Types Of Computers Introduction The basic function of

Types Of Computers

Introduction The basic function of any computer is to accept the Input and after processing, give Output to the user. However the basic function of any computer is same, there are different types of computers in practice (to use) according to the needs, size and input of computers.

Analog Computers • Analog computers are used to process analog data. Analog data is of continuous nature and which is not discrete or separate. Such type of data includes temperature, pressure, speed weight, voltage, depth etc. These quantities are continuous and having an infinite variety of values. • It measures continuous changes in some physical quantity e. g. The Speedometer of a car measures speed, the change of temperature is measured by a Thermometer, the weight is measured by Weights machine. These computers are ideal in situations where data can be accepted directly from measuring instrument without having to convert it into numbers or codes.

Analog Computers • Analog computers are the first computers being developed and provided the basis for the development of the modern digital computers. Analog computers are widely used for certain specialized engineering and scientific applications, for calculation and measurement of analog quantities. • Analog computers are widely used for certain specialized engineering and scientific applications, for calculation and measurement of analog quantities. They are frequently used to control process such as those found in oil refinery where flow and temperature measurements are important. They are used for example in paper making and in chemical industry. Analog computers do not require any storage capability because they measure and compare quantities in a single operation.

Digital Computer Digital means relating to digits (numbers). Digital computer processes data in numerical form using digital circuits. . Digital computer process data which is binary, i. e. in the form of 0 and 1. Each one is called a bit. Every thing is described in two states of ON and OFF, the digit 1 represent ON and 0 represents OFF state. The digital computers are very fast, Digital computer are commonly used at homes and in offices etc. . Here we will give a combination of numbers, figures, symbols, words as input. The computer will change this input into numerical form. .

Digital Computers • Digital Computers can give more accurate and faster results. • Digital computer is suitable for solving complex problems.

Classification Of Digital Computers • Digital computers can be further classified as, • Special Purpose Computers • General Purpose Computers

Special Purpose Computer : • Special purpose computers, as the name suggests, have been made for special purposes of the organizations or situation. These computers are not useful for general purposes.

• Special purpose computer is one that is built for a specific application, use.

General purpose computers • General purpose computers are used for any type of applications. • They can store different programs and do the jobs as per the instructions specified on those programs. • Most of the computers that we see today, are general purpose computers. • These are used in day – to – day works. we can use them for word processing, calculations etc.

-The personal computer is an example of general purpose computer.

Hybrid Computers: These are the computers which have the features of both Analog and Digital computers. If we give the input in the form of analog and digital calculations, then it is called Hybrid computer. The output will also be obtained in mixed form. These types of computers are mainly used in hospitals where a patient’s condition is tested first in analog computer and the results of the analog computer will then be converted into digital form.

Hybrid Computers:

Types of Computers based on Configuration • There are four different types of computers classified on the basis of size, speed, processing power and price. • Super Computers • Mainframe Computers • Mini Computers • Micro Computers

Super Computer : • These are the super fastest computers in the world. it was first developed in early 1970’s. The high speed in these computers is possible because of a quantity of processors used in them. They process hundreds of commands at the same. It shares the information with hundreds of computers. These type of computers are mainly used in Space Research and Weather Forecasting(guessing).

Super Computers • They are the best in terms of processing capacity and also the most expensive ones. • These computers can process billions of instructions(tasks) per second. • Other uses of supercomputers are scientific simulations(models), nuclear energy research. • Many Hollywood movies use it for Animation Purposes(Animated graphics), • Aircraft manufacturer use it to simulate aircraft and check its performance. • As of July 2009, the IBM Roadrunner, located at Los Alamos National Laboratory, is the fastest super computer in the world.

Features of Super Computers CPU Speed –: Very High Storage Capacity –: Large Capacity Areas of Use –: Space, Defense Research, Weather Forecasting

Mainframe Computers • Mainframe computers can also process data at very high speeds i. e. , hundreds of million instructions per second and they are also quite expensive. • Normally, they are used in banking, airlines and railways, NADRA etc for their applications. • Old mainframe New mainframes

Features of Mainframe Computers CPU Speed – High Storage Capacity – 5200 GB • Areas of Application – Banks, Railways, Govt. Organizations

• Mainframe computers can support hundreds or thousands of users, handling massive amounts of input, output, and storage. • Mainframe computers are used in large organizations where many users need access to shared data and programs. • Mainframes are also used as e-commerce servers, handling transactions over the Internet.

Mini computers • Mini computers are lower to mainframe computers in terms of speed and storage capacity. • They are also less expensive than mainframe computers. • Some of the features of mainframes will not be available in mini computers. Hence, their performance also will be less than that of mainframes.

Mini computers • These are used for small business needs. They are multi-user systems. Many people can work on the systems at the same time. We can have time sharing method in this computer. – Features of Mini Computers • CPU Speed – High • Storage Capacity – Above 1000 GB • Areas of Application – Engineering, Scientific Research, Server Room and Graphic Design

Minicomputer

Micro Computers • The invention of microprocessor (single chip CPU) gave birth to the much cheaper micro computers. They are further classified into: • Desktop Computers • Laptop Computers • Handheld Computers(PDAs)

Desktop Computers • Today the Desktop • Desktop computers are the most popular computer systems. • These desktop computers are also known as personal computers or simply PCs. • They are usually easier to use and more affordable. • They are normally intended for individual users for their word processing and other small application requirements.

Laptop computers • Laptop computers are portable computers. • They are lightweight computers with a thin screen. • They are also called as notebook computers because of their small size. • They can operate on batteries and hence are very popular with travelers. • The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use.

Handheld computers or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) • Handheld computers or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are penbased and also battery-powered. • They are small and can be carried anywhere. They use a pen like stylus and accept handwritten input directly on the screen. • They are not as powerful as desktops or laptops but they are used for scheduling appointments, storing addresses and playing games. • They have touch screens which we use with a finger or a stylus.

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