Classification of Computers

The way computers process information can be broadly classified into three categories.

Classification of Computers

Analog Computers

In analog computers, continuous quantities are used. Computations are carried out with physical quantities such as voltage, length, current, temperature, etc. For ex: Voltmeter, ammeter, thermometer. These computers operate by measuring rather than counting. All calculations are parallel and faster.

Digital Computers

Digital computers work upon discontinuous data. They convert the data into digits (binary digits 0 and 1) and all operations are carried out at fast rates. Computers used for business and scientific applications are digital computers. They can be further classified into 2 ways

• Purpose wise computers
• Size and performance-wise computers

Purpose-wise Computers 

Purpose wise digital computers are classified into two types:·
Special Purpose Computers: These computers were designed to perform a specific task. The instructions carried out the tasks are permanently stored in the machine. For specific tasks, this type of computer works efficiently but such computers are not versatile.o Ex: Blood pressure monitoring system·

1. General-purpose Computers:

This type of computer can work on different types of programs input to it and thus be used in countless applications. The programs are not permanently stored but are input at the time of execution. These computers are versatile.

   2. Size and performance-wise computers:

Size and performance wise computers can be classified into 4 types:

Microcomputers:

These computers are also known as PCs. PCs are single-processor systems that can perform simple tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet calculations, or graphics rendering. The first PC was built by IBM.

Minicomputers:

This type of computer is usually designed for real-time dedicated applications or as high-performance, multiple-user applications. Today’s minicomputers are multiprocessor systems running on UNIX operating system. Ex: Digital Alpha, IBM RS/6000, Sun Ultra.

Mainframe Computers:

Applications that require high performance or generate and process a large number of transactions are generally use mainframes. These computers are generally used by banks to process ATM, check, and electronic transactions. Ex: S/390

Supercomputers:

These computers are designed for ultra-high-performance tasks such as weather analysis, encryption cracking, and the creation of animation. Supercomputers are large in size and more expensive. These computers are owned by govt. agencies and large corporations. National Security Agency(NSA) houses use this computer for code-breaking and intelligence gathering. Ex: IBM’s Deep Blue.

3. Hybrid Computers:

Hybrid computers utilizes the best qualities of both the digital and analog computers. Some calculation take place in analog manner and rest of them take place in digital manner. These computers are generally used in hospitals to measure patients heart beat, blood pressure, temperature and other vital signals. Hybrid computers are also used in weather forecasting.

4. Workstation:

The term workstation has...
It can simply refer to an ordinary personal computer that is connected to a network.
it is a powerful desktop computer used for high-performance tasks, such as medical imaging and computer Aides Design, that require a lot of processing speed.
Some workstation contains more than one microprocessor.
The cost of a workstation is more than an average personal computer.

How did you find this article, is this useful? I'm sure this will help you more. If you want more information please let me know through comments in the right below.
Subscribe to the My Computer Tutors for updates. I will keep updating you with the latest tutorials.