Classification of Computers

• The computers can be classified based on the technology being used as:

• Digital
• Analog
• Hybrid
Digital Computers
• These computers are capable of processing information in discrete form.
• In digital technology data which can be in the form of letters, symbols or numbers
is represented in binary form i.e. 0s and 1s.
• Binary digits are easily expressed in a digital computer by the presence (1) or
absence (0) of current or voltage.
• It computes by counting and adding operations.
• The digital computers are used in industrial, business and scientific applications.
• They are quite suitable for large volume data processing.

Analog Computers
• Analog computer is that computer, which is used to process continuously varying
data.
• These computers measure changes in continuous physical quantities say current and
voltage.
• These computers are used to process data generated by ongoing physical processes.
• A thermometer is an example of an analog computer since it measures the change
in mercury level continuously.
• The accuracy of an analog computer is less as compared to digital computers.
• It is used to process data generated by changing physical quantities especially when
the response to change is fast.
• Most present day analog computers are well suited to simulating systems.
• A simulator helps to conduct experiments repeatedly in real time environment.
Some of the common examples are simulations in aircrafts, nuclear power plants,
hydraulic and electronic networks.

Hybrid Computers
• They use both analog and digital technology.
• It has the speed of analog computer and the accuracy of a digital computer.
• It may accept digital or analog.
• Generally the analog components provide efficient processing of differential
equations while the digital part deals with logical operations of the system.
• The benefits of both analog and digital computing are readily available.
• Hybrid Computers are used as a cost effective means for complex simulations.
 Classification of Digital Computers

• The digital computers are classified according to their computing capabilities. The
various types of digital computers are discussed below:
– Micro Computers.
– Mini Computers.
– Main Frames.
– Super Computers.

Micro Computers
• These are also known as Personal Computers.
• These type of digital computer uses a microprocessor (a CPU on a single chip) and
include both desktops and laptops.
• These computers can work on small volume of data, are very versatile and can
handle variety of applications.
• Small portable computers such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and tablets with
wireless computing technology are increasingly becoming popular.

Mini Computers
• These computers can support multiple users working simultaneously on the same
machine.
• These are mainly used in an organization where computers installed in various
departments are interconnected.
• These computers are useful for small business organizations.

Main Frames
• These computers are large and very powerful computers with very high memory
capacity.
• These can process huge databases such as census at extremely fast rate.
• They are suitable for big organizations, banks, industries etc. and can support
hundreds of users simultaneously on the network.

Super Computers
• These are fastest and very expensive computers.
• They can execute billions of instructions per second.
• These are multiprocessor, parallel systems suitable for specialized complex
scientific applications involving huge amounts of mathematical applications such as
weather forecasting.
• The main difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a
supercomputer executes fewer programs as fast as possible whereas a mainframe
executes many programs concurrently.
 Concept of Booting

• When we start our Computer then there is an operation which is performed

automatically by the Computer which is also called as Booting.
• When the computer is switched on, a copy of boot program is brought from ROM
into the main memory.
• In the Booting, System will check all the hardware’s and Software’s those are
installed or attached with the System and this will also load all the Files those are
needed for running a system.
•
• The CPU first runs a jump instruction that transfers to BIOS (Basic Input output
System) and it starts executing.
• The BIOS conducts a series of self diagnostic tests called POST (Power On Self
Test).
• These tests include memory tests, configuring and starting video circuitry,
configuring the system’s hardware and checking other devices that help to
function the computer properly.
• The execution is then transferred to the Boot Strap Loader program on the boot
sector which loads and executes the operating system.

Types of Booting

Booting Process is of two types – Warm and Cold

• Cold Booting:
– When the system starts from initial state i.e. it is switched on, we call it cold
booting or Hard Booting.
– When the user presses the Power button, the instructions are read from the
ROM to initiate the booting process.

• Warm Booting:
– When the system restarts or when Reset button is pressed, we call it Warm
Booting or Soft Booting.
– The system does not start from initial state and so all diagnostic tests need
not be carried out in this case.
– There are chances of data loss and system damage as the data might not have
been stored properly.