Types of Computers

There are two bases on which we can define the types of computers. We will
discuss the type of computers on the basis of size and data handling
capabilities. We will discuss each type of computer in detail. Let’s see first
what are the types of computers.

Classification on the basis of size:

● Super Computer

● Mainframe computer

● Mini Computer

Classification on the basis of functionality:

● Workstation Computer

● Personal Computer (PC)

● Server Computer

Classification on the basis of data handling:

● Analog Computer

● Digital Computer

● Hybrid Computer

Supercomputer
When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when

thinking of computers is supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest

computers (in terms of speed of processing data). 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.

Supercomputers

Characteristics of Supercomputers

● Supercomputers are the computers that 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 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.

Mainframe computer

Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they can support

hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple

programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different processes

simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big

organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume

of data in general.

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.

Minicomputer

Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of

computer, there are two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at

one time. Minicomputer is similar to Microcontroller. Minicomputers are used

in places like institutes or departments for different work like billing,

accounting, inventory management, etc. It is smaller than a mainframe

computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.

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.

Workstation Computer
A workstation computer is designed for technical or scientific applications. It

consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and a

high-speed graphic adapter. It is a single-user computer. It is generally used

to perform a specific task with great accuracy.

Characteristics of Workstation Computer

● It is expensive or high in cost.

● They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.

● It provides large storage capacity, better graphics, and a more

powerful CPU when compared to a PC.

● It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and

video creation, and editing.

Personal Computer (PC)

Personal Computers is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a

general-purpose computer designed for individual use. It consists of a

microprocessor as a central processing unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and

output unit. This kind of computer is suitable for personal work such as

making an assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office work, etc.

For example, Laptops and desktop computers.

Characteristics of Personal Computer (PC)

● In this limited number of software can be used.

● It is the smallest in size.

● It is designed for personal use.

● It is easy to use.
Server Computer

Server Computers are computers that are combined data and programs.

Electronic data and applications are stored and shared in the server

computer. The working of a server computer is that it does not solve a bigger

problem like a supercomputer but it solves many smaller similar ones.

Examples of server computer are like Wikipedia, as when users put a request

for any page, it finds what the user is looking for and sends it to the user.

Analog Computer

Analog Computers are particularly designed to process analog data.

Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values

are called analog data. So, an analog 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.

Digital Computer

Digital computers are designed in such a way that they can easily perform

calculations and logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as 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 smartphones are digital computers.

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 analog computers and have

memory and accuracy like digital computers. 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 are 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.

Computer - Applications

Business

A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or

versatility which has made it an integrated part in all business organizations.

Computer is used in business organizations for −

​ Payroll calculations

​ Budgeting

​ Sales analysis

​ Financial forecasting

​ Managing employee database

​ Maintenance of stocks, etc.

Banking

Today, banking is almost totally dependent on computers.

Banks provide the following facilities −

​ Online accounting facility, which includes checking current balance,

making deposits and overdrafts, checking interest charges, shares, and

trustee records.

​ ATM machines which are completely automated are making it even

easier for customers to deal with banks.

Insurance

Insurance companies are keeping all records up-to-date with the help of computers.

Insurance companies, finance houses, and stock broking firms are widely using

computers for their concerns.

Insurance companies are maintaining a database of all clients with information

showing −

​ Procedure to continue with policies

​ Starting date of the policies

​ Next due installment of a policy

​ Maturity date

​ Interests due

​ Survival benefits

​ Bonus

Education
The computer helps in providing a lot of facilities in the education system.

​ The computer provides a tool in the education system known as CBE

(Computer Based Education).

​ CBE involves control, delivery, and evaluation of learning.

​ Computer education is rapidly increasing the graph of number of

computer students.

​ There are a number of methods in which educational institutions can

use a computer to educate the students.

​ It is used to prepare a database about performance of a student and

analysis is carried out on this basis

Marketing

In marketing, uses of the computer are following −

 ​ Advertising − With computers, advertising professionals create art and

graphics, write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the

goal of selling more products.

​ Home Shopping − Home shopping has been made possible through

the use of computerized catalogues that provide access to product

information and permit direct entry of orders to be filled by the

customers.

Healthcare

Computers have become an important part in hospitals, labs, and dispensaries.

They are being used in hospitals to keep the record of patients and medicines. It is

also used in scanning and diagnosing different diseases. ECG, EEG, ultrasounds and

CT scans, etc. are also done by computerized machines.

Following are some major fields of health care in which computers are used.

​ Diagnostic System − Computers are used to collect data and identify

the cause of illness.

​ Lab-diagnostic System − All tests can be done and the reports are

prepared by computer.

​ Patient Monitoring System − These are used to check the patient's

signs for abnormality such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG, etc.

 ​ Pharma Information System − Computer is used to check drug labels,

expiry dates, harmful side effects, etc.

​ Surgery − Nowadays, computers are also used in performing surgery.

Engineering Design

Computers are widely used for Engineering purpose.

One of the major areas is CAD (Computer Aided Design) that provides creation and

modification of images. Some of the fields are −

Structural Engineering − Requires stress and strain analysis for design of ships,

buildings, budgets, airplanes, etc.

Industrial Engineering − Computers deal with design, implementation, and

improvement of integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment.

Architectural Engineering − Computers help in planning towns, designing buildings,

determining a range of buildings on a site using both 2D and 3D drawings.

Military
Computers are largely used in defence. Modern tanks, missiles, weapons, etc.

Military also employs computerized control systems. Some military areas where a

computer has been used are −

​ Missile Control

​ Military Communication

​ Military Operation and Planning

​ Smart Weapons

Communication

Communication is a way to convey a message, an idea, a picture, or speech that is

received and understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant.

Some main areas in this category are −

 ​ E-mail

​ Chatting

​ Usenet

​ FTP

​ Telnet

​ Video-conferencing

Government

Computers play an important role in government services. Some major fields in this

category are −

​ Budgets

​ Sales tax department

​ Income tax department

 ​ Computation of male/female ratio

​ Computerization of voters lists

​ Computerization of PAN card

​ Weather forecasting

Firmware:
What is Firmware? Types
and Examples
Firmware Definition
Firmware is a form of microcode or program embedded into hardware devices to help
them operate effectively. Hardware like cameras, mobile phones, network cards, optical
drives, printers, routers, scanners, and television remotes rely on firmware built into their
memory to function smoothly.

Firmware is often referred to as “software for hardware.” However, there is a difference

between firmware and software. Firmware provides instructions to help hardware start
up, communicate with other devices, and perform basic input/output tasks. Software, on
the other hand, is installed onto a device and used for interaction, such as browsing the
internet, word processing, listening to music, and videoconferencing.

Hardware manufacturers regularly release firmware updates so their devices remain

secure and compatible with new media. For example, Android and iOS devices
periodically get firmware updates that enhance their performance, add new features, and
protect them against security threats and vulnerabilities. Updates for firmware for
devices like game consoles and televisions are typically done by accepting prompts to
download and install the latest patch.
Types and Examples of Firmware

When a device switches on, the firmware instructs the processor to initiate the startup
process. Computers, mobile phones, and tablets operate multiple forms of firmware to
perform actions like loading their operating systems. Firmware operates in a similar way
to device drivers. However, firmware is stored directly on the hardware device, whereas
drivers are installed in the device’s operating system. Firmware can also start up by
itself, while drivers remain reliant on the operating system.

There are typically three levels of firmware:

1. Low-level firmware: This firmware is usually stored in non-volatile memory chips

like read-only memory (ROM) and one-time programmable (OTP) memory. These
chips cannot be rewritten or updated, and the firmware is intrinsic to the
hardware, such as a computer.
2. High-level firmware: This firmware is deployed within flash memory chips and
comes with more complex instructions that allow updates to be made.
3. Subsystems: These are semi-independent devices that are part of a more
extensive system. Firmware at this level is embedded within central processing
units (CPUs), flash chips, and liquid crystal display (LCD) units.

Common types of firmware include:

BIOS

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) has been a critical component of computers
since the very early days. The BIOS sits on a chip in a computer’s motherboard and
issues a set of instructions that enables the device’s operating system to load. It is also
responsible for looking after a device’s hardware components and ensuring they function
correctly upon startup.

When a computer is turned on, the BIOS launches instructions that check the machine’s
startup process for potential errors. It starts by checking the random access memory
(RAM) and processor for faults, then checks connected devices, such as a keyboard and
mouse, for any problems. It then checks for a boot sequence, such as Boot from
Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) and Boot from Hard Drive. Finally, the
BIOS connects to the bootloader program, which wakes up the computer’s operating
system and loads it in the RAM.
Aside from the device startup process, the BIOS is responsible for checking the
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), which is a piece of memory that
stores BIOS settings, and other chips on a device. It also checks signals that are sent to
the RAM, such as when a user presses a key, to help the operating system understand
what action to take.

EFI

Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) is a new generation of firmware that issues the
instructions that a device’s CPU uses to start the hardware and initiate the bootloader.
EFI is a replacement for BIOS and is used in new computers. It offers advantages like
ensuring a device only boots trusted software and other cybersecurity benefits.

The original EFI firmware is used in Macs and can only support Intel processors. Unified
EFI (UEFI) is a piece of firmware designed to replace the BIOS in new Windows
computers and supports AMD and Intel processors. UEFI is used to load and start up
operating systems in devices that run Windows 8 and beyond.

How to Figure Out Your Device's Firmware Version

Understanding what firmware a device has is crucial to keeping the machine updated.
The firmware version of a Windows device can be accessed through the command
prompt using an upgrade assistant.

The firmware version of a hardware device can be discovered by opening the Devices
Manager folder, selecting the hardware, and clicking Properties. Within the Details tab,
navigate to the Property menu, open the Hardware IDs option, and the firmware version
will be listed in the Value table.

Why Do Enterprises Need Firmware Updates?

Firmware updates enable hardware devices to continue operating efficiently and
securely. These updates typically involve some form of program alteration that fixes a
known bug or patches against specific vulnerabilities.
Enterprises must constantly update their devices with the latest firmware version.
Reasons for doing so include:

1. Upgrade devices without upgrading the hardware: Firmware updates upgrade

devices with additional operational instructions without needing to upgrade the
hardware itself.
2. Enjoy the latest features: Firmware updates enable users to enjoy the latest
features that have been added to a device, thereby improving the user
experience.
3. Improve firmware performance: Firmware updates optimize the performance of
the firmware, which in turn helps the device’s processor perform as expected.
4. Boost execution times: Keeping firmware updated can significantly improve
execution and instruction times, which enables a device to run smoothly.
5. Fix issues: A firmware update may be issued to fix issues that have developed
due to multiple software updates.
6. Install new features and functions: Firmware updates are commonly issued to
install new capabilities and functionalities.
7. Save on repair and maintenance costs: Regularly updating device firmware
reduces the need for expensive bug fixes and significant device repairs or
upgrades.
8. Ensure all components work as they should: Firmware updates allow all
peripheral components to work in harmony, which eliminates delays and enables
the device to perform better.

What Is Firmware Security? What Are the Associated

Security Challenges?
Hardware devices are vulnerable to firmware attacks, which can lead to hackers
embedding malware into the firmware. The BIOS has proven to be particularly insecure
because different devices often share the same code, enabling attackers to discover and
exploit common vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, devices like laptops are packed with firmware that powers hardware like
batteries, sound cards, and webcams. This introduces a security risk, as producers of
these components may not design the firmware with cybersecurity top of mind. As a
result, they could be vulnerable to firmware hacking, which leads to malware attaching
itself to the firmware and remaining hidden without being detected by antivirus and other
security tools.

A lack of firmware security can lead to attackers spying on users’ devices, intercepting
their online activity, stealing their data, and gaining remote control of their machine. The
highly corruptible state of firmware makes it most vulnerable to bricking, which renders
the machine inoperable or unbootable. A recent example was a cyberattack on the
Ukrainian power grid, which began with attackers bricking serial-to-ethernet converters.

How Firmware Attacks Are Carried Out

Firmware attacks can come through various vectors, from malware and rootkits to
infected hard drives, corrupted drives, and insecure firmware products. Hackers do not
have to physically touch a device to carry out an attack. They can do so through remote
connections like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This means that the growing market of connected
devices, such as game consoles, mobile phones, and television, is increasingly
becoming vulnerable to firmware hacking.

Enterprises must prioritize firmware security and be aware of the threats they face to
prevent hackers from accessing and taking control of their machines. Firmware security
is mainly reliant on hardware manufacturers to keep their devices current and safe. As a
result, manufacturers create measures that ensure their firmware withstands attacks, as
well as release regular patches and updates.

However, the onus remains on enterprises to prevent firmware attacks by instilling best
practices, including:

1. Constantly update firmware: Manufacturers release updates either to prevent

known vulnerabilities or keep their firmware current. Enterprises must turn on
automatic firmware updates and regularly search for the latest firmware versions
by monitoring manufacturers’ websites or relevant social media pages. Regular
firmware updates help close any security gaps as quickly as possible, enabling
hardware to function correctly.
2. Avoid untrusted storage devices: Attackers typically use external storage devices
like Universal Serial Bus (USB) drives to launch malware that instantly attaches
itself to a computer. Users must avoid using unknown or untrusted USBs, and
many organizations have already banned the use of these storage devices.
3. Protect against malicious firmware: One of the best defenses against firmware
attacks is purchasing hardware with built-in firmware security. Many vendors now
provide devices that constantly update to prevent firmware vulnerabilities, such
as Dell’s Enhanced BIOS Verification, Intel’s Hardware Shield, and Microsoft’s
OS Protection, which are installed on their devices as default.
4. Register hardware devices: To get the latest firmware updates, enterprises
should register all hardware purchases. Manufacturers alert registered owners
every time they make an update available for a device.
Why Firmware Security Matters to Internet-of-Things (IoT) Devices

Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices are especially vulnerable to cyberattacks because they

often lack the security measures that are built into laptops, mobile phones, and tablets.
As a result, IoT devices have become popular targets for attackers to embed malware
and malicious code in an attempt to compromise systems.

Device manufacturers increasingly address IoT security by deploying over-the-air (OTA)

updates to firmware, a process that reduces disruption and increases the extensibility,
reliability, and security of IoT firmware. The updates also patch any bugs that could pose
a threat.

Organizations must implement IoT best practices to help users avoid IoT device
vulnerabilities.