CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY SIZE

Computers are available in different shapes, sizes and weights. Due to these different shapes and sizes, they perform different kinds of job. So, here are the classification of computers by sizes and capacities:

1.       Microcomputers: - The microcomputers are also known as personal computers or simply PCs. It is referred to as personal computer because it allows only one user at a time. They are the most common type of computer system found today. E.g., Desktop, Laptops, Cellular Telephones.

2.       Minicomputers: - Minicomputer system or small mainframe computers provide faster operating speed and larger storage capacities than the microcomputer systems.  E.g., DEC PDP

3.       Mainframe computers: - This is a powerful, large and expensive computer. It can handle processing of many users at a time. For example, IBM S/390 mainframe can support 50,000 users simultaneously.

4.       Super Computers:- Super computer is the biggest in size and the most expensive in price. It can process trillions of instructions in seconds. This computer is not used as a PC in a home neither by a student in a college. Different industries use this huge computer for designing their products. E.g., China’s Tianhe – 1A

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY DEGREE OF VERSATILITY

Generally, computers are designed to either be a special purpose or general purpose computing device.

1.       Special purpose computer: - these are designed to solve a specific problem. Basically, the program for solving a specific task is built into the computer. Example, A stimulator, A radar system, Television, Radio, Washing machine etc.

2.       General purpose computers: - These are designed to solve large variety of problems. That is, they can be given different programs to solve different kind types of problems. Example, the desktop computers.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER BY TYPES

Generally, the computers are classified into three main types: Analog computers, Digital computers and Hybrid computers.

1.       Analog computer: - These types of computers are used for scientific, engineering and process control purposes. Because they deal with quantities that are continuously variable, they give only approximate results. Examples, Thermometers, Speedometer, etc.

2.       Digital computer: - Digital computer is a type of computer that mainly operates by counting. Basically, it works by counting values that are discrete, or separate and distinct. Examples of digital computers are: personal computer, calculators, etc.

3.       Hybrid computers: - These types of computers are, as the name suggests, a combination of both analog and digital computers. A good example of hybrid computer is the Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine used in the hospital. It is a diagnostic tool that measures and records the electrical activity of the heart.