There are different computer types available depending on the principal of operation. i.e. a number of users they can support at one time, their size, power.
2. Learning objectives
Types of computers
Analog computers
Digital computers
Hybrid computers
Subtypes of digital computers
3. Types of computer
There are different computer types available depending on the principal of
operation. i.e.
number of users they can support at any one time
their size
power.
5. Analog computer
Analog computers are special purpose computers that represent and store data in
continuously verifying physical quantities such as current, voltage or frequency.
These computers are programmed for measuring physical quantities like
temperature, speed etc. and to perform computations on these measurements.
Analog computers are mainly used for scientific and engineering applications
7. Digital computer
Digital computer, any of a class of devices capable of solving problems by
processing information in discrete form.
It operates on data, including magnitudes, letters, and symbols, that are expressed
in binary code. Using only the two digits 0 and 1.
Each one is called bit.
Digital computer are well suited for solving complex problems.
8. Hybrid Computers
Hybrid computers combine the technology of both analog and digital computers.
These computers store an process analog signals which have been converted into
discrete numbers using analog-to digital converters.
Hybrid computers are faster than analog computers but much slower than digital
computers. It finds applications are special areas.
10. Super computers
Super computers are the biggest and fastest computer, which is mainly designed for
complex scientific applications.
It has many CPUs (central processing units which operate in parallel to make it as a
fastest computer.
These computers are very expensive and more powerful than mainframe computers.
These are specialized and task specific computers used by large organizations.
11. Uses of super computer
It is typically used in the following applications
Weather forecasting
Petroleum Exploration and production
Defense
Nuclear Energy Research
Weapons research
Earth quake prediction(seismology)
13. Mainframes
Mainframe computers are very large and fast computers but smaller and slower
the super computers.
These are used in a centralized location where many terminals (Input/Out put
devices) are connected with one CPU and thus, allow different users to share the
single CPU.
They have a very high memory (several hundred megabytes) and can support
thousands of users. These computers are faster and more powerful than
minicomputers.
15. Areas where mainframes are used
Airline reservation
Big banks with hundreds of branches located all over the world
Big universities with thousands of enrollment
Natural gas and oil exploration companies
Space Vehicle control
Weather forecasting
Animated Cartoon
Some mainframes are designed to be extremely fast and called super computers.
It is used for space launching, monitoring and controlling.
17. Minicomputer
Also called the minis
Minicomputers are medium scale, smaller and generally slower than mainframe
computers.
Like Mainframes, they have many terminals which are connected with one CPU
and can support many users.
The cost of minicomputer is very less as compared to mainframe. These
computers are faster and more powerful than microcomputers.
19. Uses of Minicomputers
Control of Automated Teller Machine (ATMs)
Payroll
Hospital patients registration
Inventory Control for supermarket
Insurance claims processing
Small bank accounting and customer details tracking
21. Microcomputer
These are also called personal computer system
The micro-computers are widely used & the fastest growing computers.
These computers are the cheapest among the other three types of computers.
The Micro-computers are specially designed for general usage like entertainment,
education and work purposes.
22. Microcomputer
Can be classified into:
Desktop PCs
sits on desks, rarely moved, large and bulky.
Memory capacity, graphics capacity and software availability vary from one computer to another
The usage of such computers is quite common is offices, markets, homes etc.
Portable PCs
Can be moved easily from place to place
Weight may varies
Small PCs are popular known as laptop
Widely used by students, scientist, reporters, etc.
23.
24. Microcomputer
Advantages
Small size
Low cost
Portability
Low Computing Power
Commonly used for personal applications
Disadvantages
Low processing speed
