Computer are classified according to their purpose, data handling, functionality, and size.
Types of Computer According to Purpose
General Purpose Computer
A general-purpose computer is one that has the ability to store different programs of instructions to perform a variety of tasks.
In this computer general machines are used.
We can install or run different types of software/applications according to our needs.
Example: Inventory control, Budgeting, etc.
In this computer general machines are used.
We can install or run different types of software/applications according to our needs.
Example: Inventory control, Budgeting, etc.
Special Purpose Computer
A special-purpose computer is one that is designed to perform only one specific task.
They are also known as dedicated computers because they are designed to perform a single task over and over again.
The program or instructions set is permanently stored in such a machine.
They are very quick but cannot be used for any other purpose.
Example: ATM Machine, Traffic light management system, video game device, Monitoring Heartbeat, etc.
They are also known as dedicated computers because they are designed to perform a single task over and over again.
The program or instructions set is permanently stored in such a machine.
They are very quick but cannot be used for any other purpose.
Example: ATM Machine, Traffic light management system, video game device, Monitoring Heartbeat, etc.
Types of Computer According to Data Handling
Analog Computer
Analog computer is special-purpose computers which are designed to measure the continuous physical values such as speed, pressure, temperature, etc. E.g. thermometer, speedometer, seismographs, etc.
Features of the analog computer.
It works on real-time and has no storage capacity.
It works on continuous data and gives continuous output.
It is specific to the particular task.
Digital Computer
Digital computers are general-purpose computers which work on binary digits by accepting discontinuous data. E.g. Personal computer.
Features of the digital computer.
It has a storage section.
It works on the discontinuous or discrete data.
It is applicable for the general purpose.
It is based on the digits 0 and 1.
Hybrid Computer
The computers which perform the task of both analog and digital computers are known as Hybrid computer. They are also known as special-purpose computers. The hybrid computer transfers the data from analog to digital and digital to analog or vice-versa. E.g. ECG machine.
Types of computer According to Size or Volume
Super Computers
Super computers were designed and built to work on extremely large jobs that could not be handled by no others types of computing systems.
Super computers are also called 'high-performance computer'.
Super computers are also used to solve the complex problems.
A super computer is a computer with great speed and memory. This kind of computer can do jobs faster than any other computer of its generation. They are usually thousands of times faster than ordinary personal computers made at that time.
The speed is in the 100 MIPS (millions of instructions per second)
Application area: Scientific Research, Military Science etc.
E.g. CRAY-1, ETA-10
Mainframe Computers
Mainframe are second larger computer in terms of capability and size, often used by large business organizations such as bank, financial institutions, insurance company etc.
It enable multi-user.
The speed is in the 16 MIPS (millions of instructions per second)
These computers are capable of handling and processing very large amounts of data quickly.
E.g. IBM 4300, Honeywell 700 series etc.
Mini Computers
Mini computers are medium-sized computer which normally process and store less data than mainframe but more than a microcomputer.
They are some-times called mid-range computers.
The speed is in the 10 MIPS (millions of instructions per second)
They are used in small organizations.
E.g. VAX, PDP II etc.
Micro Computers
Micro computer is the smallest and least expensive general purpose computer.
The micro computers are specially designed for general usage like entertainment, education and work purpose.
The speed is usually counted in MHz rather than MIPS.
They are mostly used as a single user.
They are popularly used at homes, school etc.
E.g. PC, PC/XT, PC/AT etc.
Types of micro computer
Desktop Computers: A micro computers with separated keyboard, monitor, and main processing unit that is designed to be used on a desk or table is called desktop computer.
Workstation Computers: A workstation is a special computer which are dedicated to single user or multiple user to perform their job.
Laptop Computers: A laptop computer is a portable personal computer powered by a battery. It has attached keyboard, speaker, and touchpad.
Notebook Computers: Notebook computer is ultra-portable computers. It is thinnest and stylist computer.
Mobile Computers: Mobile computer is small, light-weight, pocket-sized portable computers.
Types of computer According to the brand
IBM PC (IBM Personal Computer): IBM PC computers are designed for Professional & scientific purpose.
IBM Compatible Computer: IBM compatible computers are designed for general purpose.
0 Comments