CLASSIFICATION

OF DIGITAL
COMPUTERS
 a. Micro-Computers
Microcomputers are the most widely used and
the smallest of digital computers.
They are generally referred to as Personal
Computers (PC).
They are used in homes because of the
affordable price.
 b. Mini-Computers
These category of computers are more powerful
than microcomputers,
they are designed specifically for the multi-user
environment i.e. several person can use the
machine at the same time.
Mini Computers have a very high speed and more
storage capacity, they are mostly used in process
control systems and have applications in payrolls,
financial accounting, computer aided design etc.
 c. Mainframe Computers
These are very large computers; they can process
data at a very high speed of several million
instructions per second.
Mainframe computers are large general purpose
computers that can serve more than 100 remote
terminals.
They can be linked into a network with smaller
computers, microcomputers and with other types of
computers.
Mainframe computers are typically used in large
organization, government departments etc.
 d. Super Computers
These are the fastest, most expensive and most
powerful computers.
 operate at speeds measured in nanoseconds
and even in picoseconds.
They are used for complex tasks that requires a
lot of computational power.
With multiple processors embedded in them,
they can process multiple instructions at the
same time.
This is known as parallel processing. Super
computers are widely used in advance
applications such as processing geological data,
COMPONETS OF A
COMPUTER

*Hardware*
*Software*
Components
 Hardware Components
Comprises the input unit, the processing
unit and the output unit.
 1. Input Unit
Helps users enter data into a computer
Data (numbers, words, actions, commands)
Example: using a mouse for entering directions
and commands
for this to happen -> INPUT DEVICES
1.Mouse: It allows users to interact with
graphical user interfaces (GUIs) by pointing,
clicking, and dragging objects on the screen.
2.OCR: Optical Character Reader. used to
convert printed or handwritten text into
digital text that can be processed and edited
by a computer.
3.Keyboard: used to enter text, commands,
and other types of input into a computer or
electronic device. It consists of a set of keys
3. Scanner: used to convert physical documents,
images, or objects into digital format. It captures the
visual information of the input and creates a digital
representation that can be stored, edited, and
shared on a computer.
4.Trackball: used to control the movement of the
cursor on a computer screen. It consists of a
stationary base with a ball on the top that can be
rotated using the fingers, thumb, or palm of the
hand. The movement of the ball translates to the
movement of the cursor on the screen.
5. MICR: Magnetic ink character reader. used
to read and interpret characters printed with
magnetic ink. It is commonly used in banking
systems for processing checks and other
financial documents. MICR technology relies
on the use of special ink containing magnetic
particles that can be magnetized and detected
by the reader.
6.Touchpad: found on laptops, tablets, and
some desktop computers. It is used to control
the movement of the cursor on the screen and
8. Joystick: used to control the movement of
objects, typically in the context of gaming or
controlling aircraft and other vehicles. It
consists of a handheld lever or stick that can be
tilted or moved in different directions, along
with buttons or triggers for additional
functions.
9. Barcode reader: also known as a barcode
scanner, is an input device used to capture and
decode information encoded in barcodes. It is
widely used in various industries, including
 2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Processes the data using the instructions given by the users

Has got 3 elements:

a) Memory Unit
b)ALU
c) Control Unit
CPU Cont’
Block part of CPU
 a. Memory Unit
Stores data entered in its memory.
This data remains in this memory until other
components of CPU processes it.
The memory unit uses a set of pre-programmed
instructions to further transmit this data to
other parts of the CPU.

*Primary, Secondary, Cache*

 Primary Memory/ Main
Memory
Holds only those data and instructions on which
the computer is currently working.
Limited capacity and data is lost when power is
switched off.
It is generally made up of semiconductor device.
The data and instruction required to be processed
resides in the main memory.
It is divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM
 Secondary Memory
Also known as external memory or non-volatile.
 It is slower than the main memory.
Used for storing data/information permanently.
CPU directly does not access these memories,
instead they are accessed via input-output
routines.
The contents of secondary memories are first
transferred to the main memory, and then the
CPU can access it.
 b. Arithmetic and Logic Unit
(ALU)
Performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction,
division, multiplication) and logical functions(<,>,
comparison of data).
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) actually executes the
instructions and performs all the calculations and
decisions.
The data is held in the primary storage unit and
transferred to the ALU whenever needed.
Data can be moved from the primary storage to the
arithmetic logic unit a number of times before the
entire processing is complete.
After the completion, the results are sent to the output
storage section and the output devices.
 c. Control Unit
Backbone of computers.
Responsible for coordinating tasks between all
components of a computer system
Collects data from input unit and sends it to
processing units, then transmits the processed
data(information) to output unit.
It does this by retrieving instructions from the
programs stored within the storage unit and
interprets the instructions then directs other
units to carry out the instruction.
 3. Output Unit
After processing, data is converted into a
format that human beings understand.
The output unit displays this data to the user.
OUTPUT DEVICES
1.Monitor: displays visual information from a computer or
other electronic devices. It provides a visual interface for
users to view and interact with digital content.
2.Printer: produces hard copies of digital documents or
images from a computer or other electronic devices. It
allows users to transfer electronic information into a
tangible and readable format.
3.Speaker: converts electrical signals into audible sound
waves. It is commonly used to reproduce sound generated
by a computer or other electronic devices.
4.Headphones: allows individuals to listen to audio privately.
They consist of a pair of small speakers or drivers that are
worn over or in the ears.
5. Projector: projects visual content onto a larger screen or
surface, allowing a group of people to view the content
simultaneously. It takes an image or video signal from a computer,
media player, or other devices, and displays it on a larger scale.
6. Touchscreen: allows users to interact with a computer or
electronic device by directly touching the screen's surface. It
combines the functionality of an output device and an input
device, as it not only displays visual content but also recognizes
and responds to touch inputs.
7. Plotter: used to create high-quality and precise physical
output on paper or other media. Unlike printers, which produce
output by applying ink or toner onto paper, plotters use pens,
markers, or other drawing tools to create drawings, designs, or
graphics.
Internal Hardware Components
• Motherboard: is a crucial component of a computer
system. It serves as a central hub that connects and
facilitates communication between various hardware
components.
• Power Supply Unit: responsible for providing electrical
power to all other components.
• Hard Disk Drive: is a key storage component in a computer
system, responsible for the long-term storage of data. stores
a vast amount of data, including the computer's operating
system, software applications, user files, documents,
multimedia files, and various other types of data. It provides
non-volatile storage, meaning the data remains stored even
when the computer is powered off.
• Floppy Disk Drive: used storage device in computer
systems in the past, but it has become obsolete in
modern computing. is to read and write data to floppy
disks. Floppy disks are removable magnetic storage
media that were widely used for data storage and
transfer in the earlier days of computing.
• CD-ROM Drive: drive is an optical disc drive that was
commonly used in computer systems before the
widespread adoption of digital downloads and streaming.
Its main function is to read data from CD-ROM discs.
• Processor: It performs various essential functions that
are crucial to the system's overall operation.
Difference Between Internal And External
Data Storage Components
Internal Data Storage Media:
• Physical Location: Internal storage media refers
to storage devices that are installed inside the
computer system's chassis or enclosure. They are
directly connected to the motherboard and are
typically housed within the computer case.
• Connectivity: Internal storage media connects to
the computer system using internal interfaces such
as SATA (Serial ATA) or PCIe (Peripheral
Component Interconnect Express). These interfaces
• Examples: Common examples of internal
storage media include the hard disk drive
(HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), and optical
disc drives (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM) that
are installed within the computer system.
• Purpose: Internal storage media is primarily
used for permanent storage of the operating
system, applications, user data, and other
files. It provides fast and direct access to data
and is essential for the core functioning of the
computer system.
External Data Storage Media:
• Physical Location: External storage media refers to
storage devices that are separate from the computer
system and connected externally. They are typically
portable and can be easily connected or disconnected from
the computer.
• Connectivity: External storage media connects to the
computer system using external interfaces such as USB
(Universal Serial Bus), Thunderbolt, eSATA (External Serial
ATA), or FireWire. These interfaces provide a means of
transferring data between the storage device and the
computer system.
• Examples: Examples of external storage media include
• Purpose: External storage media is used for various purposes,
including data backup, data transfer, portability, and expanding
the storage capacity of the computer system. It allows users to
store data externally and access it from multiple computers or
devices.
• Portability: External storage media is often designed to be
portable, making it easy to carry and transfer data between
different computers or locations. This portability is particularly
useful for sharing files, backups, or accessing data while on the
go.
• Removability: External storage media is typically designed to
be easily removable. Users can connect or disconnect the
storage device from the computer system without opening the
computer case or requiring any technical expertise.