Types of Computers

Workstation
Supercomputer

Palmtop Computer

Laptop Computer Personal Data Assistant

 Types of Computers
– On the basis of Functionality
- Digital, Analog & Hybrid Computers
 Analog Computers: It is a form of computer that uses the
continuously-changeable aspects of physical fact such as
electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the
problem being solved.
Analog means continuity of associated quantity just like
an analog clock measures time by means of the distance
traveled by the hand of the clock around a dial.
EXAMPLES: 
·         Thermometer
·         Analog clock
·         Speedometer 
·         Tire pressure gauge
 DIGITAL COMPUTERS:   Computer that performs calculations
and logical operations with quantities represented as digits,
usually in the binary number system of “0” and “1”.
EXAMPLES: 
·         IBM PC
·         Apple Macintosh
·         Calculators
·         Digital watches

 HYBRID COMPUTERS: Computer that processes both analog

and digital data
Examples:
·         Computer used in hospitals to measure the heartbeat of
the patient.
·         Devices used in petrol pump.
·         Hybrid Machines are generally used in scientific
applications or in controlling industrial processes.
 Types of Digital Computers
– On the basis of Size, Speed, Cost
 Micro & Mini Computers
1. Micro Computers:
The smallest among them are micro computers. They are small in physical
size (most of them are desktop system; however, notebook micro
computers that can fit into a briefcase are also available). They are
economical in terms of costs and are friendly in use. Personal com­puters
(PCs) fall into this category.

2. Mini computers:
Mini computers are very popular among medium sized compa­nies. Mini
computers offer facilities for faster processing of volumi­nous information.
Mini computers, of course, are bigger than micro­computers but smaller
than most of their elders called mainframes.

They have also been used extensively as gateways between mainframe

networks and as main servers for local area networks of microcomputers.
 Main Frame Computers
 Mainframe computers 
(referred to as "big iron")
are computers used primarily by
large organizations for critical
applications, bulk data
processing such as census dept,
industry and consumer
statistics, enterprise resource
planning and transaction
processing.
 Super Computers
 Most Powerful
 Costly & Fastest
 Used in Weather Forecasting, Space research, Nuclear
tests, Satellite launching

 PARAM is a series of supercomputers designed and

assembled by C-DAC (Centre for Development of
Advanced Computers) in Pune, India. Latest series
PARAM YUVA II
 Other Super Computers in India – Flo Solver (NAL,
Bangalore), Multi Micro (IIS, Bangalore), Param – 10000
(C-DAC Pune), Mach (IIT, Mumbai)
 China’s vast Tianhe-2 is the fastest supercomputer in
world.
Different Forms of Computers
 Personal Computers
Single user system mainly used in office, home. Two most
popular series of personal computers
 Apple Macintosh uses  PC that uses the
the Macintosh Windows operating
operating system system
(Mac OS)
 Personal Computers
Desktop computer?
 Designed so all of the components fit on or under a
desk or table

10
 Personal Computers
Notebook computer / Laptop?

 Portable, small enough to fit on

your lap

 Generally more expensive than a

desktop computer
 Handheld Computers
Tablet PC?
 Resembles a letter-sized slate
 Allows to write on the screen using a stylus
 Smaller version of modular computer

Personal digital assistant (PDA)?

 Provides personal organizer functions
 Calendar
 Appointment book
 Address book
 Calculator
 Notepad
 Handheld Computers
What are Web-enabled handheld computers?
 Performing functions of Tablet, PDAs and much more..

 Allow you to check e-mail and access the Internet

 Web-enabled telephone is a “smart phone”

Thank You