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:-

·         Desktop Computer: - This type computer can be easily set on a desk. That is why they are called Desktop Computers. Since they are small in size and the working capability is more so these types of computers are widely used in offices, houses, schools and colleges, etc. Price of Desktop Computers is very affordable to common people.

Desktop Computer

·          Laptop Computer: - Laptop Computer or Notebook Computer is smaller and lighter in weight than desktop Computer. This type of computer is easy to carry and when used can set on the lap. That is why it is called Laptop Computers. It runs on a battery.

Laptop Computer

·         Palmtop: - Palmtop is smaller than Laptop Computer. It is made in such a way that it can be used by placing it on the hand. Palmtop is so small in size that we can keep it in a pocket. It runs on battery.

Palmtop

• Mini Computer

   These computers are more powerful than micro Computers and can support more than one user at a time. They have larger storage capacity. These computers are used for variety of application. This machine is another advancement over the PC-AT. Here you can have a maximum of a few hundreds of dumb terminals attached to the same CPU. Processing speed is also many times faster. One example is the IBM 9375. Microprocessor used is INTEL 80286 or 80386.

Mini Computer

• Mainframe Computer

   These computers have high storage capacity. They process large amount of data at high speed. They are used in large companies, government departments, etc., as their main computer server. These computers need low temperature and special dust free rooms. Numerous computers are connected with this computer. All the data of these computers are stored in it. These are faster and more sufficient than Minis and have a much large storage capacity. Examples are the IBM System /370 and IBM 4300 Series.

Mainframe Computer

• Super Computer

  The storage capacity of super computers is much more than micro, mini and main frame computers. Super Computers are the fastest of all and can process huge amount of data within a few seconds. They are used for handling complicated applications such designing the supersonic aircraft, weather forecast, etc. India has developed a super computer called PARAM. They are most powerful and most efficient too. They are designed to process complex scientific applications. They have the computing capacity of approximately 40000000 IBM PCs. Some examples are CARY-2, ETA-10, CARY X-MP.

Super Computer

2.    Analog Computer

   An analog computer computes by measuring changes in a continuous physical phenomenon such as electronic voltage, length, current, temperature, etc. The devices that measure such quantities are analog. The advantages of analog computer are that all the calculation takes place in parallel and hence these are faster but their accuracy is poor.  

Analog Computer

3.    Hybrid Computer

The hybrid computer uses both the analog and digital components. These computers use digital memory for the storage and analog devices for computational purpose.

Hybrid Computer