Classification & Types of Computers

Classification &
types of Computers
Types of computers
 Types of Computers based on Principles of Operation.
 There are three different types of computers according to the
principles of operation. Those three types of computers are
1.Analog Computers
2.Digital Computers
3.Hybrid Computers
Analog Computers
 Analog Computer is a computing device that works on continuous range of values.

 In analog technology, information is translated into electric pulses of varying
amplitude.
 The results given by the analog computers will only be approximate since they deal
with quantities that vary continuously.
 It generally deals with physical variables such as voltage, pressure, temperature,
speed, etc.
Digital Computers
 Digital computer operates on digital data such as numbers.
 It uses binary number system in which there are only two digits 0 and 1. Each one
is called a bit.
 Digital Computers can give more accurate and faster results.
 Digital computer is well suited for solving complex problems in engineering and
technology.
 Hence digital computers have an increasing use in the field of design, research
and data processing.
Hybrid Computers
•A hybrid computer combines the desirable features of analog and

digital computers.
•It is mostly used for automatic operations of complicated physical
processes and machines.
•Now-a-days analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are
used for transforming the data into suitable form for either type of
computation.
•For example, in hospital’s ICU, analog devices might measure the
patients temperature, blood pressure and other vital signs.
•These measurements which are in analog might then be converted
into numbers and supplied to digital components in the system.
•These components are used to monitor the patient’s vital sign and
send signals if any abnormal readings are detected.
•Hybrid computers are mainly used for specialized tasks.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
 There are four different types of computers when we classify them

based on their performance and capacity. The four types are
1. Super Computers
2. Mainframe Computers
3. Mini Computers
4. Micro Computers
Super computers
 Super computers are the best in terms of processing capacity and also
the most expensive ones.
 These computers can process billions of instructions per second.
 Normally, they will be used for applications which require intensive
numerical computations such as stock analysis, weather forecasting etc.
 Other uses of supercomputers are scientific simulations, (animated)
graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research,
electronic design, and analysis of geological data.
 Are the most powerful available. These computers are being used by
very big organizations mostly big corporations and government
institutions.
Mainframe computers
 Are less powerful than super computers but are capable of great
processing speed, multi tasking capability and high data storage.
 It is multi terminal computer which can be shared simultaneously by
multi users.
 They are used by most banks to process information of depositors and
millions of daily bank transactions.
 Insurance companies use them for their policy holders database. It is
also used in airlines, railways & educational sector.
 These computers have specialized wiring system and usually occupies
a big room with temperature control.
Mini computers
 It is smaller, less expensive, and less powerful than a mainframe.
 Are used for medium sized companies for specific purposes.
 They are also called mid range computers.
 They may be used for certain assembly line operations
 or manufacturing stages in big companies.
 It also used for network applications server to support workstations.
 The size of mini computers may be as a fridge commonly used in homes.
 more expensive and more powerful than a personal computer.
Microcomputers or desktop Computers
 Are the most common and widely used computer today.

 There are two types of microcomputers, the desktop computers
and the notebook computer or laptop.
 Desktop computers are the common computer that you see in
homes, colleges, and in most businesses.
 use at a single location desk/table due to its size and power
requirements
 They are small enough to be placed on a desk or table but are too
big to be carried around.
 Desktop computer have four common components
1.Monitor 2.CPU3.Key Board 4.Mouse
Notebook Computer
 also known as laptop.
 These type of computers are portable, lightweight and are easy to
carry around.
 In Laptop computer monitor cpu keyboard and mouse are
integrated into one unit.

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Classification &

 Analog Computer is a computing device that works on continuous range of values.

•A hybrid computer combines the desirable features of analog and

 There are four different types of computers when we classify them

 Are the most common and widely used computer today.

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