Types of Computers
1. 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.
2. 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.
3.
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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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