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Classification of Computer

Computers can be classified into three main categories: analog computers, digital computers, and hybrid computers. Digital computers operate using binary digits and are well-suited for complex problems. Analog computers work with continuous values like temperature and pressure. Hybrid computers combine aspects of analog and digital. Additionally, computers can be classified based on size, speed, and use into categories like super computers, mainframe computers, mini computers, and micro computers such as personal computers, laptops, and handheld devices.

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34 views

Classification of Computer

Computers can be classified into three main categories: analog computers, digital computers, and hybrid computers. Digital computers operate using binary digits and are well-suited for complex problems. Analog computers work with continuous values like temperature and pressure. Hybrid computers combine aspects of analog and digital. Additionally, computers can be classified based on size, speed, and use into categories like super computers, mainframe computers, mini computers, and micro computers such as personal computers, laptops, and handheld devices.

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kamran
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20-january-2019

Classification of Computer
BSCS 1st semester (Morning)

Assignment No: 02
Submitted to: Mam Bakhtawar Sarfraz
Submitted by: Aftab Abbas
Roll No. 776

GC University Faislabad Layyah Campus


Computers can be classified into the categories according to the principles of
operation which are explained below.

1. Analog Computers
2. Digital Computers
3. Hybrids Computers

 Analog Computers:
Analog Computer is a computing
device that works on continuous range of values. The
results given by the analog computers will only be
approximate since they deal with quantities that vary
continuously. It generally deals with physical variables
such as voltage, pressure, temperature, speed, etc.

 Digital Computers:
On the other hand, a digital computer
operates on digital data such as numbers. It uses binary number system in which
there are only two digits 0 and 1. Each one is
called a bit. The digital computer is
designed using digital circuits in which there
are two levels for an input or output signal.
These two levels are known as logic 0 and
logic 1. Digital Computers can give more
accurate and faster results. Digital computer
is well suited for solving complex problems
in engineering and technology. Hence digital computers have an increasing use in
the field of design, research and data processing.

 Hybrid Computers:
A hybrid computer combines the
desirable features of analog and digital computers. It is mostly used for
automatic operations of complicated physical processes and machines. Now-a-
days analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are used for transforming
the data into suitable form for either type of
computation for example, I hospital’s ICU, an
along devices might ensure the patients
temperature, blood pressure and other vital signs.
These measurements which are in analog might
then be converted into Numbers and supplied to
digital components in the system. These
components are used to monitor the patient’s
vital signal into digital signals if any abnormal readings are detected. Hybrid
computers are mainly used for specialized tasks.

On the basis of configuration that is architecture, processing, power, size of main


memory and other capabilities, computer can be divided in the following classes.

 Super Computer.
 Mainframe Computer
 Mini Computer
 Micro Computer

 Super Computer:
Super computers are used for solving
complex application such as Global Weather Forecasting. Creating graphic
images, engineering design and testing,
space exploration and other problems
where it is necessary to process huge
quantities of data quickly.
They are, Largest, Fastest, can handle
over 10,000 users & Parallel Processing.
Cost: Several million dollars.
Speed: 60 billion instructions per second.
Size: Automobile Sized.
 Mainframe Computer:
Mainframe computer is usually slower, less
powerful and less expensive than super
Computer. Mainframe computer can handle over
hundreds of users.
Mainframe Computer are useful for dealing with large over changing collection
of data that are accessed by many users Simultaneously such as banks, airlines,
railways.
Cost: Several hundred thousand dollars.
Speed: 250 million instructions per second.
Size: Refrigerator Sized.
 Mini Computer:
Mini computers are lower to mainframe
computers in terms of speed and storage capacity. They are also less expensive
than mainframe computers. Some of the features of mainframes will not be
available in mini computers. Hence, their
performance also will be less than that of
mainframes. They are used for
telecommunications.
Cost: 25000 Dollars to Over 150,000
Dollars.
Speed: 150 million instructions per
second
Size: Filling Cabinet size.
 Micro Computer:
The invention of microprocessor (single
chip CPU) gave birth to the much cheaper microcomputers. They are further
classified into

 Personal Computers
 Laptop Computers
 Handheld Computers(PDAs)

o Personal Computers:
They are usually easier to use and more affordable.
They are normally intended for individual users for their word processing and
other small application
Requirements.

o Desktop.
o Tower.
o Laptop Computers:
Laptop computers are portable computers. They
are lightweight computers with a thin screen. They are also called as notebook
computers because of their small size. They can
operate on batteries and hence are very popular with
travelers. The screen folds down onto the keyboard
when not in use.

o Handheld Computers(PDAs):
Handheld computers
or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are pen-based and also battery- powered.
They are small and can be carried anywhere. They use a pen like stylus and
accept handwritten input directly on the screen.
They are
not as powerful as desktops or laptops but they are
used for scheduling appointments, storing addresses
and playing games. They have touch screens which
we use with a finger or a stylus.

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