpose

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.

(C) Computers on the Basis of Type of Data Processed

(Hardware Design and Data Handling).
1. Analog Computer
An analog computer performs tasks using continuous data (the physical amount that changes
continuously). Analog computers are used primarily to measure physical units like the voltage,
pressure, electric current, temperature, and convert them into digits.
It is also used to measure and perform arithmetic calculations of numbers, the length of an
object, or the amount of voltage that passes through a point in an electrical circuit. Analog
computers obtain all their data from some measurement way.
Analog computers are mainly used in the fields of science and engineering. Analog computers
are slow and equipped to measure things rather than countable or check.
The efficiency of this computer increases when we get the result of the data in graphs, etc.
Analog Computers cannot store statistics.

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:
An analog computer installed on a petrol pump measures the amount of petrol coming out of
the pump and appears in liters. And calculates its value. These quantities vary continuously
while measuring the amount, such as the temperature of a human body changes consistently.
A simple clock, the vehicle’s speedometer, Voltmeter, etc. are examples of analog
computing.

2. Digital Computer
As its name suggests, a digital computer represents the digital computer’s letters, numerical
values, or any other special symbols. This computer is the computer that calculates the number
for processing the data.
They run on electronic signs, and the binary numeral method Binary System 0 or 1 is used for
calculation. Their speed is fast.
It can perform arithmetic operations such as addition, occurrence, subtraction,
multiplication, or division and all types of logical(mathematical) operations. Today, most of
the computers available in the market are digital computers.
Digital computers are built to bring the solution of equations to an almost unlimited precision,
but in a bit slow manner compared to analog computers. To some extent, they all have similar
components for receiving, processing, sorting, and transmitting data and use a relatively small
number of essential functions to perform their tasks.
 Digital computers use discrete electrical signals for operation rather than continuous electrical
signals as analog computers have, making them the most common form of computers today
because of their versatility, speed, and power.
The desktop or Laptop at our home is one the common and best example of a digital
computer.
Other Examples of Digital Computers
 Personal Desktop Computers,
 Calculators,
 Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets,
 Chrome books,
 Digital watch,
 Accounting machines,
 Workstations,
 Digital clock, etc.

3. Hybrid Computer
A hybrid computer is a combined complex computer unit built using both analog and
digital properties and united by a single control system. The purpose of designing hybrid
computers is to provide functions and features that can be found on both analog and digital
devices.
The aim behind creating a hybrid computer is to create a kind of work unit that offers the best
of both types of computers. Hybrid computers are extremely fast when driving equations,
even when those calculations are incredibly complex.
As both the properties of a computer consist in the form of a single hybrid computer made
possible to solve too complex calculations or problems, at the same time, these devices are
not only too expensive but also able to solve complex issues a bit fast.
Incorporating the properties of both (analog and digital) computers into hybrid computers
makes it possible to resolve more difficult equations immediately.
The analog computer systems solve the equation process immediately. But it is not necessary
that those solutions would be completely accurate.
Here, the digital computer system gives 100 % correct solutions, but it takes a bit of time in
the calculation. Therefore, Hybrid computers are made to overcome the flaws of both these
analog and digital systems.
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’ defense
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.
What are the three classes of computer?
One can classify the computer system in the following three classes: 1. Computers on the
Basis of Size and Capacity include Super, Mainframe, Mini, and Micro Computer. 2.
 Computers on the Basis of Purposes include General purpose and Special Purpose. 3.
Computers on the Basis of Hardware Design and Data Handling include Analog, Digital, and
Hybrid Computer.

(D) Classification on the basis of generations or period.

Five Generations of Computers

Generations of Evolving
Generations timeline
computers hardware/Technology

First generation 1940s-1950s Vacuum tube based

Second generation 1950s-1960s Transistor based

Third generation 1960s-1970s Integrated circuit based

Fourth generation 1970s-present Microprocessor based

The present and the

Fifth generation Artificial intelligence based
future

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 The evolution of computer technology is often divided into five generations.
The main characteristics of first generation of computers (1940s-1950s)

 Main electronic component – vacuum tube

 Main memory – magnetic drums and magnetic tapes
 Programming language – machine language

 Power – consume a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat.

 Speed and size – very slow and very large in size (often taking up entire room).
 Input/output devices – punched cards and paper tape.
 Examples – ENIAC, UNIVAC1, IBM 650, IBM 701, etc.
 Quantity – there were about 100 different vacuum tube computers produced between 1942
and1963.

Second Generation of Computers

The main characteristics of second generation of computers (1950s-1960s)

Main electronic component – transistor

 Memory – magnetic core and magnetic tape / disk

 Programming language – assembly language

 Power and size – low power consumption, generated less heat, and smaller in size (in
comparison with the first generation computers).
 Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison with the first generation
computers).
 Input/output devices – punched cards and magnetic tape.
 Examples – IBM 1401, IBM 7090 and 7094, UNIVAC 1107, etc.

Third Generation of Computers

The main characteristics of third generation of computers (1960s-1970s)

 Main electronic component – integrated circuits (ICs)

 Memory – large magnetic core, magnetic tape / disk
 Programming language – high level language (FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal, COBOL, C,

etc.)
 Size – smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than second generation computers (they were
called minicomputers).
 Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison with the second generation
computers).

 Input / output devices – magnetic tape, keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.

 Examples – IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, UNIVAC 1108, etc.

Fourth Generation of Computers

The main characteristics of fourth generation of computers (1970s-present)

 Main electronic component – very large-scale integration

(VLSI) and microprocessor.
 VLSI– thousands of transistors on a single microchip.
 Memory – semiconductor memory (such as RAM, ROM, etc.)
o RAM (random-access memory) – a type of data storage (memory element) used in
computers that temporary stores of programs and data (volatile: its contents are lost when the
computer is turned off).

o ROM (read-only memory) – a type of data storage

used in computers that permanently stores data and programs (non-volatile: its contents are
retained even when the computer is turned off).
 Programming language – high level language (Python, C#, Java, JavaScript, Rust, Kotlin,
etc.).
o A mix of both third- and fourth-generation languages
 Size – smaller, cheaper and more efficient than third generation computers.
 Speed – improvement of speed, accuracy, and reliability (in comparison with the third
generation computers).

 Input / output devices – keyboard, pointing devices, optical

scanning, monitor, printer, etc.

 Network – a group of two or more computer systems linked together.

 Examples – IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh, etc.

Fifth Generation of Computers

 The main characteristics of fifth generation of computers (the present and the future)

 Main electronic component: based on artificial intelligence,

uses the Ultra Large-Scale Integration (ULSI) technology and parallel processing method.
o ULSI – millions of transistors on a single microchip
o Parallel processing method – use two or more microprocessors to run tasks
simultaneously.
 Language – understand natural language (human language).
 Power – consume less power and generate less heat.
 Speed – remarkable improvement of speed, accuracy and reliability (in comparison with
the fourth generation computers).
 Size – portable and small in size, and have a huge storage capacity.

 Input / output device – keyboard, monitor, mouse, trackpad

(or touchpad), touchscreen, pen, speech input (recognize voice / speech), light scanner, printer,
etc.
 Example – desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.

The computer – this amazing technology went from a government/business-only technology

to being everywhere from people’s homes, work places, to people’s pockets in less than 100
years.