CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER

BEING A PRESENTATION

BY

ABDUL-RAHMAN SANUSI

ON

COM111: INTRODUCTUION TO COMPUTING

AT

CONSULTANCY UNIT

OF

ADAMU AUGIE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ARGUNGU, KEBBI STATE

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Introduction

A computer’s size, speed, processing power, and price determine the category it best fits. Due to

rapidly changing technology, however, the distinction among categories is not always clear-cut.

This trend of computers and devices with technologies that overlap, called convergence, leads to

computer manufacturers continually releasing newer models that include similar functionality

and features. For example, newer cell phones often include media player, camera, and Web

browsing capabilities. As devices converge, users need fewer devices for the functionality that

they require. When consumers replace outdated computers and devices, they should dispose of

them properly.

Source: Everett, (2011): Classification of computer

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Analogue Computer
Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data. Analogue data is continuous data
that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values. We can say that analogue computers
are used where we don't need exact values always such as speed, temperature, pressure and
current. Analogue computers directly accept the data from the measuring device without first
converting it into numbers and codes. They measure the continuous changes in physical quantity
and generally render output as a reading on a dial or scale. Speedometer and mercury
thermometer are examples of analogue computers.
Digital Computer
Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It
accepts the raw data as input in the form of digits or binary numbers (0 and 1) and processes it
with programs stored in its memory to produce the output. All modern computers like laptops,
desktops including smartphones that we use at home or office are digital computers.
Hybrid Computer
Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like an analogue
computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can process both continuous
and discrete data. It accepts analogue signals and converts them into digital form before
processing. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analogue and digital data
is processed. For example, a processor is used in petrol pumps that convert the measurements of
fuel flow into quantity and price. Similarly, they are used in airplanes, hospitals, and scientific
applications.
Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process huge
amount of data. A supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has
thousands of interconnected processors. Supercomputers are particularly used in scientific and
engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations and nuclear energy
research. The first supercomputer was developed by Roger Cray in 1976.
Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
They can support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different
processes simultaneously. These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big

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organizations like banking and telecom sectors, which need to manage and process high volume
of data.
Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
They can support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different
processes simultaneously. These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big
organizations like banking and telecom sectors, which need to manage and process a high
volume of data that requires integer operations such as indexing, comparisons, etc.
Minicomputer
It is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two or more processors and can support 4
to 200 users at one time. Minicomputers are used in institutes and departments for tasks such as
billing, accounting and inventory management. A minicomputer lies between the mainframe and
microcomputer as it is smaller than mainframe but larger than a microcomputer.
Workstation
Workstation is a single user computer that is designed for technical or scientific applications. It
has a faster microprocessor, a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapters. It
generally performs a specific job with great expertise; accordingly, they are of different types
such as graphics workstation, music workstation and engineering design workstation.
Microcomputer
Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-purpose computer that is
designed for individual use. It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage
area, input unit and output unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of
microcomputers. They are suitable for personal work that may be making an assignment,
watching a movie, or at office for office work.
Servers
These are types of computers used to provide resources, services, and functionality to client
computers in a server-client network model. Resources provided are based on the functions of a
particular server, which may fall under these categories:
a. File server
b. Database server
c. Print server
d. FTP servers

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e. Application server
f. Web server
References

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semiconductor manufacturing. IEEE Transactions on Semiconductor Manufacturing,
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