3 - Types and Classifications of Computers
3 - Types and Classifications of Computers
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
(Types and Classifications of Computers)
Lecture # 03
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TYPES OF COMPUTER
(ON THE BASIS OF
FUNCTIONALITY)
2) Digital
3) Hybrid
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1-ANALOG COMPUTER
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.”
Analog means continuity of associated quantity
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1-ANALOG COMPUTER (CONTI.)
Analog computer measures and answer the
questions by the method of “HOW MUCH”. The
input data is not a number infact a physical
quantity like temperature, pressure, speed,
velocity
Used in World War II and the Korean War.
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
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CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
(ON THE BASIS OF SIZE CAPACITY AND SPEED)
4) Micro Computers.
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1-SUPER COMPUTERS
Leads the world in terms of processing capacity,
particularly speed of calculation
Can handle gigantic amount of scientific
computation
About 50,000 times faster than micro-computers
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1-SUPER COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
A super computer
contains a number of
CPU which operate in
parallel to make it faster.
It also known as grand
father computer.
In areas like:
Defense(Missile
Technology)
Weather forecasting
Scientific research
Drug discoveries
Hollywood movies
Examples of Super
Computers are CRAY X1 ,
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CRAY T90 and Control Data
Cyber 205.
2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS
Smaller and less powerful
than supercomputer
Can support hundreds and
thousands of users
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
(CONTI.)
These are large and fast computers usually
housed in a controlled environment.
Multi-user environment, have the ability to
service more than 100 terminals at a time
TERMINALS – are the points from which
users can have access to the services of a
multi-user computer.
Terminals (which look like a microcomputer)
are used to enter and retrieve data from
mainframe computers.
They can support the processing
requirements of hundreds and even
thousands of users.
Are the largest, fastest and most expensive 12
computers in commercial use today.
2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS
(CONTI.)
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
Is the smallest computer
designed specifically for the
multi-user environment.
This type of computer can
allow several persons to use
the machine at the same time.
Can process up to millions of
characters.
Before the late 60’s, most
computers produced were
mainframe computers and they
were very expensive.
The prohibited price of
mainframes limited its buyers14
to only the largest companies.
3-MINI COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
Personal Computers
(PC) occupy physically
small amounts of space
Low Power
Consumption
Example:
Desktop computers
laptop computers
handhelds
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4-MICRO COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
DESKTOP MICROCOMPUTER
Bigger in Size
No Portability
Input & Output
devices are connected
separately to System
Unit
Has separate
components
(keyboard, mouse,
etc.) that are each
plugged into the
computer.
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4-MICRO COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
LAPTOP COMPUTER
A portable, compact
computer that can run
on an electrical wall
outlet or a battery unit.
All components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.)
are in one compact
unit.
Usually more expensive
than a comparable
desktop.
Sometimes called a
Notebook. 20
4-MICRO COMPUTERS
(CONTI.)
HANDHELD
Also called a PDA (Personal
Digital Assistant).
A computer that fits into a pocket,
runs on batteries, and is used
while holding the unit in your
hand.
Typically used as an appointment
book, address book, calculator,
and notepad.
Smaller in Size and Fully Portable
Speed is less than Desktops &
Laptops
Capable of running specific
Application Software (System
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Software are limited)
Can operate for days on its
4-MICRO COMPUTERS
(CONTI.)
TABLET PC 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.
The user's handwritten
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EMBEDDED COMPUTERS
An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
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SERVERS
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 optimised
for multi-user, no-crash operation
A server may act as one or more of
functions like:
compute server: to run programs
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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