Computer Knowledge : Classification of Computer

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Hi friends, I am Shravan. Here I am sharing shortnotes on Computer Classification taken from news papers. Happy Reading :)

DIGITAL COMPUTER 

A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usu-ally in the binary number system.

i) CLASSIFICATION BASED ON PURPOSE:

General purpose computers:

These are designed to perform a ra-nge of tasks. They have the ability to store numerous programs, but lack in speed and efficiency. Specific purpose computers:

These are designed to handle a specific problem or to perform a specific task. A set of instructions is built into the machine.

ii) CLASSIFICATION BASED ON SIZE AND PERFORMANCE WISE :

EMBEDDED COMPUTERS

It is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system, often with real-time computing constraints. Embedded systems are commonly found in consumer , cooking, industrial, automotive, medical, commercial and military applications such as microwave ovens, washing machines and dishwashers, include embedded systems to provide flexibility, efficiency and features.

MICRO COMPUTER OR PERSONAL COMPUTER

• Desktop Computer : a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
  Laptop Computer : a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer. 
• Palmtop Computer / Digital Diary / Notebook TPDAs : a handsized computer . Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device. 
• Workstations : A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe." 
• Mini Computer : It is a midsize computer in size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously. 
• Mainframe Computer : A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. These are mainly used servers in banks. 
• Super Computer : The fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration. 

ANALOG COMPUTER 

An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved 

Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital) 

A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system set-up offers a cost effective method of performing complex simulations.

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