Understanding Computer
Understanding Computer
Understanding Computer
COMPUTER
A computer is one of the most brilliant inventions of mankind. Thanks to
the computer technology, we were able to achieve storage and processing
of huge amounts of data; we could rest our brains by employing computer
memory capacities for storing information. Due to computers, we have
been able to speed up daily work, carry out critical transactions and
achieve accuracy and precision in work. Computers of the earlier years
were of the size of a large room and were required to consume huge
amounts of electric power. However, with the advancing technology,
computers have shrunk to the size of a small watch. Depending on the
processing power and size of computers, they have been classified under
various types. Let us look at the classification of computers.
Different Types of Computers
Based on the operational principle of computers, they are categorized as
analog, digital and hybrid computers.
Analog Computers: These are
almost extinct today. These are
different from a digital computer
because an analog computer can
perform several mathematical
operations simultaneously. It uses
continuous variables for
mathematical operations and
utilizes mechanical or electrical
energy.
Digital Computers
They use digital circuits and are designed to operate
on two states, namely bits 0 and 1. They are
analogous to states ON and OFF. Data on these
computers is represented as a series of 0s and 1s.
Digital computers are suitable for complex
computation and have higher processing speeds. They
are programmable. Digital computers are either
general purpose computers or special purpose ones.
Special purpose computers, as their name suggests,
are designed for specific types of data processing
while general purpose computers are meant for
general use.
Hybrid Computers
These computers are a
combination of both digital and
analog computers. In this type of
computers, the digital segments
perform process control by
conversion of analog signals to
digital ones.
Classification of Computers
The following are the classification of the different types of computers based on their sizes and
functionalities: