Types of Computers and Their Classification: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Computers are an essential part of modern life, used in almost every industry. They come in various types, each designed for specific purposes. In this guide, we will explore different types of computers, their classification, and applications.

Classification of Computers based on Principles of Operation

There are three different types of computers according to the principles of operation. Those three types of computers are

• Analog Computers
• Digital Computers
• Hybrid Computers

1- Analog Computers:

Analog Computer is a computing device that works on continuous range of values. The analog computers accept input and give output in the form of analog signals. It generally deals with physical variables such as voltage, pressure, temperature, speed, etc. During World War II, warships used analog computing mechanisms to control gunfire.The general purpose analog computer was first build in 1930.

 Examples of Analog Computer:

Early special purpose analog computers were the

• Slide Rule
• the curve meter
• plain meter
• harmonic analyzer

2- Digital Computers:

The digital computer operates on digital data such as numbers. It uses binary number system in which there are only two digits 0 and 1. We call each one a bit. Digital computers describe everything in one of the two states: ON/OFF, TRUE/FALSE, YES/NO, or 1/0. Designers use digital circuits to create digital computers. Engineers and technologists use digital computers to solve complex problems effectively. Hence digital computers have an increasing use in the field of design, research and data processing.

In early 1940’s, Howard H. Aiken built the first general purpose-purpose digital computer called MARK-I

Examples of Digital computers:

Examples of digital computers are IBM PC, Apple Macintosh Computers etc.

Based on the purpose, Digital computers can be further classified as

• General Purpose Computers
• Special Purpose Computers

Special purpose computer is one that is built for a specific application.

General purpose computers are used for any type of applications.

3- Hybrid Computers (Analog + Digital):

A hybrid computer combines the features of analog and digital computers. People mostly use it to operate complicated physical processes and machines automatically.

Example:

In hospital’s ICU, analog devices might measure the patient’s temperature, blood pressure and other vital signs.

The system might convert these analog measurements into numbers and supply them to digital components. These components monitor the patient’s vital signs and send signals if they detect any abnormal readings. Specialists mainly use hybrid computers for specific tasks.

What is Difference between Analog and Digital Computer?

Types of Computers based on size and data processing capacity

Classification of Computers:

Computer is classified on the basis of size and data processing capacity. Today’s computers are classified into following categories:

1. Super Computers
2. Mainframe Computers
3. Mini Computers
4. Micro Computers

1-  Super Computers:

Super computers are the most powerful computers of today. These are the largest, fastest and expensive computers developed in 1980’s to handle complex problem. A supercomputer can have thousands of processors connected parallel. A super computer is also multi user computer and can serve unlimited number of users. It also keeps large storage capacity. CRAYT90, CRAY-XP, Roadrunner, Blue Gene, ETA-10, Deep Blue and ASCI White are examples of super computers.

Uses:

Large corporations, universities, and government agencies that can afford them normally use supercomputers.

Applications of Super Computers:

• Weather forecasting
• Space Research
• Nuclear Research
• Real-time animations
• Structural Analysis

2- Mainframe Computers:

Mainframe computers are specially design for the heavy intensive workload. It is multiuser system and can serve more than 50000 users simultaneously. It has a capability to store the data of all the users safe and sound. It is connected through the terminals or personal computers.

Some examples of mainframe are IBM S/390, NEC 610,DEC-10, ES-9000,IBM system Z10

Terminal: Every Computer that is part of a computer network is called a terminal.

Uses:

Large organizations like banks, airlines, and universities frequently use mainframes to allow many people to access the same data, one or more huge databases usually organize them.

Applications of Mainframe Computers:

• Banks
• Railway and Airline Reservations
• Universities
• Government agencies like NADRA

3- Minicomputers:

Engineers introduced the minicomputer in the 1960s; it is smaller in size and less powerful than the mainframe computer.

minicomputers have less processing power than mainframe computers but have high processing power than microcomputers. Normally, it contains two or more processors in it using the multiprocessor technology. It has large storage capacity and greater efficiency. It is a multiuser system. Users access it through personal computers or terminals. It can serve more than 1000 terminals simultaneously. The minicomputer is also called mid-range-server. Some examples of minicomputers are HP 3000, IBM 360, Prime 9755, AS 400, and VAX 8650.

Uses:

Offices, industries, and government departments use minicomputers.

Applications of Minicomputers:

• Business transaction processing and data base management
• Engineering and scientific research

4- Microcomputers:

Microcomputer is the least powerful class of the computer. It is used in our daily small business and home. Only one user can use the microcomputer at a time. IBM introduced its first microcomputer in 1981 called IBM-PC. The major factor of the popularity of microcomputer is its low price. PCs are becoming powerful day by day because of the improvement in technology. Today, users may use a powerful microcomputer as a substitute for a mini or mainframe computer.

Uses:

People commonly use microcomputers in almost every field of life, such as at home, in small offices, in businesses, and in education.

Application of Microcomputers:

• Word processing
• Image processing

  

• Entertainment (Watching Movies-Playing Games)
• Education
• Hospitals
• Accounts and financial analysis of small companies

Microcomputers are available in different models. These are:

• Desktop computers
• Laptop Computers
• Pocket or Palmtop Computers

Desktop Computers:

 Designers create desktop computers to ensure that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and other components fit entirely on or under a desk or table. In some models, users place the monitor on top of the system unit, which sits on the desk. The more popular style of system unit is the tall and narrow tower, which can sit on the floor vertically.

Types of Desktop Computers:

There are two types main types desktop computer available. These are:

1. Macintosh made by Apple Computers.
2. Personal Computer(PC)

Macintosh made by Apple Computers:

Macintosh computers are popular for their stylish look and bright colors. These computers use Macintosh operating system.

Personal Computer (PC).

A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself. When people talk about PC, they usually mean IBM-compatible computer based in an Intel microprocessor. The most common operating for PC is Microsoft Windows. Some PCs also uses Linux and UNIX operating system.

2- Pocket/Palmtop Computers:

We can hold these types of computers in our hands at all times, just like a pencil or calculator. These computers are very small in size and fit easily into our pockets.This type of computer uses special operating system. A pocket computer ha small rechargeable battery used to operate it. One problem with these computers is that they do not have full-sized keyboard. They use special pens and touch-sensitive screen to enter information as well as a number of small buttons or key.

3- Laptop Computer:

 A laptop is a portable personal computer that can be carried anywhere you go. Laptop computers use the same type of operating system and you can run the same software on the laptop computer as you can run on desktop or microcomputers.

A special rechargeable battery powers the laptop computer, so users do not need to plug it in like a desktop computer. People mostly use laptop computers during journeys. They can place it on their laps, which is why this type of computer is called a laptop.

Modern laptop can have floppy drives, CD-ROM drives and CD-writers and even DVD drives. They also have full-sized keyboard and a mouse or touch- sensitive mouse pad. It uses the LCD(Liquid Crystal Display) screen to display the information.

Q1: What is the most powerful type of computer?

Supercomputers are the most powerful computers, used for complex computations.

Q2: What is the difference between a server and a workstation?

Servers manage and distribute data, while workstations are high-performance PCs used for specialized tasks.

Q3: What are embedded computers used for?

Embedded computers are integrated into other devices, such as cars and smart home appliances.

Q4: Why are mainframes still used today?

Mainframes handle large-scale processing, making them essential for banks and enterprises.

Q5: How do supercomputers help in scientific research?

They perform simulations, climate modeling, and complex calculations needed for discoveries.

Q6: What is the most common type of computer?

Personal computers (PCs) are the most common, used in homes and offices.

Computers come in various forms, each serving different purposes. From powerful supercomputers to everyday personal computers, each type plays a crucial role in our lives. Understanding these classifications helps in selecting the right computing solution for different needs.

History of Computer: A Brief Timeline