Computer Classification

Computer and its Classifications
The Computer is an Electronic Device which accepts the input data processing according to their
Instruction and it gives output result.
Classification of computers:Computers may be classified based on the following:
i.
Operating principles (based on their construction and working)
ii.
Applications
iii.
Size and capability (or classification into micro, mini, mainframe and supercomputers)
iv.
Number of Microprocessors
v.
Word length and
vi.
Number of users
CLASSIFICATION BASED ON OPERATING PRINCIPLES

i)
Classification based on Operating Principles
Based on the operating principles, computers can be classified into one of the following types: A.
Digital Computers
B.
Analog Computers
C.
Hybrid Computers
Digital Computers: - Operate essentially by counting. All quantities are expressed as discrete or
numbers. Digital computers are useful for evaluating arithmetic expressions and manipulations of data (such as
preparation of bills, ledgers, solution of simultaneous equations etc.)
A.
B.
Analog Computers:- An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the continuously changeable
aspects of physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.
In contrast, digital computers represent varying quantities symbolically, as their numerical values change.
C.
Hybrid Computers:- are computers that exhibit features of analog computers and digital computers. The digital
component normally serves as the controller and provides logical operations, while the analog component normally serves
as a solver of differential equations.
1.
CLASSIFICATION BASED ON AREA OF APPLICATION

Classification based on area of applications
Modern computers depending upon their applications are classified as: a.
Special Purpose Computers
b.
General Purpose Computers
Special Purpose Computers: - A special purpose computer is designed only to meet the requirements
of a particular task or application. The instructions needed to perform a particular task are permanently stored
into the internal memory, so that it can perform the given task on a single command. It therefore doesnt possess
unnecessary options and is less expensive.
a.)
b) General Purpose Computers: - A General Purpose computers are designed to meet the needs of many
different applications. In these computers, the instructions needed to perform a particular task are wired
permanently into the internal memory. When one job is over, instructions for another job can be loaded into the
internal memory for processing. This, a general purpose machine can be used to prepare pay-bills, manage
inventories, print sales report and so on.
CLASSIFICATION BASED ON SIZE AND CAPABILITY

Classification digital Computer based on size and Capability
Based on size and capability, computers are broadly classified into
a.
Microcomputers (Personal Computer)
A microcomputer is the smallest general purpose processing system. The older pc started 8 bit processor with
speed of 3.7MB and current pc 64 bit processor with speed of 4.66 GB.
Examples: - IBM PCs, APPLE computers
Microcomputer can be classified into 2 types:
1. Desktops
. Portables
The difference is portables can be used while travelling whereas desktops computers cannot be carried around.
The different portable computers are: 1)
Laptop
2)
Notebooks
3)
Palmtop (hand held)
4)
Wearable computers
Laptop: - this computer is similar to a desktop computers but the size is smaller. They are expensive than
desktop. The weight of laptop is around 3 to 5 kg.
Notebook: - These computers are as powerful as desktop but size of these computers are comparatively smaller
than laptop and desktop. They weigh 2 to 3 kg. They are more costly than laptop.
Palmtop (Hand held): - They are also called as personal Digital Assistant (PDA). These computers are small in
size. They can be held in hands. It is capable of doing word processing, spreadsheets and hand writing
recognition, game playing, faxing and paging. These computers are not as powerful as desktop computers. Ex: 3com palmV.
Wearable computer: - The size of this computer is very small so that it can be worn on the body. It has smaller
processing power. It is used in the field of medicine. For example pace maker to correct the heart beats. Insulin
meter to find the levels of insulin in the blood.
b). Workstations:- It is used in large, high-resolution graphics screen built in network support, Engineering
applications(CAD/CAM), software development desktop publishing
Ex: UNIX and Windows NT.
b)
Minicomputer: A minicomputer is a medium-sized computer. That is more powerful than a
microcomputer. These computers are usually designed to serve multiple users simultaneously (Parallel
Processing). They are more expensive than microcomputers.
Examples:
Digital Alpha, Sun Ultra.
c)
Mainframe computers: - Computers with large storage capacities and very high speed of processing
(compared to mini- or microcomputers) are known as mainframe computers. They support a large number of
terminals for simultaneous use by a number of users like ATM transactions. They are also used as central host
computers in distributed data processing system.
Examples: - IBM 370, S/390.
d)
Supercomputer: Supercomputers have extremely large storage capacity and computing speeds
which are many times faster than other computers. A supercomputer is measured in terms of tens of millions
Instructions per second (mips), an operation is made up of numerous instructions. The supercomputer is mainly
used for large scale numerical problems in scientific and engineering disciplines such as Weather analysis.
Examples: - IBM Deep Blue
CLASSIFICATION BASED ON NUMBER OF MICROPROCESSORS
a.
b.
Classification based on number of microprocessors

Based on the number of microprocessors, computers can be classified into
Sequential computers and
Parallel computers
a)
Sequential computers: Any task complete in sequential computers is with one microcomputer
only. Most of the computers (today) we see are sequential computers where in any task is completed
sequentially instruction after instruction from the beginning to the end.
b)
Parallel computers: - The parallel computer is relatively fast. New types of computers that use a large
number of processors. The processors perform different tasks independently and simultaneously thus improving
the speed of execution of complex programs dramatically. Parallel computers match the speed of
supercomputers
at
a
fraction
of
the
cost.

Computer Classification

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Computer and its Classifications

CLASSIFICATION BASED ON OPERATING PRINCIPLES

CLASSIFICATION BASED ON AREA OF APPLICATION

CLASSIFICATION BASED ON SIZE AND CAPABILITY

CLASSIFICATION BASED ON NUMBER OF MICROPROCESSORS

Classification based on number of microprocessors

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