Types of Computers

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

The computers have been classified into various  types depending upon input, use and working principle as shown below :

 Let us discuss the various types of computers in detail.

On the basis of Input

On the basis of Input accepted by the Computer, we can divide them in the following way :

1. Analog Computer : These computers accept input which will constantly change and give output in the same form, i.e., constantly changing output. For example, if we give constantly changing temperature and pressure as input to it, it gives output in the same form of changing temperature and pressure. The best example for analog computer is cooker. It will whistle when the rice in it has boiled. These type of computers are mainly used in scientific and engineering fields. 
2. Digital Computer : Digital means relating to digits (numbers). Here we will give a
   
   combination of numbers, figures, symbols, words as input. The computer will change this input into numerical form. One example of digital computer is calculator. It shows the calculations accurately. T
• These types of computers are mainly used in education related matters. As the size of these computers is very small, they will be inserted into watches and pocket size calculators. 
3. 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.

on the basis of Usage

On the basis of use of Computers, we can classify them in the following way

1. Special Purpose Computer : Special purpose computers, as the name suggests, have been
   
   made keeping in mind the special objectives and conditions of the institutions or environment. These computers are not useful for general purposes. For example, in order to maintain a definite temperature in iron furnace, special computer is used.
2. General Purpose Computer : These are used in day - to - day works. As these are genera computers, we can use them for word processing, calculations etc.
• The personal computer is an example of general purpose computer.

on the basis of Seize and Working Principle

The computers can be classified on the basis of size and working capacity as follows :

1. Micro Computer : As micro processor is used in these types of computers, they are called Micro Computers. These are also called personal computers.
   
• The examples of Micro Computers are Pentium III, Pentium IV. 
• Characteristics of Micro Computer
1. They are the smallest and cheapest computers 
2. Only one person can use the system at a time 
3. Only one central processor is used in these type of computers 
4. The storage capacity is small and processing speed is limited 
2. Mini Computer : These computers are slightly bigger than micro 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 and Graphic Design
• Examples - HP 2000 Model
3. Main Frame Computers : If you want to calculate millions of calculations, mainframe computers are used. As this computer is having time sharing method, hundreds of people will work at the same time on these computers. A number of processors are used in these computers. Every one is given some time to do calculations. These computers will occupy a lot of space in the premises. 
• Features of Mainframe Computers
• CPU Speed - High
• Storage Capacity - 5200 GB
• Areas of Application - Banks, Insurance, Railways, Govt. Organizations
• Examples - IBM Series, HP 9000 Model
4. Super Computer : These are the super fastest computers in the world. The high speed in these computers is possible because of a number of processors used in them. They process hundreds
   
   of commands at the same time instead of one single process at one time. It shares the information with hundreds of computers. These type of computers are mainly used in Space Research and Weather Forecasting. 
• Features of Super Computers 
• CPU Speed - Very High
• Storage Capacity - Large Capacity
• Areas of Application - Space, Defense Research, Weather Forecasting 
• Example - PARAM 10000

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