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    Computer Classification

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    Atukwatse Ambrose

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    Computer Classification

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    Computer Classification

    Uploaded by

    Atukwatse Ambrose

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 12

    KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

    COLLEGE OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

    NAME:

    REG NO:

    COURSE:

    COURSE UNIT: COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL

    COURSE CODE: UCC 1100

    YEAR: ONE

    SEMESTER: ONE

    LECTURER: MR. MIGADDE ELIAS

    QUESTION:

    Classification of computer in terms of size, technology, purpose and give examples


    ANSWER

    Computer Classification

    A computer is a device that transforms unusable data into information. According to the set of
    instructions the user gives it, it processes the input and generates the desired outcome. Modern
    digital computers are classified on the basis of their size and capacity. The size and data handling
    capabilities of the various types of computers may be used to categorize them into two groups.

    1. Computers according to Size

     Supercomputer.Mainframe computer.
     Personal computer.
     Workstation.
     Minicomputer.

    2. Computers according to their Capacity to manage data:

     Digital computer.
     Hybrid computer.
     Analog computer.

    Classification of Computers
    Different classifications of Computers are as follows.

    Classification According to Size

    There are four different sorts of computers based on their size and how they are configured to
    operate:

    1. Supercomputers

    The most efficient computers in terms of processing data and performance are supercomputers.
    These computers are used for research and exploratory purposes.

    Supercomputers are exceedingly large and highly expensive. It can only fit in large, air-
    conditioned spaces. Supercomputers are used for a range of tasks, such as space exploration,
    seismic research, and the testing of nuclear weapons.Supercomputer Features:

    They make use of AI (Artificial intelligence) They are the fastest and strongest; They are very
    costly. They are enormous in size. They are employed by companies that manufacture goods.
    They process information at a rapid rate.

    2. Mainframe Computers
    Mainframe ComputersDespite being less efficient than supercomputers, mainframe computers
    are nevertheless extremely expensive. Large corporations and governmental organizations
    frequently employ mainframe computers to run everyday operations. They have the ability to
    store and analyze a lot of data. To maintain information on their customers, students, and
    insurance policyholders, banks, colleges, and insurance companies utilize them. They may also
    act as a server in a network environment. Hundreds of users may be managed simultaneously by
    them.

    Mainframe Computer Features

     They have enormous amounts of memory.


     They are capable of running several different operating systems.
     They have a significant number of CPUs with powerful processing speeds.
     Tightly Coupled Clustering Technology is employed.3. Minicomputers
    3. Mini Computer

    Minicomputers are used by small businesses and industries. They go by the term "Midrange
    Computers." These minicomputers frequently have several users, just as mainframe computers.
    They are a bit slower than mainframe computers.

    For example, the manufacturing department may employ minicomputers to keep an eye on
    specific production processes.

    Features of Minicomputers:

     It is smaller than mainframes or supercomputers in terms of size.


     In comparison to a mainframe or supercomputer, it is less costly.
     It is able to perform many jobs at once.
     It may be utilized by several users simultaneously.
     It is utilized by small businesses.

    4. Microcomputers.
    A microcomputer, sometimes referred to as a personal computer (PC), is a type of computer that
    runs on a smaller scale than traditional computers (Personal Computer). A component that is
    commonly referred to as a motherboard houses the central processing unit (CPU), a
    microprocessor, memory in the form of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access
    Memory), I/O ports, and a bus system of connecting wires. They are the most affordable.

    Features of Microcomputers:

     They are extensively employed for personal usage.


     They are smaller and comparably less expensive.
     Multi-user functionality is not supported.
     It has a limited computational capacity.
     They are quite simple to use.

    Comparison between micro and mini-computers

    S. No. Micro-computers Mini-computers


    1. It's a personal computer that was It is a small computer which was
    released in 1970. first released in 1960.
    2. People utilize these computers for Companies utilize these computers
    entertainment and education. to control the production process.
    3. There is only one processing It consists of two separate
    optimization in it. processing optimizations.
    4. The CPU only employs one which handles all logical and
    microprocessor mathematical processes.

    Classification of Computers by Technology

    According to fundamental operating principles, there are three different kinds of computers.
    They are as follows:

    1. Analogous Computers

    Analog computers process analog data. Temperature, pressure, weight, depth, and voltage are a
    few examples of this type of data. These have an infinite range of values and are continuous
    quantities. The first computers were analog, and they laid the groundwork for today's digital
    computers.
    Analog computers process data in the form of continuous variables. They are used in
    applications where data input is physical and continuous.

    Examples: Thermometers, analog voltmeters, and early flight simulators.

    Features: These computers are used in specific applications like controlling machinery and
    simulating physical systems such as electrical circuits.

    2. Digital Computers

    In digital computers, letters, numbers, and other special symbols are represented by digits. On-
    off (ON-OFF) inputs are used by digital computers, and ON-OFF signals are also generated by
    them.

    An ON is often represented by a 1 and an OFF by a 0, respectively. A digital computer is capable


    of processing both numerical and non-numerical data. In addition to doing fundamental
    arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, it can also perform
    logical operations.
    Examples: Personal computers, smartphones, and modern servers.

    Features: Digital computers are versatile, can perform a wide variety of tasks, and are used in all
    fields from business to education.

    3. Hybrid Computers

    Computers that combine digital and analog components are called hybrid computers. It combines
    the best features of both types, having the speed of an analog computer with the memory and
    precision of a digital computer. Hybrid computers are typically used in specific applications
    where both forms of data need to be processed. As an example, a gas pump contains a processor
    that converts measurements of fuel flow into information about quality and cost.
    Examples: CAT scans, ECG machines, and certain types of industrial machines.

    Features: Hybrid computers are used in medical fields and industrial control systems where both
    continuous and digital data are processed.

    Classification of Computers by Purpose

    a) General-Purpose Computers

     Description: These computers are designed to perform a variety of tasks, making them
    versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications.

     Examples: Desktop PCs, laptops, and servers.

     Features: They can run multiple types of software and are used for tasks such as word
    processing, gaming, browsing, and programming.
    b) Special-Purpose Computers

     Description: These computers are designed for specific tasks and are optimized to
    perform only those functions.

     Examples: Embedded systems, ATMs, and automotive computers.

     Features: They are usually faster at performing their designated tasks but lack the
    versatility of general-purpose computers.
    REFERENCES

    Fuller, F., & Larson, B. (2018). Computers: Understanding Technology. Cengage Learning.

    Gumm, H. P., & Sommer, M. (2010). Input Devices. Springer.

    Ruffa, S. A. (1997). Output Devices. Academic Press.

    Dale, N., & Lewis, J. (2015). Computer Science Illuminated. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

    Petzold, C. (2000). Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software.
    Microsoft Press.

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