CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE COMPUTER

Computers can be classified based on physical size,

purpose and types.
Classification of Computers by Size
In this classification, computers are classified as
follows:
Supercomputers
A Supercomputer is the very fastest and powerful,
and expensive type of computer for processing data.
Supercomputers’ size and storage capacity are also
huge and designed to process vast amounts of data in
a short time with high productivity. These are
specially made to perform multi-specific tasks.

Mainframe computers
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.

Minicomputers
Most minicomputers, like mainframes, are multiuser
and general-purpose computers. The primary
distinction between mainframes and minicomputers
is that minicomputers are slower even when
performing the same tasks as mainframes.

Microcomputers
The most common type of computer widely used in
homes, schools, banks, and offices, among other
places. It is a low-cost digital computer with a single
microprocessor, storage unit, and input/output
device. Microcomputers are typically designed for
individual use only. Examples are Desktop, Laptop,
Tablet, Workstation, PDA, Palmtop.

Classification of Computers by Purpose

In this classification, the computers are classified
according to the area of application. These areas are:
General Purpose Computers
A general-purpose computer is built to do a variety
of common tasks. Computers of this type have the
ability to store multiple programs. They can be
applied in the workplace, in science, in education,
and even at home. Such computers are adaptable, but
they are also less effective and move more slowly.
Special Purpose Computers
These computers are designed to perform a single
specific task. The programs or instructions required
to perform the task are permanently stored into the
computer’s internal memory, this enables the
computers to perform such task on a single
command. They are usually less expensive. The
Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is an example of
special purpose computers.

Classification of Computers by Type

In this classification, the computers are classified
according to the underlying operating principles.
That is, a computer can either be digital, analogue or
hybrid.
Analog Computers
Analogue computers are used to measure
continuously varying aspects of physical quantities
such as electrical current, voltages, hydraulic
pressure, and other electrical and mechanical
properties.

Digital Computers
Digits are used to represent letters, numbers, and
other special symbols in digital computers. Digital
computers use on-off (ON-OFF) inputs, and they
also create ON-OFF signals. An ON is frequently
represented by a 1 and an OFF by a 0.

Hybrid Computers
A hybrid computer is a combination of both a digital
computer system and an analog. The hybrid
computer has the capacity to handle both analog and
digital input. While the digital half of the system
manages the numerical and logical operation, the
analog portion of the system handles the
continuously varying aspects of complex
mathematical computation. The system’s controller
is also a part of the digital component. Hybrid
computers are used in medical science to measure
the heartbeat of the patient, also used in controlling
industrial processes and scientific applications.

HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND

HUMANWARE
The three major Components of a Computer System
are the hardware, software, and humanware.
Hardware and software exist together to make up the
actual computer. The humanware component adds to
the life factor to bring the whole computer into a
functional existence.

COMPUTER HARDWARE
Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or
components of a computer system. Hardware
consists of the following:
Motherboard - Also called as system board, panel
board, main board or circuit board that houses
majority of crucial components of the system
providing connectors for other peripherals.

Processor Chip - Also called as Central Processing

Unit. It carries out the instructions of a computer
program by performing the basic arithmetical,
logical, and input/output operations of the system.
Processor speeds are measured in Hz (hertz), KHz
(Kilohertz), MHz (megahertz), GHz (Gigahertz).
Two typical components of a CPU:
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) - performs
arithmetic and logical operations.
• Control Unit - extracts instructions from
memory and decodes and executes them, calling
on the ALU when necessary

Memory - It is a storage device used to store

information in computers. The semiconductor
memory is organized in a way that the memory cells
stores one binary bit (0 or 1).
Bits, bytes, and other unit of measurements in digital
information.
• Bit - is a binary digit, the smallest increment of
data on a computer. A bit can hold either a 0 or
1. That is off or on for electrical values. Because
bits are so small that you rarely work with it;
they are usually grouped into eight to form a
byte.
• Nibble – a group of 4 bits.
• Byte – is a group of 8 bits. Byte is a smallest
unit that can represent a character or number,
etc. A byte contains enough information to store
a single ASCII character, like “ k” (or
00101101).
Bit 0 or 1
Nibble a group of 4 bits
Byte a group of 8 bits
Kilobyte(KB) 1 KB 1024 bytes
Megabyte (MB) 1 MB 1024 KB
Gigabyte (GB) 1 GB 1024 MB
Terabyte (TB) 1 TB 1024 GB
Petabyte (PB) 1 PB 1024 TB
The two major types of memory in computer are the
Primary and Secondary memories.
Primary/Internal Memory – is directly accessible
by the CPU. It holds the data and instructions that
the processor is currently working on.
• Registers - Small memory, internal to processor,
where actual processing is done.
• Cache – is used to store frequently used data
and instructions for faster access by the
processor.
• RAM (Random Access Memory) – is used to
store data and programs temporarily while they
are being processed. It is a volatile memory,
which means that its contents are lost when
power is turned off.
• ROM (Read Only Memory) – is a non-volatile
memory used to store boot loader, firmware and
other system software.
Secondary Memory – it is a storage device that the
CPU cannot access directly. It is non-volatile
memory used for long term data storage, such as
files and programs that are not in use. That is, a
permanent storage. Types are:
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - is device for storing
and retrieving digital information, primarily
computer data. It consists of one or more
rotating discs with magnetic heads to write data
to the surfaces of the disk platter.

• Solid-State Drive (SSD)/Flash - performs the

same function of storing files, programs just as
the Hard Disk Drive. The only difference is that
SSD uses “flash memory” which allows it to
retain data whenever the computer loses power
supply and it is more expensive and very fast
compared to Hard Disk Drive.
• USB drives - Universal Serial Bus (USB) drives
are used in storing and copying data, documents,
files and folders from and into computer
systems.

• Optical drives – data is read and written with

the help of lasers. Examples are Compact Disk
 (CD), Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), and Blue
Ray.
• Floppy Diskette - used as a storage device in
the computer system, but is outdated.

• Magnetic Tape – is a serial access device which

allows us to store a very high volume of data,
usually used for backups.

Ports - Ports are the sockets available on the system

box They are used to connect external devices to the
computer. Two types are serial and parallel ports.
• Serial - It is a Serial Communication physical
interface through which information transfers in
or out one bit at a time. It is used to connect a
Mouse or Keyboard.
• Parallel - is a type of interface used to connect a
printer to the computer. It transfers 8 or more
data bit simultaneously.
VGA / SVGA / AGP:
VGA (Video Graphic Array) – is used for displaying
text, graphics, and colors on computer monitor. It
displays resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, with 256 6
bit colors and 1024 x 780 pixels, with 256 16 bit
colors.
SVGA (Super Video Graphic Array) – provides
higher resolution than the VGA.
AGP - (Accelerated Graphic Port) - is a video card
which interfaces the monitor to the Motherborad. It
allow game and 3D application developers to store
and retrieve larger, more realistic textures in system
memory rather than video memory.
Sound Card - It is an expansion card that records
and plays back sound by translating the analog
signal from a microphone into a digitized form that
the computer can store and process and then
translating back the modified data into analog
signals or sound.

Network Card - If we want to connect our

computer to another computer we will need a
Network Interface Card (NIC). It is an adapter card
that physically connects one computer to a network
cable and to another computer that has the same type
of NIC.

MODEM (Modulator Demodulator) - In order to

go online and browse the web or check E mail, we
need a modem to connect to an internet service
provider. A modem is a device that modulates an
analog carrier signal to encode digital information,
and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode
the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a
signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to
reproduce the original digital data. There are two
types of MODEM namely:
• Internal MODEM: It is integrated or attached to
the with motherboard.
• External MODEM: It is an external device,
connected to motherboard using serial port.

Input Devices - The input devices are used for

transferring / entering user command or data to the
computer. Input unit captures or reads data /
information and converts these data into form that
computer understands and transfers these data to
memory unit for execution. Examples are:
Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Joystick, Floppy, etc.
Output Devices - An output device is computer
hardware equipment used to communicate the results
of data processing carried out by computer by
converting the electronically generated information
into human readable form. It produces information
in the form of printouts, display on monitor, etc.
Example: Monitor, Printer, Plotter, Speakers,
Headphones, Projectors etc.
SOFTWARE COMPONENTS
Computer Software
The computer software is a series of programs which
are written to enable the computer to perform its
task. They are written instructions that help the
computer to function. The computer software is
divided into two main components:
• System software
• Application software

System software
The system software manages other software and
devices inside the computer. Its function is to ensure
that all the hardware components of the computer
come together and function as a unit. It coordinates
the communication of the user and other computer
software in order to perform a task. The following
are examples of the system software in a computer
system: Operating System, Utility Software, Device
Drivers, and Language Translators.
• Operating System (OS) - is a program that
controls the overall activity of your computer. It
manages the various files in your computer. It
allows the computer hardware to interact with
your computer software. Popular examples of
computer-based OS are Windows, Mac OS X,
Unix and Linux. Popular mobile OS includes
Android OS, iPhone OS, Windows Phone OS,
and Firefox OS.
• Utility software - this is used to support the
computer. It is designed to analyze, configure,
optimize and maintain the system and its
requirements. Examples are Antivirus, disk
defragmentation, disk cleaners, registry cleaners,
disk repair, memory tester, etc.
• Device Drivers – is software that helps devices
to perform its functions. Devices like printer,
keyboard, mouse, modem, etc. needs a driver to
connect with the computer system. When you
install the drivers, the operating system will
control and manage the device.
 • Language Translators – it converts program
written in high-level languages (such as Java, C,
C++, Python, etc.) into a sets of instructions that
are readable by the machine.
Application Software
The application software allows you to carry out a
specific task with the computer system. Two major
examples of application software are:
• Customized Software – this software is
designed for specific tasks or functions.
Examples: Bank management system, Airline
reservation system, Learning Management
System, Railway reservation system, etc.
• General Purpose Software – this is used for a
variety of tasks or functions. Examples are:
− Word processing software: allows you to
create a text by typing them with keyboard,
save, retrieve, edit and print documents.
Examples are Word perfect, MS-Word,
Word Star, etc.
− Electronic Spreadsheet Software: are used
for calculation, budgeting, bidding and
 financial projections. Examples are
Supercalc, Lotus, MS Excel, Symphony, etc.
− Database Management Software: are used
for storing or keeping useful information or
record of events. Examples are MySQL, MS
Access, DB2, Oracle, etc.
− Game Application software: This enables
you to play game with your computer.
Examples of this software package are Golf,
Snooker, Test-drive, Football, etc.
− Presentation Software: This is used to
display information in a form of slide show.
Examples are: MS Powerpoint, Google
Slides, Zoho show, Slidebean, etc.

HUMANWARE
Humanware is the combination of hardware and
software elements that make human interaction with
a device as good as possible.
Humanware refers to anything that has to do with
the role of people in the development or use of
computer software and hardware systems. It can
include various aspects of the process such as human
interaction, programming, productivity, teamwork,
and other factors.
Humanware can be divided into two distinct groups
such as: Computer professionals and Computer
users.
Computer professionals – they are those with
relevant qualifications and certifications and works
in the computer industry. They ensure the smooth
running of computers and information systems.
Examples are: Computer managers/ system
administrators, Computer programmers/software
developers, Computer engineers, System analysts,
Software engineers, Database administrators, etc.

Computer user - is a person who uses computers

for work, entertainment, communication or business.
Examples are: Bankers, Data processors, Research
students, Business owners, Graphics designers,
Lawyers, Doctors, Film producers, Teachers etc.