On the basis of working principle there are three types of computers.
a)Analog Computer
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses continuous
physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.
1. Thermometer
2. Speedometer
3. Petrol Pump Indicator
4. Multi meter
b) Digital Computer
Acomputer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.
c) Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital and analog
signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of performing complex simulations.
On the basis of Size..
a)Super Computer
It is the fastest computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations.
For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers
include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations and nuclear energy research and petroleum
exploration.
The major difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels
all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses itspower to execute many programs concurrently.
b)Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds and even thousands of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (Eg: in watches) at the
bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In
some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program
faster than a mainframe.
c) Mini Computer
In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the
distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200
users simultaneously.
d)Micro Computer
i. Desktop Computer: A personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
ii. Laptop Computer: A portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is
generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than
a notebook computer.
iii. Palmtop Computer/ Digital Diary/ Notebook / PDAs:Ahandsized computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.
e)Workstations
It is a terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a generic term
for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."
Major brands of the computer:
a) IBM/ IBM Compatible Computers
b) Apple/ Macintosh.
a)Analog Computer
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses continuous
physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.
1. Thermometer
2. Speedometer
3. Petrol Pump Indicator
4. Multi meter
b) Digital Computer
Acomputer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.
c) Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital and analog
signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of performing complex simulations.
On the basis of Size..
a)Super Computer
It is the fastest computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations.
For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers
include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations and nuclear energy research and petroleum
exploration.
The major difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels
all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses itspower to execute many programs concurrently.
b)Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds and even thousands of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (Eg: in watches) at the
bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In
some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program
faster than a mainframe.
c) Mini Computer
In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the
distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200
users simultaneously.
d)Micro Computer
i. Desktop Computer: A personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
ii. Laptop Computer: A portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is
generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than
a notebook computer.
iii. Palmtop Computer/ Digital Diary/ Notebook / PDAs:Ahandsized computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.
e)Workstations
It is a terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a generic term
for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."
Major brands of the computer:
a) IBM/ IBM Compatible Computers
b) Apple/ Macintosh.
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