TYPES OF

COMPUTER
Classifications of computer
vary and also depend on
some criterion as discussed
below:

Criterion 1: Types by Data

Processed

There are three (3) types of

computers according to this
classification criterion:
Analog
Computer
An analog computer or analogue
computer is a type of computer
that uses the continuous variation
aspect of physical phenomena
such as electrical, mechanical, or
hydraulic quantities to model the
problem being solved.
 Digital
Computer
A digital computer represents
and processes data in
discrete/numerical form, using
binary system. It produces
discrete output. Most computer
systems we see around us
today are digital computers;
they are found in our homes
and business environments.
 Hybrid Computer
Hybrid computers are computers that exhibit
features of analog computers and digital
computers. The digital component normally serves
as the controller and provides logical and
numerical operations, while the analog component
often serves as a solver of differential equations
and other mathematically complex problems.
Criterion 2: Computer Types
by physical size

In classifying computer
according to physical size,
there are four (4) types,
namely and computers in this
category are digital in nature:
Micro-Computer
A microcomputer is a complete
computer on a small scale, designed for
use by one person at a time. An
antiquated term, a microcomputer is
now primarily called a personal
computer (PC), or a device based on a
single-chip microprocessor. Common
microcomputers include laptops and
desktops.
 Mini Computer
minicomputer, computer that was
smaller, less expensive, and less
powerful than a mainframe or
supercomputer but more expensive and
more powerful than a personal
computer. Minicomputers were used for
scientific and engineering computations,
business transaction processing, file
handling, and database management
Mainframe
Computer
Mainframe computers by definition are
computers that have a lot of memory
and processors, so they can do billions
of transactions and simple calculations
in real time. A mainframe is used for
transaction servers, commercial
databases, and applications that need
ample reliability, security, and speed.
Super Computer
Supercomputers are the largest, fastest
and most expensive computers. They
are often referred to as Maxi-
computers. They can be seen as
technological improvement on
mainframe computers. They are often
used in scientific environments such as
in space studies and weather forecast.
Criterion 3: Computer Types by
Purpose

There are two types of computers

according to classification by
purpose:
 i. General purpose computers:
General purpose computers are
designed to solve wide range of
General problems such as science,
Purpose technology, education, business
etc. Complex calculations are
Computer
performed within fractions of a
second and results obtained fast.

Most Personal Computers (PCs)

are general purpose computers.
 ii. Special purpose computers:
Special purpose computers are
designed for a particular
Special job/purpose only; to solve problems
Purpose of a restricted nature. They are also
Computer called dedicated computers. Most
special purpose computers are put
within some other devices or
systems, such that the computers
are not accessed directly.
Criterion 4: Computer Types
by generations/Technology
Age There are five (5)
generations of computers as
at date based on this
criterion.
 These are computer systems
manufactured during the 1940s. Their features
include: The CPU was made of vacuum tubes or
thermionic valves.
• Primary memory made of magnetic drum. • The
First Visual Display Unit (VDU) or monitor used cathode
Generation ray tube.
• Very bulky in size, occupied space, and very
Computer costly.
• Used machine language programming.
• Complex and cumbersome to operate.
• Generated a lot of heat.
Examples are: EDSAC, EDVAC, LEO, UNIVAC I and
 These are computer systems manufactured
during the 1950s. Their features include:
• The CPU was made of electronic transistors.
• Primary memory made of magnetic core.
Second Cost less, faster, smaller and more reliable than
first generation systems.
Generation • Less complex and easier to operate compared
Computer with first generation.
Generated less heat than first generation.
Examples: LEO Mark III, ATLAS, Honeywell 800,
UNIVAC III, IBM 7000 series, etc
 These are computer systems manufactured
around the 1960s and early 1970s. Features:
The CPU was made of Small Scale Integrated
(SSI) Circuits, built on one Silicon Chip.
The SSI circuits evolved to Medium Scale
Third Integrated (MSI) circuits.
• The MSI eventually evolved into Large Scale
Generation Integrated (LSI) circuits, leading to greater
Computer degrees of integration of electrical components.
• The various evolutions of IC technologies
gave rise to computer systems which were
smaller in size, cheaper, faster, more reliable
and durable than first and second generation
systems.
 • It was the era of minicomputers and
microcomputers, resulting in higher awareness
of computer technology.
• The VDU were in colours.
Third • Primary memory made of magnetic core and
Generation solid state semi-conductors.
• Less complex and easier to operate compared
Computer with first and second generations.
• Used high level language e.g. COBOL for
operation.
Examples: ICL 1900 series, IBM 360 series etc.
 These are computer systems manufactured
around the late 1970s to 1985. Features include
the following:
• The CPU was made of Very Large Scale
Integrated Circuits (VLSIC), called microchips;

Fourth i.e. thousands of components in a very small

space.
Generation There was a thin line demarcation between
Computer third and fourth generations.
• The VLSI circuits gave rise to computer
systems which were more compact, cheaper,
faster, more reliable and durable than first,
second and third generation systems.
It was the era of microcomputers, resulting in
higher awareness of computer technology
 • Invention of microprocessors, which gave
birth to pocket calculators, digital watches and
the inclusion of micro hips in other devices.
• Use of fourth generation query language
Fourth (4GLs).
Generation • The VDU were in various designs RGB, EGA,
Computer CGA, VGA colour monitors.
• Primary memory made of solid state semi-
conductors.
• Less complex and easier to operate compared
with first and second generations.
• Evolution of more application areas of
computers.
 The research into the fifth generation
computers started about 1985 and continued
into 1990. The features are as follows:
• This generation is characterized by the
advent of Artificial intelligence, i.e. the ability of
Fifth computer system to exhibit behaviors like an
Generation intelligent person.
• Speech recognition/processing
Computer • Parallel architecture/processing where a
computer system have hundreds of processors
that could all be working on different parts of a
single complex problem simultaneously.
• Pattern recognition