Scribd
Upload
32 views

Basic Computer Notes 4

The document classifies computers into three types: analog computers, digital computers, and hybrid computers. It then provides details about each type: analog computers operate on continuously varying quantities, digital computers use binary and can store large amounts of data and programs, and hybrid computers combine aspects of analog and digital. The document also classifies computers based on their capabilities and typical uses, including microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers.

Uploaded by

jivan jyot
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
32 views

Basic Computer Notes 4

The document classifies computers into three types: analog computers, digital computers, and hybrid computers. It then provides details about each type: analog computers operate on continuously varying quantities, digital computers use binary and can store large amounts of data and programs, and hybrid computers combine aspects of analog and digital. The document also classifies computers based on their capabilities and typical uses, including microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers.

Uploaded by

jivan jyot
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Classification of computer according to Principle of operation.

1. Analog computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer

ANALOG COMPUTER

- It is a computer that measures continuously changing physical quantities such as current,


temperature, pressure etc. and converts them into quantities which can be used as data for
computation.
- They will give only approximate results. Its output is usually displayed on a meter or scale.
- Analog computer has low memory and fewer functions. These are used for engineering and
scientific applications.
- Example of analog computer are Thermometer, Speedometer, Analog clock.
DIGITAL COMPUTER

- A digital computer works with digital data.


- Digital computer uses binary number system.
- Binary number system consists of only two digits '0' and '1'.
- A digital computer represents data in digital signals.
- A '0' represents OFF and a '1' represents ON.
- Digital computer performs arithmetic and logical operations on data.
- It gives output in digital form.
- Digital computers are very fast. These computers can store results. They have large Memory
(that is data storing capacity).
- Today Offices and homes have Digital computers. The digital computers are further divided
into the following two groups:
o Special purpose computers
o General purpose computers
Special Purpose Computers
- It is a computer designed to solve specific type of problem. The computers used in ships and
aircrafts, etc. General Purpose computers
- It is a computer designed to solve a wide variety of problems, A General purpose Computer
can store different programs and process them.
HYBRID COMPUTER :
- A hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital computer.
- It can handle analog as well as digital data.
APPLICATIONS:

- Hybrid computer devices are used in hospitals that may calculate patient's heart function,
temperature and blood pressure etc. For example, The Vital Signs Monitoring unit also called
(VSM) in short. It has Blood Pressure monitor, ECG monitor, respiratory monitor, and is also
used for monitoring anesthesia.
- Hybrid computers are also used in spaceships and missile system.
- Hybrid Computer Machines are generally used in scientific applications
- Hybrid computers are used for controlling industrial processes.
Computers are classified on the basis of computing power, memory capacity
and cost.

1. Microcomputer or Personal Computer.


2. Mini Computer.
3. Mainframe Computer.
4. Super Computer.

MICRO COMPUTERS

Micro computer is also called personal computer. It was introduced in 1970. Examples of
personal computers are PC and Apple Macintosh. The major types of personal computers are
desktop computer and portable computer. Desktop Computer These computers can easily fit
on a table or desktop, hence the name. These computers come in two models or casings. In
Desktop model, the system unit is placed on the desktop or table. Monitor is placed on the
system unit. In Tower model, both monitor and system unit are placed on the table as in
Portable computer
Portable is a personal computer that can be carried from one place to other easily. Notebook
computer and handheld computer (smart phone) are examples of portable computers.
Notebook computer is also called laptop computer. Laptop computers are very small in size
and can be placed easily on lap.
Lap top computer or notebook computer
It is also called as tower model computer. Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs:
A handheld computer (like smart phone) is also portable. Hand held computer is known as
palmtop computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and
output device. It easily fits in the hand of the user.
Uses of Micro Computer
The PC is the most common type of computer used in the office. It is now widely used in
many homes. These are also used for business and engineering application.
MINI COMPUTER

Mini computers were introduced in the 1960s. Minicomputer is larger and more powerful
computer than personal computer. It can execute five million instructions per second. It
generally consists of two or more processors. Minicomputer can serve up to 4000 connected
users simultaneously. It is normally accessed by users via personal computer or terminal. A
device with a monitor and keyboard is called terminal. It is also known as dumb terminal. It
has no processing power and cannot work as stand-alone computer. Some of the
minicomputers models are VAX-8800, AS400
Uses of Mini Computer
Mini computers are often used by small and medium-sized companies to provide centralized
store of information.
MAINFRAME COMPUTER

Mainframe computers were introduced in 1975. A mainframe computer is a very large


computer in size. It is processors. It is designed to perform multiple tasks for multiple users
at the same time. Mainframe computers can serve up to 50,000 users at the same time.
The users access a mainframe computer through terminal or personal computer. A typical
mainframe computer can execute 16 million instructions per second. Some of the main
computers models are NEC 610 DEC 10
Uses of Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computers are used primarily by corporate and governmental organizations for
critical applications, bulk data processing such as senses, industry and consumer statistics,
and transaction processing.
SUPER COMPUTER

Super computers were introduced in 1980s. Super computer is the fastest computer. Super
computer is the biggest in size and the most expensive in price than any other computers. It
is the most sophisticated, complex and advanced computer. It has a very large storage
capacity. It can process trillions of instructions in one second. Super Computer is the fastest
and most powerful computer of a time. Supercomputers are very expensive. Supercomputers
are used for highly calculation-intensive tasks. Super computers are also used for specialized
applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations.
APPLICATIONS OF SUPER COMPUTER

1. Weather forecasting,
2. Animated graphics like in Hollywood movies,
3. Fluid dynamic calculations
4. Nuclear energy research
5. Space science
6. Weapon and missile design
7. Petroleum exploration,

Today, supercomputers are produced by traditional companies such as Cray, IBM and
Hewlett- Packard. Since October 2010, the Tianhe-1A supercomputer has been the fastest in
the world; it is located in China.
- The main difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer
channels all its power into executing a single program as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe
uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. The modern super computer consists
of thousands of microprocessors. Super computer uses highspeed facilities such as satellite
for online processing.
- Sum of the super computers models are CRAY-XP, ETA- 10, Param and Deep Blue .

Napoleon Hill
A goal is a dream with a deadline.

You might also like