Types of computer

on basis of functionality & size, speed and cost.

1. P RESENTATION ON TYPES OF COMPUTER

2. Computer can be classified it to following basis defined below On the basis of functionality. On the basis of Size, Speed and Cost .  

3. On The Basis of Functionality According to functionality computer can be divided in to three types: 1. Analog 2. Digital 3. Hybrid

4. Analog Computer “ An analog (spelled analogue in British English) computer is a form of computer that uses the continuously-changeable  aspects of physical fact such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.”   Analog means  continuity  of associated quantity just like an analog clock measures time by means of the distance travelled by the hand of the clock around a dial . Example: Thermometer, Analog clock, Speedometer, Tire pressure Gauge.

5. Characteristics of Analog Computers The Speed of analog computer is fast These computers are not reliable These computers became the base for digital computers These computers are difficult to operate and use These computers are easy to develop These computers have small memory

6. Digital Computer  “A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system of “0” and “1 ”.          “Computer capable of solving problems by processing information expressed in discrete form. By manipulating combinations of binary digits ( “0”, “1” ), it can perform mathematical calculations, organize and analyze data, control industrial and other processes, and simulate dynamic systems such as global weather patterns. ” EXAMPLES:  IBM PC Apple Macintosh Calculators Digital watches etc

7. Characteristics of Digital Computer These computers are easy to use. Human being like to use digital computers. These computers are reliable. Digital computers have big memory. Working speed of digital computers is slower as compared to analog computers. These computers are further divided into different categories such as personal computers, Mainframe computers and super computers.

8. Hybrid Computer A   hybrid computer  is a combination of computers that are capable of inputting and outputting in both  digital  and  analog  signals. Traditionally, the analog components of the computer handle complex mathematical computations. The digital components take care of logical and numerical operations in addition to serving as the controller for the system. Hybrid computers for example are used for scientific calculations, in defence and radar systems . Example: Notebook, Laptop etc.

9. Characteristics of Hybrid Computers These computers are reliable and provide accurate result. These computers are fast and speedy. These computers are easy to move These computers are cheaper

10. Micro Computers It is difficult to overstate the impact of the micro computer on the computer industry. In 1975, the micro computer did not exist. In 1995, sales exceeded $116 billion. Microcomputers are the fastest growing segment of the computer industry. The micro computer segment of the industry is complex; there are different types of microcomputer platforms with varying capabilities. The most common type of microcomputer is a  Desktop Computer , which is a non portable Personal Computer  that fits on top of a desk. (will describe below). Microcomputers are the smallest and cheapest of these and are used at home, in schools and in some businesses. Mainframe computers are the most powerful computers.

11. Super Computer It is an extremely fast computer which can execute hundreds of millions of instructions per second. PC (Personal Computer) Supercomputers are one of the fastest computers currently available. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amount of mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example, weather forecasting, scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting).

12. Mini Computer The mini computers are small digital computers, which normally process and store less data than mainframe but more than a microcomputer. Minicomputer systems provide faster operating speeds and larger storage capacities than microcomputer systems. They are sometimes called mid-range computers, and are designed to meet the computing needs for several people simultaneously in a small to medium size business environment. They are used in industries, research organizations, colleges and universities.

13. Main Frame Computer It is a multi-user computer system which is capable of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously. Software technology is different from minicomputer. Mainframe is very large in size and is an expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds or even thousands of users simultaneously. Mainframe executes many programs concurrently and supports many simultaneous execution of programs.

14. General Purpose Of Computers Most computers in use today are  General-Purpose computers  — those built for a great variety of processing jobs. Simply by using a general purpose computer and different software, various tasks can be accomplished, including writing and editing (word processing), manipulating facts in a data base, tracking manufacturing inventory, making scientific calculations, or even controlling organization’s security system, electricity consumption, and building temperature. General purpose computers are designed to perform a wide variety of functions and operations. You will probably use this type of computer reading this article and I am using a general purpose computer typing this article in some software (MS Word). A general purpose computer is able to perform a wide variety of operations because it can store and execute different programs in its internal storage. Unfortunately, having this ability is often achieved at the expense of speed and efficiency. In most situations, however, you will find that having this flexibility makes this compromise a most acceptable one.

15. Special purpose of Computer As the name states, a Special-Purpose Computer are designed to be task specific and most of the times their job is to solve one particular problem. They are also known as dedicated computers, because they are dedicated to perform a single task over and over again. Such a computer system would be useful in playing graphic intensive Video Games, traffic lights control system, navigational system in an aircraft, weather forecasting, satellite launch / tracking, oil exploration, and in automotive industries, keeping time in a digital watch, or Robot helicopter. While a special purpose computer may have many of the same features found in a general purpose computer, its applicability to a particular problem is a function of its design rather than to a stored program. The instructions that control it are built directly into the computer, which makes for a more efficient and effective operation. They perform only one function and therefore cut down on the amount of memory needed and also the amount of information which can be input into them. As these computers have to perform only one task, therefore, they are fast in processing. A drawback of this specialization, however, is the computer’s lack of versatility. It cannot be used to perform other operations.