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Classification of Computers

Computers can be classified by technology (digital, analog, hybrid), purpose (special purpose, general purpose), and size (mini-computer, micro-computer). Digital computers are the focus due to their widespread use, while supercomputers and mainframes serve specific high-performance roles. General purpose computers are adaptable for various tasks through specially written programs.

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12 views5 pages

Classification of Computers

Computers can be classified by technology (digital, analog, hybrid), purpose (special purpose, general purpose), and size (mini-computer, micro-computer). Digital computers are the focus due to their widespread use, while supercomputers and mainframes serve specific high-performance roles. General purpose computers are adaptable for various tasks through specially written programs.

Uploaded by

halextronic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Classification of
Computers
Classification of Computers

1.3 Types of computers


A computer may be classified in five ways, some of the ways
include technology, purpose, and size.

1.3.1 Classification by technology


•Digital: Digital computers are so called because they process
data that is represented in the form of discrete values (e.g.
0,1,2,3 …) by operating on it in steps.
•Analog: Analog computers are similar to measuring
instruments such as thermometers and voltmeters with pointers
on circular dials. They process data in the form of electrical
voltages, which are variable like the variable positions of a
pointer on a dial.
•Hybrid: Hybrid computers, as their name suggests, are
computers that have the combined features of digital and
analog computers.
•NB: We are only going to concentrate on digital computers
since they are the most widely used.
04/11/25 Laban 2
Classification of Computers
1.3.2 Classification by purpose
•Special purpose computers: as their name
suggests, are designed for a particular job
only; to solve problems of a restricted nature.
•General Purpose Computers: are designed
to solve a wide variety of problems. Within the
limitations imposed by their design
capabilities, they can be adapted to perform
particular tasks or solve problems by means of
specially written programs.
NB: we are mainly concerned with general
purpose digital computers.

04/11/25 Laban 3
Classification of Computers

•Supercomputers are built to minimize


distance between circuit boards
•They operate at very high speed for
complex uses such as designing airplanes,
solving complex engineering formulas
having billions of steps mathematically etc.
•Supercomputers are the main servers in
the Internet System.

•The Mainframe - Does jobs for other


types of computers that are connected to it.
•Like a server, the program (operating
system) that runs in the mainframe defines
its role.

Photo of HP supercomputer
04/11/25 Laban 4
Classification of Computers
1.3.3 Classification by size
Mini-Computer (The Server) - Holds information that
other computers, can retrieve.
•The computers are connected to the server via cable,
wireless connection, etc to be able to retrieve this
information.
Although not particularly recommended, any computer, including
a desktop or even a laptop can be used as a server, as long as it
can do the job required.
A server is more defined by the program (called an operating system) that is
installed in it, not how the machine looks.
Micro-Computer (The Desktop) - can be positioned on
top of a table where a person is working.
Micro-Computer (The Laptop) - combines the CPU, the
monitor, the keyboard, and the mouse in one unit.
•so small that you can carry it on your laps when
commuting.
•Also called a notebook.
•Other parts can be connected to the laptop.
•Can do anything
04/11/25 that a desktop can do.
Laban 5

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