Computer Fundamentals - Classification

A computer can be classified based on its size, capacity, and purpose. The following diagram
illustrates different types of computers as per their size, capacity, and purpose.

Computer's classification based on Size

As per the size, a computer can be broadly classified as follows −

Micro Computer

Mini Computer
Mainframe Computer

Super Computer

Micro Computer

Microcomputers, also known as personal computers (PCs), are a type of computer designed for
individual use. They are distinguished by their compact dimensions, small size, processing power,
compatibility, internet connectivity, portability, low price, and versatility. In the 1970s and 1980s,
microcomputers gained popularity and became more popular in the modern computing era.
 Fig: Micro Computer

Size − Microcomputers are small in size. These are portable.

Example − Some of the popular microcomputers are laptops and desktops, standard PCs,
mobile phones, and notebooks.
Why microcomputer ?
Microcomputers have become an important part of modern life. They have had a big
impact on society, companies, education, and related areas.

Uses of Microcomputers − Microcomputers are most widely used in education and

learning, entertainment and media, innovation and creativity, research and science,
healthcare and medicine, home automation, remote work, and e-commerce and online
shopping.

Minicomputer

A minicomputer is a type of computer that is smaller in size than large computers. It possesses
all the capabilities of a large computer. Hence, it is a midsize multi-processing system capable of
supporting up to 250 users simultaneously.

Fig: Mini Computer

Size − Its size falls between mainframes and microcomputers. It is larger than
mainframe computers and smaller than microcomputers.
 Example − Some of the popular minicomputers are the PDP-11, IBM's AS/400e,
Honeywell 200, and TI-990.

Why a Mini Computer? Mini computers are also known as mini PCs or small-form-factor
(SFF) computers. These have impressive computing capabilities, high performance,
connectivity options, portability, and versatility features.

Uses of Minicomputers − Minicomputers are most widely used in scientific

computations, engineering, business transaction processing, file handling, and database
management.

Mainframe computer

The mainframe is very large and is an expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds or
even thousands of users simultaneously. The mainframe executes many programmes
concurrently and supports simultaneous execution of programmes.

Fig: Mainframe Computer

Size − Mainframe computers can vary in size; their size generally depends on their
specifications and the specific model being considered.

Example − Some of the popular mainframe computers are IBM zSeries mainframes (BM
z14 and IBM z15), Unisys ClearPath, Fujitsu GS21 Series, and Hitachi VOS3.

Why a mainframe computer?

The processing capacity of mainframes is frequently measured in MIPS (million
instructions per second) or other units. This enables them to process a large volume of
transactions and perform extensive data processing.

Uses of the Mainframe − Mainframe computers are most widely used in finance,
government, healthcare, and more.

Supercomputer
A supercomputer is a special type of computer that is more powerful and capable of high-
performance computing. It is specifically designed to compute complex and intensive tasks that
regular computers cannot do efficiently.

Size − Supercomputers can vary in size, from small clusters of computers to massive
installations. A supercomputer may contain 10, 100, 1000, or more computers that all
work together.

Fig: Super Computer

Example − Some of the popular supercomputers are Fugaku, Google Sycamore, Baidu's
quantum supercomputer, and Sierra.

Why Supercomputer?

A supercomputer's processing speed is exceptional and can perform billions of

calculations per second. Multiple processors work in parallel mode to execute
tasks, which makes processing powerful.
Supercomputers are specially built using specialised hardware like GPUs
(Graphics Processing Units) or TPUs (Tensor Processing Units), which are used in
graphics rendering or machine learning tasks.
Supercomputers represent the pinnacle of computing power, and these are very
expensive and are employed for specialised applications.

Uses of the Supercomputer − Supercomputers are most widely used in scientific

research, data analysis, weather forecasting, scientific simulations, graphics, fluid
dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and the analysis of
geological data.

Computer's classification based on Capacity

As per the capacity, a computer can be broadly classified as follows −

Analog Computer
Digital computer
Hybrid computer

Analog Computer

A computer that uses physical means like mechanical or hydraulic components to do the
computation rather than electronic circuits is called an analogue computer. These computers
work with continuous data and can manage physical quantities efficiently. They are particularly
good at solving differential equations and simulating dynamic systems.

Fig: Analog computer

In lieu of numbers, an analogue computer performs arithmetic operations based on measurable

quantities, such as mechanical movement or the rotation of gears. In analogue computers, data
is processed as continuous signals for its operation, whereas in digital computers, data is
transmitted as discrete signals (or discontinuous signals).

Digital Computer

A digital computer is a type of computer that represents and processes data using discrete,
distinct values.

Fig: Digital computer

In digital computers, data is processed using binary numbers 0 and 1. These computers are
designed to perform arithmetic calculations and complex data processing and manipulation. The
main components of a digital computer are input, processing, and output.

Hybrid Computer

A hybrid computer is a type of computer system that integrates the features and capabilities of
both analogue and digital computers. This integration allows the hybrid computer to perform
various tasks efficiently by leveraging the strengths of both digital and analogue technologies.

Fig: Hybrid computer

The main components of a hybrid computer are the analogue and digital components −

Analog Component − Analogue components in a hybrid computer can process real-world

data like voltage, current, temperature, pressure, etc. using analogue circuits and
components.
Digital Component − Digital computers work with discrete data and are based on binary
numbers (0s and 1s). Digital components in a hybrid computer provide the computational
power to perform complex calculations and control the overall operation of the system.

Computer's classification based on Purpose

As per the capacity, a computer can be broadly classified as follows −

Special Purpose

General Purpose

Special Purpose Computer

A computer that is designed and optimised for a specific task or set of tasks is called a special
purpose computer (SPC). SPCs are designed to excel at a single or limited set of functions,
frequently with a high degree of efficiency, speed, and accuracy.

Fig: Special Purpose Computer

Some of the following popular SPCs are:

Embedded Systems − These systems are integrated with devices to control specific
functions. For example, a car's engine control unit and microwave ovens

Digital Signal Processors − These are commonly used in applications like audio
processing, image compression, and telecommunications.
Automated Teller Machines − ATMs are special-purpose computers designed specifically
for banking transactions and interactions with customers.

Medical Equipment − Machines like MRI and CT scanners are specialised computers
used for capturing and processing medical images.

Spacecraft Computers − Computers used in spacecraft have to operate in extreme

conditions and are optimised for the demands of space missions.

General Purpose Computer

A computer that is designed to perform a wide range of tasks and functions is called A General
Purpose Computer (GPC). A GPC is versatile and can be used for various purposes by running
different software and applications.

Fig: General Purpose Computer

Some of the following popular GPCs are as −

Turing Completeness − A GPC can simulate any algorithm or computation that can be
explored algorithmically.

Programmability − GPCs can run different applications.

General-Purpose Operating System − GPCs like Windows, macOS, or Linux that provide
an interactive user interface and manage hardware resources, enabling the execution of
various application programmes.

Input and Output Capabilities − GPCs have input and output devices (keyboard, mouse,
monitor, etc.) that permit users to interact with the system and receive feedback.