Question

Define classfication of computer based on working principle and size
​

Answer 1

On the basis of size

On the basis of size there are four types of computer. They are minicomputer, micro computer, mainframe computer and super computer. Super computer is the fastest, most expensive, big in size, and most powerful computer that can perform multiple tasks within no second.

On the basis of work

There are three types of the computer on the basis of work. They are analog, digital, and hybrid computer. Digital computer does not measure the continuous data for continuous output. The hybrid computer is the combination of analog and digital computer system

Answer 2

Classification Of ComputerComputers are available in many sizes and types and also can fit in the palm in our hand to those computers that occupied the entire room. Computer are used in different sectors and may be differ according to speed, storage, capacity, size and nature. It may be special purpose and general purpose.

Special Purpose computer can perform only one type of specific task like Seismograph, Traffic Light Controlling Computer etc

General Purpose computer are versatile and diligent which performs in most of the sectors

1. On the basics of working principle

There are three types of computer on the basics of working principle.

• Analog Computer
• Digital Computer
• Hybrid Computer
• Difference between Analog and Digital

Analog Computer

Analog computer is the special purpose computer. It represents the data ans physical quantities such as current , pressure, temperature, voltage etc. They were especially useful in the simulation and evaluation of dynamic situations such as flight of a space capsule or the changing weather patterns over a certain area. The accuracy of analog computers are low.

Examples: Speedometer, Odometer, Seismograph etc.

Digital Computer

Digital computer is the general purpose computer, it uses discrete data like letters, numbers , symbols etc. and process data in binary digits i.e 0s and 1s. It can be also powerful computers like super, mainframe, mini and micro computers. . It performs task to control industrial process and regulate the operations of machines, analyze and organize vast amount of business data and simulate the behaviour of dynamic systems. They are faster and accurate as compared to analog computer.

Hybrid Computer

The combination of computers which is capable of processing in both analog and digital signals. It accepts input in the form of analog signals , process data digitally and gives output either digitally or analog form. They are used in industrial application, airplanes, ships hospital etc. The widest application of hybrid computer take place in situation which require real time solutions. Example: ECG (Electronic Cardio Graph).

2. On the basics of Size

• Super Computer
• Mainframe Computer
• Mini Computer
• Micro Computer
• Super Computer

Super Computer

A Super Computer is the fastest, powerful , expensive computer. It is specially used for weather forecasting, biomedical research , remote sensing, aircraft design etc. The primary use for supercomputers is in scientific computing which requires high powered computers to perform complex calculation. Scientific organization, rendering complex formulas etc.

Use: Weather forecasting, Aircraft and Space engineering, Scientific research etc.

Examples: CRAY 3, CYBER 205, NEC-205 etc.

Mainframe Computer

Mainframes are large powerful and expensive computers used mainly by large companies for bulk data processing, commercial data processing and other large scale operations such as bank transactions. It may have hundred or even thousand of terminals. Its word length is more than 64 bits. IBM built first mainframe computer in 1964. The main difference between supercomputer and mainframe computer is that super computer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible whereas as mainframe uses its power to execute many program concurrently. It was developed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly in 1951.

Use: Industries, Bank, Airplanes, Air Traffic Control, Census etc.

Example: IBM ES000, VAX 8000, IBM 370 etc

Mini Computer

Mini Computer are also multi user computer like mainframe computer. They are smaller than mainframe computer. A minicomputer may have hundred or less number of terminals. It is typically used for middle sized business who needed more power and memory that could be obtained with micro computer. They can process more data and support more Input and Output devices. It is also called Mid Ranged Computer. It was developed by Kenneth H. Olsen in 1965.

Use: University, Scientific Research, Industries etc.

Example: PDP 11, IBM 8000 series VAX 750 etc

Micro Computer

Micro Computer is a small sized personal computer that designed for an individual having a microprocessor inside it. These computers are called micro because of the use of microprocessor as processing unit.

Use: Entertainment, Desktop Business, Education sector etc.

Example: IBM PC, Apple, Dell etc.

There are different microcomputers :

• Desktop Computer
• Workstation
• Laptop
• Palmtop
• Tablet PC
• Smart Phone
• Ultrabook