Computer Types

You must be aware that a computer is a machine that is used to store,

manipulate, transmit, and receive information or data. There are
different types of computers. Do you know how many types of
computers have been invented till now? If you don't know the answer
to this question, there is no need to worry. In this article, readers will
be able to learn about the different types of computers.
The first thing that you need to know is that computers can be
categorized in two ways. Computers can either be differentiated based
on their data handling capabilities or based on their sizes. If we take
data handling capabilities into account, then there are three types of
computers. These three types of computers are
 Analog computers.
 Digital computers.
 Hybrid computers.
Computers can also be classified based on their computing power and
speed, and the categories of this type of classification are mentioned in
the table below.

S.N Type of
Description
o. Computer

Personal
It is a type of single-user computer system that
1 Computer
has a moderately powerful microprocessor.
(PC)

It is also a single-user computer system, but it

2 Workstation
has a more powerful microprocessor.

It is a multi-user computer system. It is capable

3 Minicomputer of supporting hundreds of users all at the same
time.
 It is a computer system that can be used for
multiple users. It can support hundreds of users
4 Main Frame at the same time. It is different from
minicomputers in terms of its software
technology.

It is an incredibly fast computer system that is

Supercomput
5 capable of executing hundreds of millions of
er
instructions every second.

Now, you must have a brief idea about computer systems and their
types. In this section, we will discuss the different types of computers
in more detail.

Analog Computer
Let us begin with analogue computers. These computers were
specifically designed to process analogue data. For readers who are
not familiar with the term, analogue data is a type of continuous data
that continually changes and does not have discrete values.
It can also be said that analogue computers are used when the users
are not familiar with the exact values like temperature, speed, current,
and pressure. An intriguing feature of analogue computers is accepting
the measuring device's data without converting it into relevant codes
and numbers.
This feature allows analogue computers to measure continuous
changes in physical quantity. In most cases, the output of these
computers is read on a dial or scale. Some examples of analogue
computers are the mercury thermometer and speedometer.
There are many advantages of using analog computers. Some of those
advantages are as follows.
 These computers allow real-time computation and operations at
the same time. Further, it continuously represents all data within
the range of the analog computer system.
 In some applications, analog computers help perform calculations
without using transducers to convert both the inputs and outputs
to a digital electronic form and vice versa.
  Programmers can also scale the problem for the dynamic range
of analog computers. This provides excellent insight into the
actual situation. It also helps in learning about any errors and
their effects.
There are different types of analog computers. The various types of
analog computers are discussed below.
 Slide Rules
The slide rule is one of the simplest types of mechanical analog
computer systems. It was developed initially to perform necessary
mathematical calculations. These computer systems consist of two
rods. When the computer performs any calculation, the hashed rod
slides to line up with the specific markings placed on another rod.
 Differential Analysers
Differential analyzers are used to perform differential calculations.
These computer systems perform integration by using a wheel-and-
disc mechanism. This helps in solving differential calculations.
 Castle Clock
According to various sources, the first castle clock was invented by Al-
Jara. This computer system was made to save all programming
instructions. The original machine's height was around 11 feet, and it
came with the display of zodiac, time, and the lunar and solar orbits.
These devices can also allow users to set the length of the day
according to the current season.
 Electronic Analog Computer
An electronic analog computer is a type of analog computer in which
electrical signals flow through resistors and capacitors. This simulates
different physical phenomena. In these devices, mechanical
interactions of computers do not take place. Also, the voltage of the
electrical signal is used to generate the correct displays in these
devices.

Digital Computer
Digital computers were invented to perform different calculations and
logical operations at a very high speed. These computers accept the
raw data as input, done in binary numbers (0 and 1) or digitals.
After that, the device processes the information with programs that are
already stored in the device's memory. This process is followed to
generate the output. Some examples of digital computers include
laptops, desktops, and other electronic devices like smartphones.
There are many advantages of digital computers. Some of those
advantages are mentioned below.
 Digital computers allow users to store a large amount of
information. The stored information can be retrieved whenever it
is required.
 New features can easily be added to the digital systems.
 Ability to change the program without making any changes in the
hardware of the system.
 The cost of the hardware of digital computers is often less
because of the advancement in the Integrated Circuit (IC)
technology.
 These systems process data digitally at a very high speed.
 Digital computers use error correction codes because of which
these systems are very reliable.
 The output is not affected by humidity, noise, temperature, or
other natural properties, leading to the results' high
reproducibility.

Hybrid Computers
Hybrid computers are devices that have features of both digital and
analog computers. These devices are similar in speed to analog
computers and are identical to digital computers in their memory and
accuracy.
Hybrid computers can process both discrete and continuous data.
These devices work by accepting analog signals and converting those
signals into a digital form before processing. This is why these devices
are popularly used in specialized applications where both analog and
digital data has to be processed.

For example, the processors used in petrol pumps convert fuel flow
into values for both quantity and price. Similar devices are used in
hospitals, airplanes, and many scientific applications.
There are many benefits of using hybrid computers. A few of those
benefits are mentioned below.
 The computing speed of hybrid computers is very high. This is
due to the all-parallel configuration of the analog subsystem.
 These computers help in online data processing.
  Hybrid computers can manage and solve large equations in real-
time.
 The results are produced quickly and in a more efficient manner.
The final results are both accurate and useful.

Personal Computers (PC)

A Personal computer or PC can be described as a small and somewhat
inexpensive computer that has been specifically designed for
individual use. These devices are based on microprocessor technology,
enabling manufacturers to put an entire CPU on a single chip.
These days many organizations use personal computers for completing
tasks related to desktop publishing, accounting, word processing,
database management, and running spreadsheets. People also use
personal computers at home for surfing the internet and playing
games.
It is important to note that even though personal computers were
developed to work as a single-user system, they are still linked
together to form a network. If we talk about power, then Macintosh and
PC's high-end models offer about the same computing power and
graphic capabilities as low-end workstations by Hewlett-Packard, Dell,
and Sun Microsystems.

Workstation
A workstation is a computer that is used explicitly for engineering
applications like CAD/CAM. Workstations can also be used for software
development, desktop publishing, and developing other types of
applications. All of these tasks require a moderate amount of
computing power and relatively high-quality graphics capabilities.
In most cases, workstations come equipped with large amounts of
RAM, inbuilt network support, a graphic user interface, and a high-
resolution graphics screen. Many workstations also have mass storage
devices like disk drives. However, it should be noted here that diskless
workstations are a type of workstation that comes without any disk
drive.
Operating systems that are usually used in workstations are Windows
NT and UNIX. Just like personal computers, workstations are also
designed for individual use. These systems are also linked together to
form a local-area network. These systems can be used for standalone
purposes.
Workstations are equipped with faster microprocessors and more
powerful CPUs than personal computers. These devices can handle
data analysis, CAD, animation, video editing, and video creation.
Also, do you know that five integral features are standard for all
workstations? Here’s a list of those features.
 Multiple Processor Cores
Workstations have more processor cores than simple computers and
laptops.
 ECC RAM
Workstations have an error-correcting code memory. This memory can
fix any errors before they even get a chance to affect the performance
of the system.
 RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
RAID or Redundant Array of Independent Disks refers to various
internal hard drives used to store and process data. There can also be
different types of RAIDs. For example, multiple drives could work
together to process data, or mirrored drives could be present where if
one drive stops functioning, the other will start acting.
 SSD
SSDs are better than conventional hard-disk drives as they do not have
any moving parts. This means that there are fewer chances of physical
failure.
 Optimized and Higher End GPU
Optimized and higher-end GPU reduces the load that is exerted on
CPUs. For example, a CPU would have to do less work while processing
the output on the screen.

Minicomputer
A minicomputer is a midsize, multi-processing system. Minicomputers
are capable of supporting up to 250 users at the same time. Usually,
these devices have two or more processors.
It is common for minicomputers to be employed in institutes and
departments related to accounting, inventory management, and
billing. Some experts also believe that minicomputers lie somewhere
between a microcomputer and a mainframe because minicomputers
are smaller than a mainframe but more extensive than a
microcomputer.
Minicomputers are lighter in weight. These devices can easily fit
anywhere and are portable. These devices are less expensive and very
fast compared to their size. Minicomputers tend to remain charged for
long intervals and can function in an environment without controlled
operations.
You might also want to learn that minicomputers are primarily used to
perform three functions. These three functions are mentioned below.

 Processing Control
Minicomputers are mainly used to possess control in manufacturing.
These devices performed the functions of collecting data and
feedback. In case of any abnormalities during the process, the
minicomputer detects the abnormality and makes the necessary
adjustment to fix the situation.

 Managing Data
Small organizations use minicomputers to collect, store, and share
data. For example, local hotels and hospitals use minicomputers to
record their customers and patients, respectively.

 Communications Portal
Minicomputers also can play the role of a communication device in
larger organizations. A minicomputer achieves this aim by serving as a
portal between the central processor or computer and the human
operator.

Mainframe
A mainframe can be described as a costly and extensive computer
system. A mainframe is usually capable of supporting hundreds and
thousands of users at the same time. These devices concurrently
execute various programs and support multiple simultaneous
executions of programs.
Due to these above-mentioned features, mainframe computers are
usually used in large organizations that need to process and manage
high volumes of data - For example, telecom and banking sector
industries.
Mainframe computers usually have a very long life. A mainframe
device can run smoothly for up to 50 years after its installation. It can
also provide excellent performance with large-scale memory
management.
Mainframe computers also can distribute or share their workload
among other processors or input and output terminals. When it comes
to errors, then there are fewer chances of errors in these devices.
However, if any error occurs, then it is quickly fixed by the system.
These devices protect the stored data and any ongoing exchange of
data or information. From this extensive description, it must be quite
evident that mainframe computers have a lot of applications. We have
created a list of some of those applications, and that list is given
below.
 In the field of defense, mainframe computers allow defense
departments to share a large amount of sensitive information
with other branches of defense.
 In the retail sector, large retail organizations often have a vast
customer base. This is why departments use mainframe
computers to execute and handle information related to their
customer management, inventory management, and huge
transactions within a short period.
 In health care, mainframe computers help hospitals by
maintaining an extensive record of millions of patients. This
feature goes a long way in assisting hospitals in contacting their
patients for treatment or any other appointment related to
medicine or disease updates.
 In the field of education, mainframe devices allow large
educational institutes to store, manage, and retrieve data related
to admissions, courses, teachers, students, affiliated schools,
affiliated colleges, and employees.

Supercomputer
Supercomputers are one of the fastest computers in the world. These
computers are costly and are only employed for specialized
applications that require a large number of mathematical calculations
or number crunching.
For example, supercomputers' tasks are animated graphics, scientific
simulations, weather forecasting, geological data analysis in industries
like petrochemical prospecting, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear
energy research, and electronic design.
It is exciting to note that supercomputers can process trillions of
instructions in a single second! This is mainly because these devices
have thousands of interconnected processors. Also, the first
supercomputer was developed in 1976 by Roger Cray.
Did you know that supercomputers can decrypt your password? This
task can be done to improve protection for security reasons. It also
produces excellent animations and is valuable in the virtual testing of
nuclear weapons and critical medical tests.
A Supercomputer is also employed in NOAA's system (National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration). That supercomputer can execute any
logical or straightforward data.
Supercomputers are also used for extracting useful information from
data storage centers or cloud systems. An excellent example of this is
the insurance companies. Supercomputers also play an essential role
in managing the online world of currencies like the stock market and
Bitcoin.

Microcomputer
A microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. These devices
can be described as general-purpose computers that are ideal for
individual use. Microcomputers have a microprocessor as a central
processing unit, an input unit, storage area, memory, and an output
unit.
Some examples of microcomputers are desktop computers and
laptops. These devices are usually used to make assignments, watch
movies, or tackle business tasks for office work.
Microcomputers are the smallest in size of all the other types of
computers. Only one user can use a microcomputer at a time. These
computers are less expensive and easier to use.
Users do not require any special training or skills to use these
computers. These devices are also often equipped with a single
semiconductor chip. These devices can scan, browse, print, watch
videos, and perform many other tasks.

Essential Aspects of Computers:

 There are different types of computers but let us know the main
thing in computers is hardware and software.
 Hardware is the physical structure of the computer that includes
the keyboard, monitor and also the internal parts of the
computer.
 Software is the set of instructions given to the hardware telling
what to be done.
 So these two are very important and one should know about
these in a correct way.

Some of the Specialized Computers.

Smartphones are just like computers. They do almost everything
that the computer does. Smartphones do browsing the internet,
games, and so on. You can almost do everything that you would
have done with the computer.
The wearable is a term for the devices like the fitness tracker and
smartwatches which are used in common nowadays. Day by day
there is the development of technologies. These can be worn
throughout the day, hence it is called wearables.
Game consoles are the type of computer that are used to play
video games.
TVs- Many TVs have different applications which can be used for
various online content.

About the Personal Computers and MAC

Personal computers have different styles that are PC and MAC.
Both are functional but differ in looks. In today's generation, IBM
PC is the most compatible and includes the Microsoft Windows
software system. MAC-Macintosh computer has a Graphical user
interface and all MAC computers are made by Apple and they use
the MAC OS X operating system.