In this post we will discuss types of Computers
In this post we will discuss types of Computers
When we talk about computers, only
laptops, desktop and notebooks uses in homes or offices come to our mind.
But,
computers are not limited to this only. Computers are all around us. We can
keep them in different categories on the basis of size, application and
functionality. There are different types of Computers depending upon
application, purpose and size. Based on these criteria they are divided
into following three categories.
Types of Computer based on the Application or Mechanism
- Analog computer
- Digital Computer
- Hybrid Computer
Analog computer :
Analog computer is that type of computer in which the data to be processed and displayed is continuously variable. The data we see on the analog computer is always changing.
These computers are mostly used in scientific data, industrial application. These computers perform arithmetic operations by measuring the quantity.
An analog computer is a type of machine which describes the physical quantity of data for example , temperature, length, weight pressure height, etc., these data are variable that is constantly changing.
The efficiency of this computer is fast. We get their result in the form of lines and graph etc. Analog computer cannot store data.
They are mainly used in the areas of science technology,, education, health etc.
Thermometer, Telephone lines, Speedometer, resistance of Capacitor etc , these are all types of analog computers.
Digital Computer :
This computer is different from the analog computer. A computer that processes information in digital form is called a digital computer.
Digital computers use the Binary System (0,1) to represent information in digital form. For example, a Calculator. In such computers, when the user put any input, he gets its output soon. Computers such as personal computers, desktops, laptops, smartphones etc. are comes under this category.
In the 21st century, digital electronic computers are being used the most by humans for their personal and commercial use.Digital computer are somewhat slower as compared to analog computers but provides output in discrete form which is more accurate in results.
Hybrid Computer :
When a digital computer and an analog computer are combined, then a hybrid computer is farmed. These computers have the combined characteristics of an analog computer and a digital computer.
Hybrid Computer is faster and provides accurate results than both the computers mentioned above.
In hybrid computers, digital computers have a controller to perform digital tasks, on the other hand analog computers solve the problem.
They are used to solve complex mathematical equations, scientific calculations and defense systems. They can also be used in petrol pump machine, speedometer.
Hybrid computers are used today to perform large technical and logical calculations. They require many network hubs and cables are used to operate them. The biggest advantage of this is speed.
Types of Computer based on the Purpose
- General Purpose Computer
- Special Purpose Computer
General Purpose Computer
Almost all the computers used today are General Purpose Computers.
A general purpose computer has the ability to perform many activities such as we can write research papers, prepare the budget of your offices , home, and business sales using graphs and charts, etc., by a single machine. Desktop, laptops and notebooks etc. are all general purpose computers.
These computers have the ability to do many types of work, but all these tasks are common and not of any particular type. Like writing letters from word processing. Document preparation. Printing documents, creating database. We cannot add any special device to these computers for any specific purpose. Hence they can be used for general purpose only.
Special Purpose Computer
As the name implies Special Purpose Computer is developed to perform a particular task or specific work. They are used to do only single dedicated job .
These computers are made for a particular task. The working capacity of the computer is commensurate with the work for which this computer is made.
For example, the computer installed in the studio for editing music is a special type of computer. Music related devices can be connected to this computer.
Apart from this, these computers are used in coming fields such as - space science, meteorology, war field, satellite operation, medicine, physical chemistry, traffic control, ocean science, agricultural science, engineering. These computers are used in other fields.
For example, controlling transportation, forecasting the weather, etc. These computers are faster than general purpose computers. However, Special Purpose Computers cannot perform different types of general tasks as in the case of general purpose computer.
Types of Computer based on the Size
- Micro Computer
- Mini Computer
- Mainframe Computer
- supercomputer
Micro Computer
In the decade of 1970, a great invention took place in the field of computer technology. It was this invention that with this invention of microprocessor it became possible to become a cheap and good computer system. The computer thus created could also be placed on a desk or in a briefcase. These small computers are called microcomputers. Microcomputers are small in size and work in price. These computers can be installed in any work area at home or outside for personal use. These computers are called Personal Computer or P.C. also says. Microcomputer is very important in business, whether it is big or small, they are used in every type of business. Keeps the details of the work done in small business, prepares letters for correspondence. Can create bills for users, can be used in accounting, is useful in operation of word processing and filing system in large business. Microcomputer has only one C.P.U. It seems. Today the development of microcomputer is happening very fast. As a result of which today microcomputers have started coming in the shape of a book, in the shape of a phone, and even in the shape of a clock.
Mini Computer
The first minicomputer was the PDP-8, the size of a refrigerator, costing $18,000, which was sold by D.E.C. (DEC - Digital Equipment Corporation) was prepared in 1965. These computers are medium sized computers. These computers are more functional than microcomputers. Mini computers cost more than micro computers. These computers cannot be purchased individually. These computers are used by small and medium sized companies. More than one person can work on these computers simultaneously. Minicomputers have more than one C.P.U. Happens. The speed of these computers is higher than microcomputer but less than mainframe computer. Only mini computers are used in medium level companies. The mini computer acts as the central computer in the company rather than the party person microcomputer. And this leads to the sharing of computer resources. Reservation system for reservation of passengers in traffic using mini computer, for banking in banks, preparation of payroll for salary of employees, maintenance of financial accounts etc.
Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computers are very big in size. And their storage capacity is also high. They have the ability to press a large amount of data at a very high speed. That's why they are used as central computers in big companies, banks, government departments. These computers can work 24 hours a day. Hundreds of users can work on these computers simultaneously. Mainframe computers can be interconnected with a network or microcomputers. These computers can be used for various tasks. For example, keeping details of purchases by users, keeping details of payments, sending bills, sending notices, paying employees, keeping detailed tax records etc. Some mainframe computers are named - IBM 4381, ICL39 Series and CDC Cyber Series.
Super Computer
These computers are the largest, have the highest storage capacity, have the highest speed as compared to all other categories of computers. Many C.P.U. in these computers. work in parallel order. This process is called Parallel Processing. Supercomputers are built on the basis of Non-Von Neumann Concept. Supercomputers have many ALUs (A.L.U.), a part of CPU (C.P.U.). Each of these ALUs is for a certain task. All ALUs perform a parallel operation. Supercomputers are used in research work in large scientific and research laboratories, sending astronauts to space for space travel, forecasting the weather, producing high quality animation pictures. The calculations and procedures done in all these works are complex and of high degree of accuracy. Which only supercomputers can do. India has a super computer named PARAM. Which the scientists of India have prepared in India itself. The developed form of PARAM Computer is PARAM-10000. Apart from this, there are other supercomputers like CRAY-2, CRAY XMP-24 and NEC-500.
