Types of Computer

1.    Digital Computer

  A distinctive feature of a digital computer is that it computers by counting and adding operations. Digital computers are much faster than analog computers.

Digital Computer

     The various classes of digital computer are :

• Micro Computer

   These computers are popularly called PCs (Personal Computers). Compared to others, this is the smallest type. Inside it there is a single microprocessor, which functions like a CPU. These computers have low storage capacity therefore used as personal computers. It is a single user system. That is only one person can use it at a time. Micro Computers can be divided into three type:-

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Generation of computers

A computer system is combination of hardware and software so the generation covers both hardware and software. The development of computer took place in five district phases known as Generation. These generations are categorized by their technology as follows:

First Generation Computers

The first generation computers used vacuum tubes. They were very large in size and programming on them was very difficult. Some of the computers of this generation are as follows:-

·               MARK – I :

  This was the first electronic computer developed by Howard Aiken. It was about 15metres long and the wires connecting the various parts of the machine were about 800 Km long. The main advantage of this computer was that it was fully automatic and much more reliable than other electronic computers.

·               ENIAC :

            This was the first fully electronic digital computer developed by J.Presper Eckert and John Mauchly. The full form of ENIAC is Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer. It contained approximately 17,500 vacuum tubes, occupied 680sq.ft area and weighted more than 27000Kg. Since ENIAC was initially not a stored program machine, it had to be programmed by manual rewiring for each task.

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Evolution of Computers

 

 

Some of the early calculating machines are as follows :-

 

1.    Abacus:-It was the first calculating machine invented in the 3000BC in China to count large numbers and perform simple calculations like addition or subtraction.

Abacus

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Characteristic of a Computer

Characteristics of computers that we use today are as follows:

1. Speed: - Computers are much faster as compared to human beings. A modern computer can execute millions of instructions in one second. The operations of personal computers are measured in thousandths of a second or a millisecond. A computer can perform basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division etc at a very high speed.
2. Accuracy: - Computers are very accurate. If the data entered into the computer is correct and if the set of instructions are correct, then the result produced will be accurate. Computers can perform all calculations and comparisons accurately provided then hardware does not malfunction.

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Application of Computer

Areas of computer application

• A few important areas in which computers are used both extensively and intensively.

Scientific and Engineering Areas

• Analysis of electrical net works.
• Analysis and design of engineering components and structure viz. Buildings, Bridges, Vessels etc..
• Astrological indications.
• Architectural designs and drafting.
• Archeological predictions.

Business and Commerce Areas

• Accounts receivable.
• Accounts payable.

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