Fundamental of ICT

Lecture-2
Computer types classifications
Compatibility Mode
Course Instructor: Nasir Ali Kalmati
 TYPES OF COMPUTER
(ON THE BASIS OF FUNCTIONALITY)

According to functionality computer can be divided in

to three types:

1) Analog
2) Digital
3) Hybrid

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 1-ANALOG COMPUTER

o An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the

continuously-changeable aspects of physical fact such as
electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic(moved or operated or
effected by liquid) quantities to model the problem being
solved.”

o Analog means continuity of associated quantity just like an

analog clock measures time by means of the distance
traveled by the hand of the clock around a dial

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 1-ANALOG COMPUTER (cont.)
o Analog computer measures and answer the questions by the method
of “HOW MUCH”. The input data is not a number infect a physical
quantity like temperature, pressure, speed, velocity

o Used in World War II and the Korean War.

o They were commonly used in science and industry before the Digital
Computer
Examples:
• Thermometer
• Analog clock
• Speedometer
• Tire pressure gauge
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 2-DIGITAL COMPUTERS
o “A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with
quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system
of “0” and “1”.

o “Computer capable of solving problems by processing information

expressed in discrete form.

o Digital computer counts and answer the questions by the method of

“HOW Many”. The input data is represented by a number. These are
used for the logical and arithmetic operations.

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 2-DIGITAL COMPUTERS(cont.)
o By manipulating combinations of binary digits (“0”, “1”)
 Mathematical calculations
 Organize and analyze data
 Control industrial and other processes.
EXAMPLES:
• IBM PC
• Apple Macintosh
• Calculators
• Digital watches etc

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 3-HYBRID COMPUTERS:

o “A computer that processes both analog and digital data”.

o “Hybrid computer is a digital computer that accepts analog

signals, converts them to digital and processes them in
digital form”

o Hybrid Machines are generally used in scientific applications

or in controlling industrial processes.

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 3-HYBRID COMPUTERS(cont.)

Examples:
o Hybrid computer is the computer used in hospitals to
measure the heartbeat of the patient.
o Radar is also an example of hybrid computer

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 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS.
(ON THE BASIS OF SIZE CAPACITY AND SPEED)

On the basis of size capacity and speed, Computers can

be divided into following four classifications:

1) Super Computers.
2) Main frame Computers.
3) Mini Computers.
4) Micro Computers.

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 1-SUPER COMPUTERS.
o Leads the world in terms of processing capacity,
particularly speed of calculation
o Can handle gigantic amount of scientific
computation
o About 50,000 times faster than micro-computers
o Used primarily for engineering and scientific
problem analysis as well as for computerized
graphics and special effects seen in films.
o Cost as much as $20 million

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 1-SUPER COMPUTERS(cont.)
o A super computer contains a number of
CPU which operate in parallel to make it
faster. It also known as grand father
computer.
o In areas like:
• Defense(Missile Technology)
• Weather forecasting
• Scientific research
• Drug discoveries
• Hollywood movies
o Examples of Super Computers are CRAY X1 , CRAY T90
and Control Data Cyber 205.

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 2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS
o Smaller and less powerful than
supercomputer
o Can support hundreds and
thousands of users
o used mainly by large organizations
for critical applications, typically bulk
data processing(i.e. huge storage
capacity and massive processing
ability)

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 2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS(cont.)
o These are large and fast computers usually thousand in a controlled
environment.
o Multi-user environment, have the ability to service more than 100
terminals at a time
o TERMINALS – are the points from which users can have access to the
services of a multi-user computer.
o Terminals (which look like a microcomputer) are used to enter and
retrieve data from mainframe computers.
o They can support the processing requirements of hundreds and even
thousands of users.
o Are the largest, fastest and most expensive computers in commercial
use today.

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 2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS(cont.)
o Of all types of computers, mainframe have been around the longest.
ENIAC(Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator) and
UNIVAC(Universal Automatic Computer) were mainframe computers.

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 3-MINI COMPUTERS.
o Is the smallest computer designed
specifically for the multi-user environment.
o This type of computer can allow several
persons to use the machine at the same
time.
o Can process up to millions of characters.
o Before the late 60’s, most computers
produced were mainframe computers and
they were very expensive.
o The prohibited price of mainframes limited
its buyers to only the largest companies.

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 3-MINI COMPUTERS(cont.)
o A smaller and more affordable version of
mainframe and thus what the minicomputer
was born.
o Their storage capacities are smaller and they
service fewer terminals as compared to
mainframes.
o A computer servicing more than 100
terminals is no longer called a
minicomputer.
o The major difference between the
mainframe and minicomputer is in the
number of terminals they can service.
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 4-MICRO COMPUTERS.
o A personal computer; designed to meet the
computer needs of an individual.
o Provides access to a wide variety of
computing applications, such as word
processing, photo editing, e-mail, and
internet.
o The major difference between
microcomputers and the larger
minicomputers and mainframes is that
micros are generally single-user but a multi-
tasking machine

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 4-MICRO COMPUTERS(cont.)

o Personal Computers (PC) occupy

physically small amounts of space
o Low Power Consumption
Examples:
• Desktop computers
• laptop computers
• handhelds

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 4-MICRO COMPUTERS.(CONT.)
(DESKTOP MICROCOMPUTER)

o Bigger in Size
o No Portability
o Input & Output devices are
connected separately to System
Unit
o Has separate components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.) that are
each plugged into the computer.

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 4-MICRO COMPUTERS.(CONT.)
(LAPTOP MICROCOMPUTER)

o A portable, compact computer

that can run on an electrical wall
outlet or a battery unit.
o All components (keyboard, mouse,
etc.) are in one compact unit.
o Usually more expensive than a
comparable desktop.
o Sometimes called a Notebook.

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 4-MICRO COMPUTERS.(CONT.)
(HANDHELD MICROCOMPUTER)
o Also called a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).
o A computer that fits into a pocket, runs on
batteries, and is used while holding the unit in
your hand.
o Typically used as an appointment book,
address book, calculator, and notepad.
o Smaller in Size and Fully Portable
o Speed is less than Desktops & Laptops
o Capable of running specific Application
Software (System Software are limited)
o Can operate for days on its batteries.

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 4-MICRO COMPUTERS.(CONT.)
(TABLET MICROCOMPUTER)
o A tablet PC is a wireless personal
computer (PC) that allows a user to take
notes using natural handwriting with a
stylus or digital pen on a touch screen.
o The user's handwritten notes, which can
be edited and revised, can also be
indexed and searched or shared via e-
mail or cell phone.
o Touch Panel with Electronic Pen.

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 4-MICRO COMPUTERS.(CONT.)
(Workstation)
o Workstations are similar like
Desktop PCs but unlike desktops,
they have high end processing
speed for specific software
o Used for Graphic Designing,
Special effects for movies, CAD
applications
o Special Input and Output devices
are provided to Power Users

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 EMBEDDED COMPUTERS.
o An embedded computer is a
special-purpose computer
that functions as a
component in a larger
product
o Embedded computers are
purpose-built computing
platforms, designed for a
specific, software-controlled
task.

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 SERVERS
o A server is a large shared computer
• several times the power of a workstation
• several times the memory of a workstation
• hardware and operating system optimized

o A server may act as one or more of functions like:

• compute server: to run
• file server: to store files centrally
• mail server: to route mail messages
• web server: to store web files etc
• Print server: to print the document
• Proxy server: to provide internet access.
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 PROXY SERVERS

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