TYPES OF COMPUTER
There are some common types of
computers:
ANALOG COMPUTERS:
Analog computers represent physical
quantities in the continuous form. They provide us continuous information. The
speed of analog computers is fast. These computers are difficult to operate.
They have very small memory. These computers became the basic for digital
computers. These computers are constructed to do a specific job and to respond
very quickly to changes in the measurement of inputs. An example of electronic
analog computer is that of trolling a flight simulator for training pilots. A
weight machine and speedo meter is examples of analog computers.
DIGITAL COMPUTERS:
The computers which represent physical
quantities with the help of symbols or numbers and provide us discrete
information are called digital computers. In digital computers, mathematical
expressions are represented as binary digits (0 and 1) and all operations are
done using binary number system at a very high rate. Digital computers operate
on electrical inputs that have only two states, ON and OFF. These computers are
widely used in commercial and control systems. Nowadays when we use the word
computer, we mostly refer to a digital computer.
HYBRID COMPUTER
The computers with combined features of
both digital and analog computers are known as hybrid computers. In these
computers output can be either in the form of numbers or required units of
measurements. Hybrid computers can produce highly accurate and precise results.
These types of computers are used in robotics, research labs, and scientific
applications or in controlling industrial processes. The computers that are
used in hospitals, cars and the devices used in petrol pumps are example of
hybrid computers.
CLASSIFICATIOM OF DIGITAL COMPUTERS ON THE BASIS OF CONFIGURATIOM:
Computers are classified on the basis of
their size, speed and processing power. Brief description of different classes
of computers is given below.
MICRO COMPUTERS:
Micro computers are small, affordable
and the most widely used computers. They are designed for the individual users.
Micro computers are also known as PERSONAL COMPUTERS (PC). Pcs are
general purpose computers and can be used by engineers, doctors, teachers,
students and businessmen, etc.
DESKTOP COMPUTERS;
The most common type of personal
computer is the desktop computer. It is designed to fit on a desk or table.
NOTEBOOK COMPUTER;
Note book computer are portable, thin,
light weight and expensive PCs. People usually set these computer on their lab
so they are also called laptop computers.
MINI COMPUTERS:
Mini computers are large, expensive
computer. They are more powerful than Microcomputers. They support multi user
environment. They are found in small and medium size businesses, like
departmental stores, universities, etc. For example HP ML 350 Gen 9 servers.
MAINFRAME COMPUTERS:
Mainframe computers are very large,
expensive and powerful computers. A mainframe computer stores a very large
amount of data, information or instructions. They is used in large
organizations such as banks. For example AS 400 produces by IBM.
SUPER COMPUTERS;
Super computer are large and high speed
mainframe computers. These computers are used in space and scientific research,
etc. for example Cray- X.
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