Classification of Computer or All Types of Computers

 Classification of COMPUTERS

Nowadays, Computers are available in many sizes and types for different purposes and use.  It may be smaller than a smartphone that can fit in the palm of our hand or may be as large as a room. A computer can be used either by a single user else by hundreds of users simultaneously according to need and availability. Hence, computers can be classified according to Size, Generation, purpose, data handling, functionality, etc.

ACCORDING TO PURPOSE

Computers are designed for different purposes. They can be used either for general purposes or for specific purposes.

General Purpose Computer

As the name suggests general purpose computers are designed and used to perform general tasks whatever we need to do in our daily life. These computers are used for various Applications but they possess low speed and efficiency. The Computers like personal Computer which is used in schools, Colleges, and home are example of general purpose Computer

Specific Purpose Computers

As the name suggests Special purpose computers are designed and used to perform some special tasks. These computers are mainly used for single Application but they possess high speed and efficiency. These Computers can provide the result very quickly and efficiently. The Computers are used in airline reservations, satellite tracking, air traffic control and Scientific Research Centers. Specific Purpose Computers are more expensive as compared to General purpose Computers.

CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO TYPE OF DATA HANDLING TECHNIQUES

Different types of Computers process the data in a different manner. According to the basic data handling principle, computers can be classified into three categories: Analog Computers, Digital Computers, and Hybrid Computers.

Analog Computers

Analog computers represent data as variable across a continuous range of values. It works on the principle of measuring of parameters that vary continuously in real time, such as temperature, pressure and voltage and measurements obtained are translated in to desired data. Analog computers are used for scientific and engineering purposes. The main feature of Analog computers is that they are very fast in operation however the accuracy of Analog computers is less. Slide rule is an example of an Analog computer.

Digital Computers

These computers operate with information, numerical or otherwise, represented in a digital form. All informations are represented using the digits 0s and 1s that is in binary language. Digital computers can give the results with more accuracy at a faster rate. The computers that we use at our homes and offices are example of digital computers.

Hybrid Computers

Hybrid Computers incorporates the measuring feature of an Analog computer and the counting feature of a Digital computer. These Computers have some characteristic of Analog as well as Digital. It binds the power of analog and digital and uses Analog to Digital and Digital to Analog converters. Hybrid Computers are mainly used in Scientific and some engineering Fields.

CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO FUNCTIONALITY

Based on physical size, performance and application areas, we can divide computers generally into four major categories: Micro Computers, Mini Computers, Mainframe Computers, and Super Computers.

Micro Computers

Micro Computers are small, low cost digital computers, which usually consists of a microprocessor, a storage unit, an input channel, and an output channel, all of which may be on one chip inserted into one or several PC boards. Desktop computer or PC (Personal Computer), Laptops, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), Palmtop Computers, Tablets, Smartphones are some examples of Micro Computer.

Mini Computers

Mini Computers are small digital computer, which normally is able to process and store less data than a mainframe but more than a Micro Computer, while doing so less rapidly than a mainframe but more rapidly than a Micro Computer. It is capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 simultaneous users. Some of the widely used mini computers are PDP 11, IBM (8000 series), and VAX 7500.

Mainframe Computers

Mainframe Computers are Ultra High Performance Computer made for High Volume, processor intensive computing. It consists of a high end computer processor. Normally, it is able to process and store more data than a mini computer and far more than a Micro Computer. Moreover, it is designed to perform faster than a mini computer and much faster than a Micro Computer. Mainframes are the second largest (in capability and size) of the computer family. Examples of mainframe computers are IBM's ES000, VAX 8000, and CDC 6600.

Super Computers

Super computers are the special purpose machines. A super computer has the highest processing speed at a given time for solving scientific and engineering problems. These are also used by military strategists to simulate defense scenarios. It can process a large number of information and make extensive calculations very, very quickly. Super Computers are the fastest, costliest and most powerful computers available today. CRAY–3, Cyber 205, and PARAM are examples of Super Computers.. 

 Posted By - Sultan Ansari