Classification of Computers
Types of Computers
·
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.
·
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.
·
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
·
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.
·
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.
·
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.
·
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.
·
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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