Different Types of Computer - Based On Size, Purpose and Working Principal
Different Types of Computer - Based On Size, Purpose and Working Principal
Computer can be classified in many ways. The common way is to classify the computer according to
working principle, purpose and size. There are different types of computer.
1. Types of Computer- Based on working Principal
1. Analog computer
2. Digital computer
3. Hybrid computer
1. Micro Computer
2. Mini Computer
3. Mainframe Compute
4. Super computer
1.Types of Computer- Based On working Principal-
On the basis of working Principle the computer can be classified into three types:-
1. Analog computer –
2. Digital computer
3. Hybrid computer
1. Analog Computer– It is used to process analog data. Analog computer operates by measuring rather
than counting. An analog computer measures continuous electrical or physical magnitudes like voltage,
pressure, water flow etc.An analog computer has the ability to accept inputs which vary with time and
intensity and directly apply them to various devices which perform desired operation. It produces output in
the form of graph.
These computer are mostly used in process control plants.
2. Digital Computer-
A digital computer operates directly on decimal digit that represents either discrete data or symbols. It
converts the data into digits and then all operations are done on these digits at extremely fast rates. Digit
computer basically knows how to count the digits.
Computers used for business and scientific application are digital computers.
3. Hybrid Computer – Hybrid computer utilize the best qualities of both analog and digital computers.
They are suited for situation where digital processing of data collected in analog form is desirable.
For example – in a hospital intensive care unit analog devices may measure a patient’s heart function,
temperature etc. these measurements may then be converted into numbers and supplied to digital devices.
Other areas are guided missile system new aircraft design etc .
2.Types of Computer- Based on Purpose
1. General Purpose Computer – Theses computer can store different programs and can thus be used in
countless application. A General Purpose Computer can perform any kind of jobs with equal efficiency
simply by changing the application program stored in main memory.
2. Special Purpose Computer – A Special Purpose Computer is the one that is designed to perform only
one special task. The program or instructions set is permanently stored in such a machine. It does its single
task very quickly and it cannot be used for any other purpose.
These computers are often used to perform specific function such as controlling a manufacturing process
or directing communications.
1. Micro Computer
2. Mini Computer
3. Mainframe Computer
4. Super computer
• Desktop Computer
• Laptop Computer
• Palmtop Computer,Digital Diary ,Notebook ,PDAs.
Some typical machines are – DCM Tandy, Apple- II, BBC Acorn, IBM-PC , Pentium.