TYPES OF

COMPUTER
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 TYPES OF COMPUTER
Computers are different from each other on the basis of their purpose, capacity, size, working principle,
brand etc.
Computer can be categorized into three types according to the working principle (data type they operate).
They are:
i. Analog computer
ii. Digital computer
iii. Hybrid computer

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TYPES OF COMPUTER

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER ACCORDING TO THE
WORKING PRINCIPLE (DATA TYPE THEY
OPERATE)
Analog Computer
Analog computers are special-purpose computers which can measure continuously
changing data (physical values) such as pressure, temperature, voltage, etc. It can perform a single task.
For example, speedometer which displays speed of vehicles, voltmeter, analog watch, seismograph, etc.
The features of analog computer are given below:
◦ Cheaper than other device on continuous data.
◦ Storage capacity is low.
◦ Works in real-time.
◦ Gives output in the form of graph and signals.

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER ACCORDING TO THE
WORKING PRINCIPLE (DATA TYPE THEY
OPERATE)
Digital Computer
Digital computers are general-purpose computers which solve problems by computing discrete data. It
works on digital values, binary digits (0 or 1). It can perform many tasks according to user requirements.
Computer in school, home and office are examples of digital computer.

Feature of digital computer

◦ works on discontinuous data.
◦ highly accurate and reliable.
◦ used for general purpose.
◦ based on discrete data (digit 0 and 1).

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER ACCORDING TO THE
WORKING PRINCIPLE (DATA TYPE THEY
OPERATE)

Hybrid Computer
The computer-designed with combined features of analog computer and the digital
computer is called a hybrid computer. These computers are designed for a special
purpose. They are used in hospital for Ultra Sound, ECG (Electro Cardio Graph), CT
scan (Computed Tomography scan), etc., in airplanes for air pressure, temperature,
speed, weight, in scientific lab, in ships, large industries etc.

Feature of Hybrid computers

◦ expensive
◦ designed for special purpose
◦ works on both has continuous and discrete value
◦ more complex and limited storage
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 TYPES OF COMPUTER ON THE BASIS OF
PURPOSE
On the basis of purpose, digital computers are classified into two types.
Special Purpose Digital Computer
These types of digital computer are designed to perform a single specific task. The program is loaded
during manufacturing time in this type of digital computer which cannot be changed by user. Digital
thermometer, digital watch, self-driven vehicle, washing machine, digital television, etc. are the example of
special-purpose digital computers.

General Purpose Digital Computer

These types of digital computer are designed to perform more than one task. The user can load programs
into the computer as per requirement to perform a different task. Desktop computer, laptop, notebook, etc.
are the example of general-purpose digital computers.

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER ON THE BASIS OF
SIZE
On the basis of size, digital computers are classified into four types. They are
◦ Microcomputer
◦ Minicomputer
◦ Mainframe computer and
◦ Supercomputer

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER ON THE BASIS OF
SIZE
Microcomputer
Microcomputer is also called PC (Personal Computer) because it is used by a single person at a time.
Microprocessor is used as main processing unit (CPU). IBM-PC was the first microcomputer designed by
IBM (International Business Machine) company. Microcomputers are used in the home, school, college,
hospital, offices, etc. for data processing purpose.
These microcomputers are further divided into the following categories:
◦ Desktop computer
◦ Laptop computer
◦ Palmtop computer
◦ Notebook computer
◦ Tablet computer

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER ON THE BASIS OF
SIZE
Minicomputer
Minicomputer is more powerful and expensive than microcomputer but less powerful and costly than
mainframe computer. So, the capabilities of a minicomputer are in between microcomputer and mainframe
computer. Minicomputer is used in scientific research, banking system, telephone switch, etc. These
computers work on multiprocessing system and about two hundred of PCs can be connected to the
network.
IBM-System/3, Honeywell 200, etc. are some examples of minicomputer.

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER ON THE BASIS OF
SIZE
Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computers are more powerful, have large storage capacity and more expensive than
minicomputer but less powerful and costly than supercomputer. These computers allows multi-user and
have multi-processor and support more than 200 PCs. These computers are used as a server on WWW
(World Wide Web) and also used in large organizations such as a bank, telecommunication, airlines and
universities for large data processing.
IBM-2 series, system 210 servers, CDC (Control Data Cyber) 6600 etc. are the popular examples of
mainframe computer.

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER ON THE BASIS OF
SIZE
Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the most powerful, most expensive and have the highest processing speed most than
other computers. It has parallel processing for performing any task. These computers are mainly used in
weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, national security, space-related research, etc.
Nowadays, most powerful supercomputer is Sunway Taihulight from National Super Computing Centre,
Wuxi, China. Supercomputer can perform more than one trillion calculations per second.
Piz Daint, Tianhe-z, Titan, Seq voie, Cori, ETA-10, etc.
are the popular examples of supercomputer.

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ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS.
a) How are computers classified into different types?
b) What is analog computer? Where is it used?
c) Define digital computer. What are the types of digital computers?
d) Differentiate between general-purpose computers and special purpose computers.
e) Classify a computer on the basis of size.
f) What is mainframe computer and what are its typical applications?
g) What are supercomputers? Write their application.
h) What is microcomputer? Write its types.
i) Define hybrid computer? How is it used in hospitals.
j) Write short notes on: desktop computer, laptop computer, palmtop computer, notebook and tablet computer.

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