Computers

Computers can be categorized in two ways: on the basis of their data handling capabilities and their size.

On the basis of their data handling capabilities, the computer can be categorized as follows:

Analogue Computer

Analogue computers are designed to process analog data. Analog data is continuous data, which changes continuously and cannot be discretized. This means that analog computers are used whenever we do not require exact values all the time, such as speed, temperature, pressure, or current.

In an analog computer, the data from the measuring device can be directly accessed without converting it into a number or a code first; they measure the continuous changes in physical quantity, and their output can also be displayed on a dial or a scale. Speedometer and mercury thermometer are examples of analogue computers.

Digital Computer

Digital computers are designed to perform calculations and logical operations rapidly by taking digits or binary digits as input, processing them with programs stored in their memory, and producing results. All modern computers like laptops, desktops including smartphones that we use at home or office are digital computers.

Hybrid Computer

The hybrid computer has both digital and analogue capabilities. It is fast and accurate like a digital computer while having the memory of an analog computer. This computer can handle both discrete and continuous data. It accepts analogue signals and convert them into digital form before processing. Therefore, it is widely used in specialized applications that process both analogue and digital data. Petrol pumps, for example, use a processor to convert fuel flow measurements into quantity and price. They are also used in airplanes, hospitals, and scientific research.

On the basis of size, the computer can be of five types:

1) Supercomputer

Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process large amounts of data. A supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second. It consists of thousands of interconnected processors.

A supercomputer is especially useful in scientific and engineering applications, such as forecasting the weather and simulations in science. Roger Cray developed the first supercomputer in 1976.

2) Mainframe Computer

Mainframe computers are designed to handle hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They can support multiple programs at the same time. They can carry out multiple processes simultaneously. Mainframe computers have these features, making them ideal for large organizations such as banks and telecoms, which need to handle large amounts of data that requires integer operations such as indexing, comparisons, etc.

3) Miniframe or Minicomputer

It is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It comprises of at least two processors and can uphold 4 to 200 clients all at once. Miniframe PCs are utilized in establishments and offices for errands like charging, bookkeeping and stock administration. A minicomputer lies between the centralized computer and microcomputer as it is more modest than centralized computer yet bigger than a microcomputer.

4) Workstation

Workstation is a solitary client PC that is intended for specialized or logical applications. It has a quicker chip, a lot of Slam and high velocity realistic connectors. It generally performs a specific job with great expertise; accordingly, they are of different types such as graphics workstation, music workstation and engineering design workstation.

5) Microcomputer

Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-purpose computer that is designed for individual use. It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage area, input unit and output unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of microcomputers. They are reasonable for individual work that might be making a task, watching a film, or at office for office work.