Types of Computer

On the basis of working principle

(1). Analog Computer (2). Digital computer (3). Hybrid computer

Analog Computer:

An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the continuously changeable aspects of
physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem
being solved.The analog systems carry out arithmetic and logical operations by manipulating and
processing data which you input such as the weight, temperature, voltage, power density, etc.
Oscilloscopes, thermostat and thermometer are examples of analog computer.
A thermometer is a simple analog computer. As the temperature varies, the mercury moves
correspondingly.

Digital computer:
Digital Computers are that kind of computing machines capable of solving problems by processing
information in discrete form. It operates on data, including magnitudes, letters, and symbols, that
are expressed in binary form—i.e., using only the two digits 0 and 1. They are programmable. Digital
computers are either general purpose computers or special purpose ones.

By counting, comparing, and manipulating these digits or their combinations according to a set of
instructions held in its memory, a digital computer can perform such tasks as to control industrial
processes and regulate the operations of machines; analyze and organize vast amounts of business
data; and simulate the behavior of dynamic systems (e.g., global weather patterns and chemical
reactions) in ... (100 of 1,260 words)
Difference between analog and digital computer

Digital Computers
Analog Computers
Analog Computers Work on continuous
Digital computers Work on discrete values.
1 values.

Analog Computers have low memory. Digital computers have a very large memory
2

Analog computers have Slow speed. Digital computers have fast speed.
3

Analog computers are less reliable. Digital computers are more reliable.
4

Analog computers used in engineering and Digital computers are used in all fields of
5 science and medical fields. life.
 Digital computers are used to calculate
Analog computers are used to calculate / mathematical and logical operations. It can
measure analog quantities like speed and solve addition, subtraction, division,
6
temperature. multiplication and other mathematical and
statistical operations.

Analog computers provide less accurate Digital computers provide 100% accurate
7 results. results.

Normally Analog Computers are specific

8 Digital Computers are general purpose
purpose

9 Analog computers are difficult to use Digital computers are easy to use

Examples of digital computers are:

Examples of Analog computers are:
10 Personal Computer, laptops, smart phones
thermometer, analog clock, speedometer etc.
etc.

Hybrid computer:
Hybrid computers are computes that exhibit features of analog computers and digital computers.
The idea behind this combined or hybrid computer model is to create a working unit that offers
the best of both types of computers. The digital component normally serves as the controller and
provides logical and numerical operations, while the analog component often serves as a solver
of differential equations and other mathematically complex equations.
By creating this type of integrated computer, the benefits of both analog and digital computing are
readily available. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of performing
complex simulations.
On the basis of Size:
(1).Super Computer (3). Mainframe Computer (2). Mini Computer (4). Micro Computer

Supercomputer:
A supercomputer is a computer with a high-level computational capacity compared to a general-
purpose computer. The term is commonly applied to the fastest high-performance systems
available at any given time. Such computers have been used primarily for scientific and
engineering work requiring exceedingly high-speed computations. Common applications for
supercomputers include testing mathematical models for complex physical phenomena or designs,
such as climate and weather, evolution of the cosmos, nuclear weapons and reactors, new chemical
compounds (especially for pharmaceutical purposes), and cryptology.
The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels
all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power
to execute many programs concurrently.
Some prominent examples of supercomputers include the Jaguar, Nebulae, Roadrunner,
Kraken, Jugene, Pleiades and the Tianhe-2. All seven supercomputers are at the forefront in the
world in terms of both processing power and design. Of the seven supercomputers listed above,
four are in the United States, two in China and one in Germany, with most being used to analyze
high-level scientific processes.
Uses:

 Weather forecasting
 Space exploration
 Advanced scientific research
 Military establishment weapons research
 Pharmaceutical\ Drug testing
Mainframe Computer:
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example)
at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers.
In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more
simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.

Mini Computer:
A minicomputer is a type of computer that possesses most of the features and capabilities of a
large computer but is smaller in physical size. A minicomputer may also be called a mid-range
computer.

A small computer that is intermediate between a microcomputer and a mainframe in size, speed,
and capacity, that can support time-sharing, and that is often dedicated to a single application.
Minicomputers are mainly used as small or midrange servers operating business and scientific
applications. However, the use of the term minicomputer has diminished and has merged with
servers.
Minicomputers are used for scientific and engineering computations, business-transaction
processing, file handling, and database management, and are often now referred to as small or
midsize servers.

Microcomputer:

The term microcomputer is generally synonymous with personal computer (PC), or a computer
that depends on a microprocessor. Microcomputers are designed to be used by individuals, whether
in the form of PCs, workstations or notebook computers. They are much cheaper than
supercomputers, mainframe computers and even minicomputers, because they’re meant for
everyday uses that are more practical than professional.
The Micro-computers are specially designed for general usage like entertainment, education and
work purposes. Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets &
smartphones are all types of microcomputers.

The following is a list of different types of microcomputers:

1. Desktop computer
2. Notebook or laptop computer
3. Tablet computer
4. Smartphone
5. Personal digital assistant

Desktop Computer:

A desktop computer is a personal computer that fits on or under a desk. They usually consist of
a monitor, keyboard, mouse and either a horizontal or vertical (tower) form factor. Unlike a laptop,
which is portable, a desktop computer is meant to stay at one location.

Laptops:

Portable computers designed to be carried from place to place. All of its components are contained
inside a panel that functions also as the keyboard, with an attached screen that can be folded over.
Because of their size and convenience, these are some of the most popular computers for everyday
use. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.
Tablet computer:

A tablet computer, commonly shortened to tablet, is a mobile computer with a touchscreen

display, circuitry, and battery in a single device. Tablets come equipped with sensors, including
cameras, a microphone, and an accelerometer, and the touchscreen display uses the recognition of
finger or stylus gestures replacing the usage of the mouse and keyboard. They usually feature on-
screen, pop-up virtual keyboards for typing. Tablets may have physical buttons for basic features
such as speaker volume and power, and ports for network communications and battery charging.
Tablets are typically larger than smartphones or personal digital assistants with screens 7 inches
(18 cm) or larger, measured diagonally.

Smart Phone:
A cellular phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen
interface, Internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded applications.
A cellphone and handheld computer that created the greatest tech revolution since the Internet. A
smartphone can do everything a personal computer can do, and because of its mobility, much more.
Although screen size is a limitation, the increasingly higher resolutions make viewing pleasurable,
and voice recognition can eliminate a fair amount of typing.
PDA (personal digital assistant):
Personal digital assistant is a term for any small mobile hand-held device that provides
computing and information storage and retrieval capabilities for personal or business use, often
for keeping schedule calendars and address book information handy. The term handheld is a
synonym.