Types of Computer/Classification Of computers

Computers have now become a part of our daily lives. Anything and everything is now completely Computer-dependent. However, an increase in needs has also created an increase in the demands.In the early days, computer sizes were as large as the building rooms and the processing speed was relatively slower. As technology advances, the size of the computer drastically decreases with the advent of the microprocessor technology and the processing speed was also increased.

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     Types Of Computer/ Classification of Computers

There are hundreds of different tasks that require the need for computers. But, a single type of computer performing each of these tasks is not an easy option. This is why with the advancement in technology we have come up with different types of computers. Each serving a different purpose. One is the mode of use.

Computers differ based on their data processing capabilities. They are classified according to purpose, data handling and functionality.

Computers are classified into following types:-

* Based on Purpose.

* Based on Data Handling.

* Based on memory size and Type.

1. Types of Computer based on Purpose:-

On the basis of the purpose is broadly classified into two categories as follows:-

•        General purpose Computer
•        Specific  purpose Computer

a) General Purpose Computer:-

General Purpose Computers are those computers Computer which are used to solve variety of problems by changing the programs or instructions. These types of Computers have the ability to store multiple programs. They can be used for business applications, scientific purpose, for educations, and for home use. Even though such computers are versatile, they are not much efficient and also slower in speed. For example to make small database calculations, accounting, etc.

b) Specific Purpose Computer:-

Specific Purpose Computers are those Computers which are used to solve a single and dedicated type of problem. It is not designed to handle multiple programs. Hence, they lack versatility. Since they are made to handle a specific task, they are more efficient and faster general-purpose Computers. These Computers are used for satellite tracking, air-traffic control, airline reservations, automatic aircraft landing, multimedia computer, etc.

2. Types of Computer based on Data Handling:-

On the basis of work or data handling, Computers have capabilities or how they process the input data in a different manner. They are:-

•      Digital Computer
•          Analog Computer
•          Hybrid Computer

a) Digital Computer:-

A digital Computer works on the basis that can be stored in binary format i. e. in the form of 0s and 1s. The data or information in the Computer is stored in voltage Pulses which represent either 0 or 1. A digital Computer, not only performs mathematic Problems, but also combines the text document, all are converted into binary format before it can be store into a computer’s memory. It is a device that manipulates discrete data and performs arithmetic and logical functions.

b) Analog Computers:-

A Analog Computers are used to process the analog data. The analog data is continuously changing or varying data. They carryout analog computers are logical operations by manipulating and processing of data e.g. speedometers, seismograph, etc. Analog Computers is used to measure the continuously varying aspects of physical quantities like an electrical current, voltages, hydraulic pressure or other electrical and mechanical properties. Analog Computer does not measure the discrete values. They are used in Scientific and industrial applications.

c) Hybrid Computers:-

A Hybrid Computers constitutes both analog and digital computer systems. The hybrid Computers has the capability to process the input in both the analog and digital formats. The analog portion of the system can handle the continuous varying aspects of complex mathematical computation, whereas the digital portion handles the numerical and logical operations.

Examples of hybrid computers are used in medical science to measure the heartbeat of patient, also used in controlling industrial processes and scientific applications. Machines used in hospitals like ECG and DIALYSIS are the commonly used hybrid computer. 

3) Types of digital Computer Based on memory size and Type:-

                                          

                 Classification of Computers based on memory size  

Types of Micro Computers

·        Microcomputers:-

The microcomputers are most commonly used computer that used homes, schools, banks, offices etc. Microcomputers are small, low cost and single-user digital computer. They consist of CPU, input unit, output unit, storage unit and the software. It is used for individual use only. Although microcomputers are stand-alone machines, they can serve more than one user.

IBM PC based on Pentium microprocessor and Apple Macintosh is some examples of microcomputers. They were originally called microcomputers because they are much smaller in size as compared to super computers and mainframes. They are commonly used in homes, offices, and personal use. Hence, also called personal computers. The micro computers include desktop computers, notebook computers or laptop, tablet computers, handheld computers, smart phones, and net book,Server,Palmtop and workstations, Portable Computers like a laptop, Personal Digital Assistant(PDA).

This can be increased in any work are or even at Personal Use. The Primary purpose of micro computer is to keep and process the everyday tasks and needs of the people. Only one person can work on a single PC at a time, but its operating system is multitasking. The PC can be connected to the internet to take benefits and enhance the user experience.

The development of multimedia, small equipment, optimised energy consumption, and the LAN made the microcomputers increase in demand for every field.

The increase in the demand and need for microcomputers between the people leads to the tremendous development of each part related to the micro computer. They are suitable for personal work that may be making assignment, watching a movie, or at office for office work.

·        Desktop Computer or Personal Computer(PC):-

 A desktop Computer or more popularly known as PC(Personal Computer). It is the most commonly used microcomputer. It is a stand- alone machine that can be placed on the desk. Externally, it consists of three units- keyboard, monitor and a system unit containing the CPU. Memory, hard disk drive etc. It is not very expensive and is suited to the nee of single user at home, small business units, and organizations. Apple, Microsoft, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard are some of the PC manufactures.

·        Portable Computer:-

Other than desktop computers, like laptop, and PDAs have become more favorite among individuals. The best part of this portable computer is that it can be easily carried alone by individuals.

1. Laptop or Notebook:-

It is a resemble a notebook. They are Portable and have all the features of a desktop computer. The advantage of the laptop is that it is small in size( can be put inside a briefcase), can be carried anywhere, has a battery backup and has all the functionality of the desktop. Laptop can be placed on the top, while working (Hence the name).Laptops are costlier than the desktop machines.

2.      Net book:-

There are smaller notebooks optimal for low weight and low cost, and are designed net book in late 2007, they have gained significant popularity now. Net books delivers the performance needed to enjoy popular activities like streaming videos or music, emailing, web surfing and instant messaging.

3.      Tablet Computer:-

It has features of the notebook Computer but it can accept input from a stylus or a pen instead of the keyboard or mouse. It is a portable. Tablet Computers are the new kind of PCs.

4.      Handheld computer or Personal digital assistant (PDA):-

It is a small Computer that can be held on the top of the palm. It is small. Instead of the keyboard, PDA us in sized a Pen or stylus for input. PDAs do not have a disk drive. They have limited memory  and are less powerful. PDA s can be connected to the internet manufactures of PDA. Over the last few years, PDAs have merged into mobile phones to create smart phones.

5.      Smart Phones:-

They are cellular phones that function both as a phone and a small PC. They may use a styler or a pen, or may have a small keyboard. They can be connected to the Internet wirelessly. They are used to access the electronic-mail, download music, play game, etc.

Blackberry, APPLE, HTA, NOKIA and LG are some of the manufacturer of smart phones.

·        Minicomputers:-

Minicomputers are digital computers, generally used in multi user systems. They have high processing speed and high storage capacity than the microcomputers. Minicomputer can support 4 -200 users simultaneously. The users can access the minicomputer through their PCs or Terminal. They are used for real-time applications in industries, research centers etc. PDP 11, IBM (8000 series) are some of the widely used mini-computers.

·  Mainframe computers:-

Mainframe computers are multi-user, multiprogramming and high – performance Computers. They operate a very high speed, have very large storage capacity and can handle the world load of man users. Mainframe Computers are large and Powerful system generally used in centralized databases. The user accesses the mainframe Computer via terminal that may be a dump terminal, an intelligent or a PC.A dump terminal cannot store data or do processing of its own. A dump terminal has the input and output device only. An intelligent but, cannot data of its own. The dump and intelligent terminal use the processing power and the storage facility of the mainframe computer .Mainframe Computers are used in organizations like banks or companies, where many people requires frequent access to the same data. Same examples of mainframes are CDC6600 and IBM ES000 series.

·        Super Computers:-

Super Computers are the fastest and the most extensive machines. They have high processing speed compared to other Computers the speed of a super Computer is generally measure in FLOPS (Floating Point Operations per Second). Some of the faster super Computers can perform trillions of calculations per second. Super Computers are built by interconnecting thousand of processors that can work in parallel.

Super Computers are used for highly calculation - intensive tasks, such as, weather forecasting,  climate research (global warning), molecular research, biological research, nuclear research and aircraft design. They are also used in major Universities, military agencies and scientific research laboratories. Some examples of super Computers are IBM Road runner, IBM Blue gene and Intel ASCII red. PARAM is a series of super Computer assembled in India by C-DAC (Center for Development of Advanced Computing), in Pune. PARAM Padma is the latest machine in this series. The Peak Computing Power is the latest machine in this series. The Peak Computing Power of PARAM Padma is 1 Tera FLOP (TFOP).