Classification of computers

We can classify computers based on different criteria. Some bases of classifications of computers are as follows:-
I. Storage capacity and performance efficiency
II. The type of data they handle
III. The purpose they are designed

I. Based on storage capacity and performance efficiency

can be classified as
1. Super computers: this type of computers is multiprocessor, multi user and very high efficiency. They are the largest of all computers in terms of
their physical size, storage capacity, processing speed and their cost. .
i) They are used in fields like science and defense. These computers are used for designing and launching
missiles, weather forecasting, biomedical research, aircraft design and automobile design.
Some examples are IBM Blue Gene/L, IBM Roadrunner and Cray Jaguar.

2. Mainframe computer: it is the second powerful computer and is used in large business organizations, industries and in defense to process data of
complex nature. It responds for several hundred requests very quickly.
It uses several CPU for data processing. It works on time sharing mode because it has several CPU.
Are mainly found in large organizations. They can serve hundreds or thousands of users, handling massive amounts of input, output and storage. They are
used as e-commerce servers handling transactions over the Internet.
(i) Mainframe computers are more powerful than minicomputers.
(ii) They have high processing speeds and can store large amounts of data. They are used in wide area networks.
Some examples are IBM 3000 series and Univac 1180.

2. Minicomputers: are larger and more powerful than most microcomputers but are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computers.
Minicomputers can do all the tasks of mainframe computers but in a reduced scale. It is costlier than microcomputer. They are used small to
medium sized organizations such as universities. They may be used as network servers and Internet servers.
(i) Minicomputers are small general-purpose computers, also called midrange servers. These computers can perform more complex tasks and
cost
more than microcomputers.
(ii) They are larger in size and they have small to medium storage capacity.
(iii) They are used for processing data and analyzing results of experiments.
They are also used for controlling and monitoring production processes.
Some examples are PDP 11/42 and VAX 11.
 3. Microcomputers: are the most popular and widely used type’s computers. They are also known as personal computer (pc) because they are single
user computers. Students, professionals other individual use them due to their small size, low price, and low maintenance cost and easy in
operation.
(i) Microcomputers are also called Personal Computers (PCs).
(ii) They are small in size. Also, they do not have large storage capacities.
(iii) They can perform difficult tasks. They are used mainly for desktop publishing, accounting, statistical
Analysis, graphics designing and project management.
Some examples are desktop, laptops, tablet computers and smart phones, Apple II, IBM PC, PS/2 and Macintosh.

II. Based on type of data they handle:

computers are classified as:
1. Digital Computers: The computers that use digital signals to calculate and transmit data. The word digital is derived from the word “digit”. The
word digit simply means numeral. The digital signal has only two states in which it can be represented. They are ON and OFF or HIGH and LOW
or 1 and 0. In this sense, binary system is used to represent the values of variables and quantities.
Digital data is calculated using the concept of “counting values”.
These computers manipulate digital data and perform arithmetic and logical operations on these data.
Example:
-General purpose computers. Such as
-Micro computer
-Mini computer
-Super computer

1. Analogue computers: are electronic devices that work on wave’s principle. They are used in specific to measure continuous flow of data which can
expressed in tangible quantities such as atmospheric pressure, temperature, and voltage.

2. Hybrid computers: are devices that incorporate the qualities of the previous two types (digital and analogue). They are used in scientific fields
processing necessary data from both kinds.
Hybrid computer=Analog computer (measuring feature) + Digital computer (counting feature)
Example:- Computer used in hospital to measure the heartbeat of the patient.
Device used in petrol pump.
 III. Based on their purpose

1. Specific purpose computers: These computers designed to handle a specific problem or perform or solve a single type of problem.
Examples: -public telephone box
-Traffic control system
- Pocket calculator
-Counters
-Air line reservation system
Remark: most analog computers are special or specific purpose computers.

2. General purpose computers: These computers designed to solve variety problems through the use of stored program concept, have the ability to
store numerous programs. These computers use different programs for different problems. They are more flexible and versatile.
Example:-
-Micro computer
-Mini computer
-Super computer

Characteristics of Computer
 Speed
 Accuracy
 Automatic
 High storage capacity,
 Diligence
 Versatility
 Power of remembrance

1. Speed: Computers can work very fast. It takes only few seconds for calculations that we take hours to complete if we make use of computers.

Computer can perform millions (1,000,000) of instructions and even more per second. Therefore, we determine the speed of computer in terms of
microsecond (10-6 part of a second) or nano-second (10-9 part of a second).

2. Accuracy: It never commits mistakes in processing the data. It produces errors when we enter inaccurate input, i.e., Garbage
in Garbage out (GIGO).
 The accuracy level is determined on the basis of design of computer. The errors in computer are due to human and inaccurate data

3. Storage capacity: The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a large amount of data. It is also possible to store data in secondary storage
devices such as CD, which can be kept outside a given computer and can be carried to other computers.

4. Automatic: Once a program is in the computer’s memory, it continues without the need for human intervention until completion. But don’t be
confused that human intervention is unavoidable (for example it is human that starts a computer).
5. Versatility: It means the capacity to perform completely different type of work. You may use your computer to prepare payroll slips. Next moment
you may use it for inventory management or to prepare electric bills.
6. Diligence: A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can work for hours without creating any error. If millions of
calculations are to be performed, a computer will perform every calculation with the same accuracy.
7. Reduction in Manpower
8. Paper Work can be Reduced

Limitations of a Computer
1. No Decision-making Ability
Computers cannot take any decisions. Human beings assist the computer to take the decisions. For example, suppose a street hawker is selling flowers. If
such kind of flowers is already in our house, we will decide not to purchase them. Taking decision in this way, without the assistance of human beings,
is not possible by a computer.
2. No Intelligence
Computers do not have intelligence of their own, they work according to the instructions given by humans.
3. No Emotions and Feelings
Computers are far away from emotions and certainly being machines, they cannot have feelings and instincts.