Classifications of computer
Classifications of Computers System:
●Computers on the Basis of Size and Capacity
1. SuperComputer
2. Mainframe Computer
3. Mini Computer
4. Micro Computer
●Computers on the Basis Purpose
1. General Purpose
2. Special Purpose
● Computers on the Basis of Hardware Design and Data Handling.
1. Analog Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer
● Computers on the Basis of Size and Capacity
1. SuperComputer
A Supercomputer is the very fastest and powerful, and expensive type of computer for processing data. Supercomputers’ size and storage capacity are also huge (can occupy huge premises) designed to process vast amounts of data in a short time with high productivity.
These are specially made to perform multi-specific tasks. Therefore, many CPUs work in parallel order on these supercomputers. This function of a Supercomputer is called Multiprocessing or Parallel Processing.
A supercomputer’s design is complicated, like it can be heterogeneous, combining computers of different architectures, is significantly surpassed most existing personal computers. This made this machine an ultra-high performance supercomputer.
Each part of a supercomputer is responsible for its own specific task, such as structuring and solving the most complex problems requiring an incredible amount of calculations.
Applications: The uses of supercomputers are dedicated to –
In research and study of energy and nuclear weapons and designing the aircraft, airplanes, and flight simulators.
Climate research and Weather Forecasting and Prediction of Natural Disasters.
Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
Used in scientific research laboratories.
Used in Chemical and Biological research and for highly calculation complex tasks.
Examples: IBM Roadburner, IBM Blue Gene, Intel ASI Red. PARAM-1000, and CRAY-XMP-14.
Good to Know ~ World’s first supercomputer is the Control Data Corporation (CDC) 6600 invented by Seymour Cray.
2. Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computers are multi-programming, high-performance computers, and multi-user, which means it can handle the workload of more than 100 users at a time on the computer.
The storage capacity of the mainframe is enormous, with a high-speed data process as well. As well as handling hundreds of input and output devices at a time.
The mainframe is a highly efficient computer capable of simultaneously solving complex calculations and continuously for a long time. These computers have several microprocessors that have the ability to function the data at too high performance and speed.
Somehow mainframes can be more powerful than supercomputers because the mainframe supports many processes simultaneously. On the other hand, supercomputers can run a single program but faster than a mainframe. In the past, Mainframes requires entire rooms or even floors of whole buildings for set up.
In today, IBM company is leading the production of mainframe computers. Mainframe reliability is increased with development in the past 60 years. These computers can fix most of the hardware and software bugs.
Applications: Uses of Mainframe Computer –
Mainframe computers are mainly used by departmental and commercial organizations like Banks, Companies, Scientific research centers, and governmental departments like railways. These computers can work for 24 hours. Hundreds of users can work on these computations simultaneously.
Using the mainframe completes the tasks, Such as keeping details of payments, research centers, advertising, sending bills and notices, paying employees, ticket booking, maintaining details of purchases by users, keeping detailed tax details, etc.
Examples: IBM Es000 series, ICL39 Series, and CDC 6600.
3. Mini Computer
Minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computer system with the connection of more than one CPU. Thus, many people can work on these computers simultaneously instead of a single person. Also, it can process with other accessories like a printer, plotter, etc.
Minicomputers are the medium type of computers that have more functionality power and expensive than microcomputers. On the other hand, the size, storage, and speed of minicomputers are large but less than the mainframe and supercomputers.
Minicomputers are made for performing a lot of computers at a single point of time, instead of assigning many microcomputers for every task, which will be time-consuming and expensive.
In general, a minicomputer is a multi-threaded system (several processes at a time) capable of supporting from one to up to 200 users simultaneously: these computers are currently used to store large databases, multi-user applications, and the automation industry.
Applications: The uses of Minicomputers –
The minicomputers are used as real-time applications in Industries, bookings, and Research Centres. Banks also use minicomputers for preparing payroll for employees’ salaries, records, tracking of financial accounts, etc. As well as in the field of Higher Education and Engineering.
Examples: PDP 11 and IBM (8000 Series).
Good to Know ~ PDP-1 was the world’s first minicomputer, small and interactive, introduced in 1960 by the Digital Equipment Corporation.
4. Micro Computer
Today we are using many computers at home is also the most common microcomputer. With this invention of the microprocessors in the year 1970, it became possible to use computers for people personally at a low cost and reasonable price known as Digital Personal Computer.
The design of microcomputers is minimal in size and storage capacity. These computers consist of many parts like Input and Output devices, Software, operating systems, networks, and Servers all these need to connect to form a complete Personal Digital Computer.
There is not only a PC or laptop are examples of microcomputers. Other examples of the microcomputer are smartphone, Tablet, PDA, server, palmtop, and workstation.
The primary purpose of microcomputers is to keep and process everyday tasks and needs of the people. Only one person can work on a single PC at a time, but its operating system is multitasking. The PC can be connected to the Internet to take benefits and enhance the user experience.
The development of multimedia, small equipment, optimized energy consumption, and the LAN made the microcomputers increase in demand for every field.
The increase in the demand and need for microcomputers between the people leads to the tremendous development of each part related to the microcomputers.
Applications: The uses of MicroComputer –
PC is being widely used in many fields like home, office, data collection, business, education, entertainment, publishing, etc.
It keeps the details and prepares letters for correspondence in small businesses, creating bills, accounting, word processing, and operation of the filing systems in a large company.
Some of the major PC manufacturers are IBM, Lenovo, Apple, HCL, HP, etc.
Examples: Desktops, tablets, smartphones, and Laptops.
The fast development of microcomputers with technology. As a result, today, microcomputers coming in the form of a book, a phone, and even a clock in the name of digital clock.
● Types of Microcomputer with Pictures
1. Desktop computer
The desktop computer belongs to the category of the microcomputer. It is also called a Personal Computers and stationary PC. This is the most widespread and universal computer for a wide range of users for both casual or commercial purposes.
Desktop computers are primarily designed to work at a fixed place i.e on a disk. They are usually larger in size and more powerful than other types of microcomputers. The main component of desktop computers is its system unit i.e vertical Case/Tower that usually placed under the table.
The system unit is a modular device, which means the ability to replace or construct each component independently. The other components are monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers are connected to the system unit in order to interact with each other.
A significant advantage of desktop computers is their upgradeability. One can use high-performance powerful components such as RAM, hard disk drive, motherboard, etc, in desktop by installing into the PC case that easily converts it into a gaming computer with efficiency features.
Desktop computers are used in everyday activities and areas like communication, Internet, business, games, music, video, etc. As you can find them in many organizations like, in hospitals, in banks, and in schools, etc.
2. Laptop
A laptop is a portable microcomputer, has an almost similar function to desktop computers. Laptops combined all the important components such as CPU, display, RAM, HDD, battery, mouse (touchpad), and keyboard in a single case.
Laptops are operated on the basis of charging the inbuilt battery, so you can take them with you wherever you go with a full battery. That’s why, it has the advantages of portability, compactness, and light in weight.
3. Smartphones
Smartphones are another example of portable microcomputers. Today’s latest smartphones have almost similar capabilities to a computer and many other unique features from simple communication to advanced recognizing a person by its fingerprint.
A smartphone has a phone-based operating system such as Android and IOS.
It made it possible to organize work with an inbuilt pixel camera, convenient apps, document and files, input, and output of data, similar to how a computer does it. The operating systems are also constantly being improved and updated by the manufacturer companies like Google, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.
There is no need to tell you, as you know, you can make and receive phone calls, access the Internet, store contact information, checking your schedule while watching some videos in Media Player, sending emails and text messages, playing games, GPS, capturing images with high megapixel cameras, reading books, mobile photography, etc.
1. Desktop computer
The desktop computer belongs to the category of the microcomputer. It is also called a Personal Computers and stationary PC. This is the most widespread and universal computer for a wide range of users for both casual or commercial purposes.
Desktop computers are primarily designed to work at a fixed place i.e on a disk. They are usually larger in size and more powerful than other types of microcomputers. The main component of desktop computers is its system unit i.e vertical Case/Tower that usually placed under the table.
The system unit is a modular device, which means the ability to replace or construct each component independently. The other components are monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers are connected to the system unit in order to interact with each other.
A significant advantage of desktop computers is their upgradeability. One can use high-performance powerful components such as RAM, hard disk drive, motherboard, etc, in desktop by installing into the PC case that easily converts it into a gaming computer with efficiency features.
Desktop computers are used in everyday activities and areas like communication, Internet, business, games, music, video, etc. As you can find them in many organizations like, in hospitals, in banks, and in schools, etc.
2. Laptop
A laptop is a portable microcomputer, has an almost similar function to desktop computers. Laptops combined all the important components such as CPU, display, RAM, HDD, battery, mouse (touchpad), and keyboard in a single case.
Laptops are operated on the basis of charging the inbuilt battery, so you can take them with you wherever you go with a full battery. That’s why, it has the advantages of portability, compactness, and light in weight.
3. Smartphones
Smartphones are another example of portable microcomputers. Today’s latest smartphones have almost similar capabilities to a computer and many other unique features from simple communication to advanced recognizing a person by its fingerprint.
A smartphone has a phone-based operating system such as Android and IOS.
It made it possible to organize work with an inbuilt pixel camera, convenient apps, document and files, input, and output of data, similar to how a computer does it. The operating systems are also constantly being improved and updated by the manufacturer companies like Google, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.
There is no need to tell you, as you know, you can make and receive phone calls, access the Internet, store contact information, checking your schedule while watching some videos in Media Player, sending emails and text messages, playing games, GPS, capturing images with high megapixel cameras, reading books, mobile photography, etc.
4. Tablet
Tablet are the other types of microcomputers are thin in width and light in weight, let’s make you write notes or draw on the display screen with both fingers or pen. Tablets can be a universal solution for some people.
The main task of tablets is precisely the features like photography, viewing images, videos on the Internet, reading books, although there are basic multimedia capabilities too. For such pocket computers, battery life is more important than the functions and performance in comparison with desktop.
Due to the large screen size, the blogs, magazines, and articles on the Internet can be easily read like a digital book.
5. PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
PDA is another portable hand-held microcomputer that stands for ‘Personal Digital Assistant‘. The size of these devices is small enough to be carried almost everywhere with broad functionality. PDAs are dependent on the inbuilt battery.
PDAs are generally used domestically. The Stylus Pen is used instead of a keyboard to write on the screen. However, it supports voice and recognizes the touch of fingers. With this, it also has a storage capacity for viewing images and videos.
The difference between today’s smartphones and PDAs is really noticeable i.e performance. Modern smartphones perform almost all the functions or even more advanced than PDAs. This leads to the failure of PDA’s popularity, but PDAs still have their users.
6. Server Microcomputer
In this digital era, we are dependent on different types of servers for various needs. A server is a microcomputer that serves the data to connected computer users on the network. A server is loaded with a lot of data and information so that it can send to the other computers.
All the data and information available on the World Wide Web or Internet is provided by different servers located in a different place. All the servers must be high-performance in order to store data reliably. For the security purpose of data, server computers regularly back up all the information.
These types of microcomputers underlie the work of local networks like LAN / Internet in general. All the network activity on the Internet is dependent on the operation of the servers.
But on the other hand, the servers that capable or run for 24 × 7 hours to providing the data and information to their users continuously are called dedicated servers. The dedicated servers are very expensive due to the requirement to have high-quality processors and RAM.
7. Workstation
A computer workstation is generally a high-end microcomputer that shares data on a network like a server at a workplace. The term workstation refers to the function/handle of the number of computers in the network environment.
●Computers on the Basis Purpose
1. General Purpose
General computers can do various everyday tasks such as writing a word processing letter, Document preparation, recording, financial analysis, Printing documents, creating databases, and calculations with accuracy and consistency.
The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers are mainly less. The ability of these computers is limited in performing specialized tasks. Still, it has versatility and useful for serving people’s basic needs at home or in the workplace in the environment.
Examples:
The desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are used on daily basis for general purposes.
2. Special Purpose
These computers are designed to perform a particular or specialized task. The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers mainly depend on the nature and size of the work. The function of these computers is consistent with any particular task.
The special computer needs specific processors and input and devices to conduct work efficiently.
These computers are used for special purposes in weather forecasting, space research, agriculture, engineering, meteorology, satellite operation, traffic control, and research in chemical sciences.
Examples:
- Automatic teller machines (ATM),
- Washing machines,
- Surveillance equipment,
- Weather-forecasting simulators,
- Traffic-control computers,
- Defense-oriented applications,
- Oil-exploration systems,
- Military planes controlling computers.
- Computers on the Basis of Hardware Design and Data Handling.
1. Analog Computer
An analog computer performs tasks using continuous data (the physical amount that changes continuously). Analog computers are used primarily to measure physical units like voltage, pressure, electric current, temperature, and convert them into digits.
It is also used to measure and perform arithmetic calculations of numbers, the length of an object, or the amount of voltage that passes through a point in an electrical circuit. Analog computers obtain all their data from some measurement way.They are used in the fields of technology, science, research, engineering, etc. Because quantities like voltage, pressure, electric current, temperature are used more in these areas, these types of computers give only approximate estimates.
Examples:
An analog computer installed on a petrol pump measures the amount of petrol coming out of the pump and appears in liters. And calculates its value. These quantities vary continuously while measuring the amount, such as the temperature of a human body changes consistently.
A simple clock, the vehicle’s speedometer, Voltmeter, etc. are examples of analog computing.
2. Digital Computer
As its name suggests, a digital computer represents the digital computer’s letters, numerical values, or any other special symbols. This computer is the computer that calculates the number for processing the data.
They run on electronic signs, and the binary numeral method Binary System 0 or 1 is used for calculation. Their speed is fast.
It can perform arithmetic operations such as addition, occurrence, subtraction, multiplication, or division and all types of logical(mathematical) operations.
Examples of Digital Computers
- Personal Desktop Computers,
- Calculators,
- Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets,
- Digital watch,
- Accounting machines,
- Workstations,
- Digital clock, etc.
3. Hybrid Computer
A hybrid computer is a combined complex computer unit built using both analog and digital properties and united by a single control system. The purpose of designing hybrid computers is to provide functions and features that can be found on both analog and digital devices.
The aim behind creating a hybrid computer is to create a kind of work unit that offers the best of both types of computers. Hybrid computers are extremely fast when driving equations, even when those calculations are incredibly complex.
As both the properties of a computer consist in the form of a single hybrid computer made possible to solve too complex calculations or problems, at the same time, these devices are not only too expensive but also able to solve complex issues a bit fastly.the digital computer system gives 100 % percent correct solutions.
Applications of hybrid Computer:
Hybrid computers are most commonly used in vast industries, research centers, organizations, and manufacturing firms (where many equations need to be solved).
Also, the solutions and uses of hybrid computers have proved to be much more detailed, accurate, and useful. Hybrid computers are used in scientific calculations, for nations’ defense and radar systems as well.
Examples:
Auto Gas online pump is the example of a hybrid computer, this device is installed on a petrol pump do not only to measure the amount of petrol but also to calculates its value, in this way It is capable of both functions i.e hybrid function
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