Classification of Computers
Types of
Computers
1. Analog Computers
Analog computers are used to process
continuous data. Analog computers represent variables by physical quantities.
Thus any computer which solve problem by translating physical conditions such
as flow, temperature, pressure, angular position or voltage into related
mechanical or electrical related circuits as an analog for the physical
phenomenon being investigated in general it is a computer which uses an analog
quantity and produces analog values as output. Thus an analog computer measures
continuously. Analog computers are very much speedy. They produce their results
very fast. But their results are approximately correct. All the analog
computers are special purpose computers.
2. Digital Computers
Digital computer represents physical
quantities with the help of digits or numbers. These numbers are used to
perform Arithmetic calculations and also make logical decision to reach a
conclusion, depending on, the data they receive from the user.
3. Hybrid
Computers
Various specifically designed
computers are with both digital and analog characteristics combining the
advantages of analog and digital computers when working as a system. Hybrid
computers are being used extensively in process control system where it is
necessary to have a close representation with the physical world.
The hybrid system provides the good
precision that can be attained with analog computers and the greater control
that is possible with digital computers, plus the ability to accept the input
data in either form.
Classification
of Computers According to Size
1. Super Computers
Large scientific and research
laboratories as well as the government organizations have extra ordinary demand
for processing data which required tremendous processing speed, memory and
other services which may not be provided with any other category to meet their
needs. Therefore very large computers used are called Super Computers. These
computers are extremely expensive and the speed is measured in billions of
instructions per seconds.
2. Main Frame Computers
The most expensive, largest and the
most quickest or speedy computer are called mainframe computers. These
computers are used in large companies, factories, organizations etc. the
mainframe computers are the most expensive computers, they cost more than 20
million rupees. In this computers 150 users are able to work on one C.P.U. The
mainframes are able to process 1 to 8 bits at a time. They have several
hundreds of megabytes of primary storage and operate at a speed measured in
nano second.
3. Mini Computers
Mini computers are smaller than
mainframes, both in size and other facilities such as speed, storage capacity
and other services. They are versatile that they can be fitted where ever they
are needed. Their speeds are rated between one and fifty million instructions
per second (MIPS). They have primary storage in hundred to three hundred
megabytes range with direct access storage device.
4. Micro Computers
These are the smallest range of
computers. They were introduced in the early 70’s having less storing space and
processing speed. Micro computers of todays are equivalent to the mini
computers of yesterday in terms of performing and processing. They are also
called “computer of a chip” because its entire circuitry is contained in one
tiny chip. The micro computers have a wide range of applications including uses
as portable computer that can be plugged into any wall.
5. Laptop Computers
The smallest computer in size has
been developed. This type of small computers look like an office brief case and
called “LAPTOP” computer. The laptops are also termed as “PORTABLE COMPUTERS.”
Due to the small size and light weight, they become popular among the computer
users. The businessmen found laptop very useful, during traveling and when they
are far away frm their desktop computers. A typical laptop computer has all the
facilities available in microcomputer. The smallest laptops are called
“PALMTOP”.
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