Classification of Computers

• Classification of Computer by Type
• Classification of Computer According to Purpose
• Classification of Computer According to Size and Storage Capacity

According to Technology used Computer can be classified on the basis of different factors such as circuits and the task performance capabilities. Under the Classification of Computers, it has been classified into three types.

• Analog computers
• Digital computer
• Hybrid computer

A) Classification of Computer by Type

• Analog computers:-
  An analog computers work with current rather them by the process of counting Analog computer works on supply of continuous signal and display continuous speed. Thus we conclude that an analog computer is a special purpose computer but cannot give accuracy more.

• Digital computers:-
  As its name suggests it works with digits 0s and 1s. In other words, digits computers is a counting device. All the expressions are coded with binary digits is called a bit information is represented in digital computer in groups of bits.

• Hybrid computer:-
  It is a combination of Analog computers used in the continuous system also non-linear discrete features of a digital computer such as storing values logical operations and switching.

These computers are mostly used with process control equipment in continuous production plants like all refineries etc. and used at places where signals, as well as data, are to be entered into a computer. Areas of application–nuclear power plants mine etc.

B) Classification of Computer ACCORDING TO PURPOSE
On the basis of purpose, computers can be classified into the following two types.

• Special purpose computers
• General purpose computers

 

• Special purpose computers: –
  Special purpose computers are those computers which are designed to perform some specific task or job. For example, computers used for weather forecasting satellite launching medical diagnostics are special purpose computers.

• General purpose computers:-
  General purpose computers are the computers which are designed, not to perform only specific tasks, instead, they are designed to handle a variety of applications. For example, computers used in schools, colleges, and offices are general purpose computers.

(C) Classification of Computer ACCORDING TO SIZE AND STORAGE CAPACITY
On the basis of size and storage capacity, computers can be divided into the following four types:-

• Micro Computers
• Mini Computers
• Mainframe Computers
• Super Computers

 

• Microcomputers:-
  Microcomputers is a digital computer whose processing unit consists of one or more microprocessors, one or more input/output units and sufficient memory to execute instructions. They are used in schools, homes, office, etc. Some popular microcomputer is IBM system 123, Apple 2 and 3, etc.

• Mini Computers:-
  Mini Computers are medium scale computer in the sense that they are faster than microcomputers. These computers have a large storage capacity and can support up to 120 terminals. Minicomputers have operating systems with multitasking and network capabilities enabling them to serve more than one user e-g 1BM, PDP-1, etc.

• Mainframe computers:-
  Mainframe computers are general’s purpose computers which are designed to handle all type of scientific and business application with a large volume of data instruction and information. These can have large online secondary storage capacity and can support, variety of peripheral devices like magnetic taps driver, hard desk drivers, visual display unit and telecommunication terminals e.g. CDC 600, VAX 8842, IBM 3090/600, IBM 4381
  Mainframe Computers are mainly used for the following applications:
  • Railways and Airlines Reservations
  • Banking Application
  • Commercial Application

• Supercomputers:-
  These computers are characterized by their large size and are very high processing speed and are generally used for complex and scientific applications these are the most powerful computer and are very expensive. These can execute instructions in the large of 5 billion instructions per second.
  e.g CRAY3, NEC-500, PARAM9000, PARAM10000, ANURAG.
  These computers are mainly used for the following application:
  • Weather forecasting.
  • Petroleum exploration and production.