Types of computer
By size By mechanism By purpose / use
Super Analog General
Mainframe Digital Special
Mini Hybrid
Micro
Types of computer by size
Super computer
-These are the largest, fastest and the most expensive computer.
- Mainframe computers are specifically designed to process huge amounts of data. They have powerful hardware and specialized software that allow them to handle massive workloads and perform complex calculations.
-They are capable of processing trillions of instruction in a few second as it has thousands of processors interconnected.
-It is basically used for scientific purposes such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations
( I love taking about space! The solar system, isn’t it ? Did you know that our solar system consists of the sun, eight planets, and various other celestial bodies like moons, asteroids, and comets?
- That’s not quite accurate. The first mainframe computer was not developed by RongerCrey in 1976. Mainframe computer have a long history, with the first commercially successful mainframe the IBM 704, being introduced in 1954.
Examples :
CDC cyber, cray, IBM Roadrunner, The titan
Generation of computer
Generation Core element Time period
1st gen vacuum tubes 1940 - 1956
2nd gen Transistors 1956 - 1963
3rd gen ICS 1964 -1971
4th gen VLSI 1971 -1985
5th gen ULSI 1985 - present
Mainframe computer
- mainframe computer are specifically designed to support hundreds or even thousands of users simultaneously. - These are also fast and expensive computer.
- It can process huge amount of data, i.e. millions of instructions in a second.
- Mainframe computers have the capability to support multiple programs at the same time, allowing them to execute different processes simultaneously.
- Mainframe computers are indeed well-suited for big organizations like banking and telecom sectors. They are designed to handle and process massive amounts of data efficiently.
Mini computer
- Mini computer is a medium sized computer [ with 2 or more processors ] and can support 4 to 200 users at one time.
- It is in fact a scaled down version of mainframe computer and was developed in 1960s due to advances in microchip technology.
-A mini computer, also known as a midrange computer, falls between mainframe computer and microcomputer in terms of size and processing power.
- Mini computer are used in institutes and department for tasks such as billing accounting and inventory management.
Micro computer
- Personal computer are general-purpose computer designed for individual use.
.- It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage area, input unit and output unit.
- They were invented in 1970s due to advancement in technology ( microprocessor chips ).
- Microcomputer is at the lowest end of the computer range in terms of speed and storage capacity.
- Also microcomputer are low cost computer.
- Same of example are - laptop, desktop and palmtop computer are examples of micro computers.
-Personal computers are perfect for tasks like making assignments, watching movies, or doing office
work.
Types of computer by mechanism analog computer
- Analog computer are designed to process analog data.
- you’re absolutely right ! Analog data is continuous and changes smoothly without any discrete values. It can represent things like temperature, sound waves, or voltage levels.
For example :- peed, temperature, pressure and current.
- An analog computer or analogue computer is a type of computer, is a type of computer that works with physical phenomena like electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities.
For example :- speedometer, mercury thermometer.
Digital computer
- That’s right. A digital computer is specifically designed to process digital data and perform logical operations at a high speed.
- Digital data refers to binary data or discrete data which consists of only two digits 0 to 1.
- It accepts the raw binary data ( 0 and 1 ) as input and process it with programs stored in its memory to produce the output.
For example :- All modern computer like laptops, desktops; smart phone, digital watches, digital thermometer are digital computer.
Hybrid computer
- Hybrid computer are computer that exhibit features of analog computer and digital computer.
- It can process both continuous ( analog ) and discrete ( digital ) data.
- Because reality is analog, but computer are digital. A general purpose computer is designed to perform various tasks and handle different types of software.
- Hybrid computers are fast and accurate. Due to which they are widely used in specialized.
For example :- petrol pumps, airplanes, hospitals, and price which user can see on screen.
Types of computer by purpose or use special purpose computer
-Special purpose computer are designed to platform specific tasks or functions, unliken general purpose computer that are designed to perform a wide variety of tasks.
- A computer program that is designed to perform tasks very efficiently is called an optimized program. It is programmed to use system resources effectively and complete tasks quickly.
- The instructions needed to perform a particular task are wired permanently into the internal memory so that it can perform the given task on a simple command.
For example :- weather forecasting, air traffic control system, missile guidance system etc.
General purpose computer
A general purpose computer is designed to be able to carry out many different tasks.
- The instructions needed to perform a task are not wired permanently into the internal memory for processing.
- Desktop computers and laptop are examples of general purpose computers.
- It can be used to prepare word documents presentations, manage inventories, print sales reports, or access the internet.
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