According to uses and applications, computers come in a variety of sizes and shapes with varying processing capabilities. In the beginning, the size of a computer was as large as building rooms, and processing speeds were relatively slow. With the introduction of microprocessor technology, the size of the computer was drastically reduced, and the processing speed increased.
Classification
of Computers – Based on their Functionality and Sizes:
Computers are categorized into four groups according
to their external dimensions, internal capabilities, and external uses.
Here is list of computers classified based on functionality:
- Supercomputer
- Mainframe computer
- Minicomputer
- Microcomputer
Supercomputer:
Among digital computers, supercomputers are the
biggest, fastest, strongest, and priciest. The first supercomputer was created
in the 1960s for the American Department of Defense (USA). Supercomputers use
several processors to increase their speed, and many people can use them simultaneously.
Supercomputers are generally utilized for scientific purposes and large-scale,
complex calculations.
They are widely used in the aerospace, automotive,
chemical, electronics, and petroleum industries, as well as for weather
forecasting and seismic analysis.
Example for supercomputer
Jaguar, Nebulae, Roadrunner,
Kraken, Tianhe-1
Mainframe Computer:
Mainframe computers, also known as mainframes, are the most commonly used type of digital computer in large industries for controlling processes as well as in offices for maintaining networks and providing access to shared resources. IBM is estimated to control two-thirds of the mainframe market. They are far more suitable for intensive operation than supercomputers. Many modern computers can multitask; however, they are typically limited to eight or fewer processors.
Megaflops (millions of floating-point arithmetic
operations per second) are used to measure processor speed. Mainframe computer
systems are powerful enough to support a hundred users at remote terminals at
the same time. It can support hundreds of users by keeping multiple
programs in primary memory and switching between them quickly.
Multi-programming refers to the ability to run multiple programs at the
same time for multiple users.
Example for Mainframe computer
IBM-3000
series, IBM 4300, IBM 3090.
Mini Computer:
Most minicomputers, like mainframes, are multiuser
and general-purpose computers. The primary distinction between mainframes and
minicomputers is that minicomputers are slower even when performing the same
tasks as mainframes.
Example for Mini computer
PDP
series
Micro Computer:
The most common type of computer, widely
used in homes, schools, banks, and offices, among other places. It is a
low-cost digital computer with a single microprocessor, storage unit, and
input/output device. Microcomputers are typically designed for individual use
only.
They were originally referred to as microcomputers
because they were so small in size compared to supercomputers and
mainframes. They are commonly used in homes, offices, and for personal use, so
they are also referred to as personal computers.
Example for Micro computer
Desktop
computers and portable computers like a laptop, personal digital assistant
(PDA)
Desktop Computer:
A desktop computer, also known as a PC (Personal
computer), is the most common type of microcomputer. It have CPU (Central
Processing Unit), a keyboard and a mouse for input, and a monitor or display unit
for output. The CPU is made up of a microprocessor, main memory, secondary
storage unit such as a hard drive or optical drive, and a power supply unit all
housed in a single cabinet.
Example for Desktop computer
Apple,
Dell, Hp, Lenovo.
Portable
Computer:
Portable computers, such as
laptops and PDAs, have surpassed desktop computers in popularity. The best
feature of this portable computer is that it is lightweight and portable.
Laptops have all of the same components as desktop computers, but they are more
compact and smaller in size.
A palm-sized portable digital
assistant (PDA) is another type of portable computer. As a result, it is also
known as a palmtop computer. PDAs are used to keep track of appointments, take
important notes, set reminders, perform mathematical calculations, play games,
and even surf the internet and send emails. In 1993, Apple released the Newton,
the first personal digital assistant.
Example for Portable computer
Palm Pilot, Handspring Visor, HP Jordana, Compaq Aero, Franklyn
eBook man
Classification
of Computers – Based on Purpose:
Computers are broadly classified into two types
based on its purpose:
- General-purpose computer
- Specific-purpose computer
General
Purpose Computer:
A
general-purpose computer is built to do a variety of common tasks. Computers of
this type have the ability to store multiple programs. They can be applied
in the workplace, in science, in education, and even at home. Such computers
are adaptable, but they are also less effective and move more slowly.
Specific
Purpose Computer:
A single specific task can be
handled by a specific-purpose computer, which is designed to execute a certain
task. They aren’t made to manage several programs. They were therefore not
adaptable. Since they are made to handle a specific task, they are more efficient
and faster than general-purpose computers. These computers are
utilized for things like airline reservations, air traffic control, and
satellite tracking.
Classification
of Computers – Based Data Handling:
The computer is further classified into three types
based on its ability to handle data or how it processes incoming data
differently. They are
- Digital computer
- Analog computer
- Hybrid computer
Digital
Computer:
A digital computer deals
with the data that can be stored in binary format i.e. in the form of 0s and
1s. This computer stores data or information as voltage pulses that either
indicate 0 or 1. Before being stored in a computer’s memory, all types of data,
including text documents, music files, and graphic images, are transformed into
binary format. It is a machine that manipulates discrete data and executes
logical and mathematical operations.
Analog
Computer:
An Analog computer is used to
process the analog data. Analog data is data that is constantly changing
or varying. They are used to measure continuously varying aspects of physical
quantities such as electrical current, voltages, hydraulic pressure, and other
electrical and mechanical properties. Analog computer does not measure discrete
values. They are employed in scientific and industrial applications.
Hybrid
Computer:
A hybrid computer is
a combination of both a digital computer system and an analog.
The hybrid computer has the capacity to handle both analog and digital
input. While the digital half of the system manages the numerical and logical
operation, the analog portion of the system handle the
continuously varying aspects of complex mathematical computation. The system’s
controller is also a part of the digital component.
Hybrid computers are used in
medical science to measure the heartbeat of the patient, also used in
controlling industrial processes and scientific applications.
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