CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Since the invention of computers, there have been different types of computers. Some are designed for specific
tasks and some for general purpose; to do everything a program can make it do. Some computers work with
continuous signals of physical quantities such as pressure, temperature, speed, current, etc. and some with
discrete data or digital signals.
Classification of computers

Purpose Type (Data Handling) Size (Functionality)

General Specific Analog Hybrid Micro Super

Digital
Mini Mainframe

Desktop Laptop Handheld

Classification by type
This is based on the type of electronic signal transmitted. Hence there are three types depending on the electronic
signals they transmit namely:

i. Analogue Computers (Analog): These are machines that receive data as physical quantity signals and
produce outputs (results) that are read out as values (figures). Analog computers measure continuous
physical magnitudes (e.g. temperature, pressure and voltage). Analog computers are used for scientific
and engineering purposes. The main feature of these machines is that they are very fast and all their
operations are done in „parallel mode‟ and it is very easy to get graphical results directly. Another
significant characteristic of analog computers is that they give approximate results since they deal with
quantities that vary continuously.

ii. Digital Computers: These are computers that represents physical quantities with the help of digits and
numbers. Digital computers can be defined as a computer that performs calculations and logical
operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in binary number system. Digital computers
process values (including text, sound graphic and video) into a digital value of 0‟s and 1‟s and all
operations are done using these digits at a very high rate. Digital computers are widely used in
commercial and control systems, they give out results with more accuracy and at a faster rate. The
desktop pc is a typical example of a digital computer.

iii. Hybrid Computers: These are computers with combined features of both digital and analog computers.
Hybrid computers operate by counting as well as measuring, the output can either be in numbers or
required units of measurement. Example, an analog device measures a patient‟s heart beat, ECG
(Electrocardiogram). Such measurements are converted into a digital form and a digital device would be
required to check for any abnormality or problem.
For computational purposes, these computers use the analog components and for the storage of
intermediate results, digital memories are used.
Classification by size
Supercomputers: The Supercomputer is the fastest, largest and most expensive computers. They are special
purpose machines, which are specifically designed to maximize the numbers of FLOPS (floating point operation
per second). Supercomputers can process large amounts of information and make extensive calculations very
quickly because of their high processing capacity, speed, memory and storage capacity. Typically,
supercomputers are used to solve multivariate mathematical problems of existent physical processes such as
aerodynamics, metrology and plasma physics. They are also used by military strategists, cinematic specialists
and scientists. Some examples of supercomputers are CRSY-3, Cyber205 and PARAM.
Mainframes: Mainframe computers are very big, fast and very expensive; they are ultra-high-performance
computers made for high-volume, processor intensive computing. They consist of a high end computer
processor, with related peripheral devices, capable of supporting large volumes of data processing, high
performance online transaction processing and extensive data storage and retrieval. Mainframes are the second
largest (in capability and size) of the computer family, the largest being the supercomputer. However, they can
usually execute many programs simultaneously at a high speed, whereas supercomputers are designed for a
single process. IBM‟s EX000, VAX8000 and CDC 6600 are examples of mainframe computers.
Microcomputers (Personal computers): Micro computers are the smallest range of computers introduced in the
early 70‟s. They are called micros or “computer of a chip” because it‟s entire circuitry is contained in one tiny
chip. Originally, these computers were designed for only individual users. But nowadays, they have become
powerful tools for many businesses that when networked together, can serve more than one user. The
Microcomputers have less storing space and processing speed, they are generally used in our society for several
computer operations such as word processing, spreadsheet, database management, graphics, etc. Apple
Macintosh and regular desktops are some examples of microcomputers. Microcomputers can be classified into
desktop computers (that can fit within the top of a desk), laptops (portable computers that can be operated on
your lap), palmtops (handheld computers such as personal digital assistants) and notebooks (an extremely
lightweight computer that can fit into a briefcase).
Mini computers: A minicomputer is a small digital computer, which normally is able to process and store less
data than a mainframe, but more than a microcomputer. They are sometimes called a midrange computer, and are
designed to meet the computing needs of several people simultaneously in a small-medium –sized business. It is
capable of supporting between 4 to about 200 users simultaneously. Minicomputers are usually multi-user
systems; therefore they are used for interactive applications in industries, research organizations, colleges and
universities. More recently, minicomputers are thought of in terms of being a server that is part of a larger
network. Some examples are PDP 11,IBM (8000 series), and VAX 7500.
Classification by purpose
Special purpose computers: Special purpose computers are designed to solve a specific problem. An example is
the ECG (Electrocardiogram) machine that is used by doctors to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats, as
well as the size and position of the heart chambers. Such types of computers are also used in production control
in industries, control of airplanes, weather forecasts, etc.
General purpose computers: General purpose computers are designed to solve different kinds of problems.
Hence they have many application programs installed on them. Microcomputers belong in this category.
Homework
1. State the uses of the following
A. Supercomputers
B. Minicomputers.