Computer and

its Types
Name- Hiral Bhardwaj
Section A
Roll Number- 47
 What is computer?
• A computer is a machine that is used to store, manipulate,
transmit, and receive information or data.
• Computers can be categorized in two ways. Computers can
either be differentiated based on their data handling
capabilities or based on their sizes. If we take data handling
capabilities into account, then there are three types of
computers. These three types of computers are:
1. Analog computers.
2. Digital computers.
3. Hybrid computers.
4. Computers can also be classified based on their computing
power and speed.
 Types of Computer
• Personal Computer (PC)- It is a type of single-user computer
system that has a moderately powerful microprocessor.
• Workstation- It is also a single user computer system, but it
has a more powerful microprocessor.
• Minicomputer- It is a multi-user computer system. It is
capable of supporting hundreds of users all at the same time.
• Main Frame- It is a computer system that can be used for
multiple users. It can support hundreds of users at the same
time. It is different from minicomputers in terms of its
software technology.
• Supercomputer- It is an incredibly fast computer system that
is capable of executing hundreds of millions of instructions
every second.
 Analog Computer
• Analog computers were specifically designed to process
analog data. Analog data is a type of continuous data that
continually changes and does not have discrete values.
• It can also be said that analog computers are used when the
users are not familiar with the exact values like temperature,
speed, current, and pressure. An intriguing feature of analog
computers is accepting the measuring device's data without
converting it into relevant codes and numbers.
• This feature allows analog computers to measure continuous
changes in physical quantity. In most cases, the output of
these computers is read on a dial or scale. Some examples of
analog computers are the mercury thermometer and
speedometer.
 Advantages
There are many advantages of using analog computers. Some of
those advantages are as follows.
• These computers allow real-time computation and operations
at the same time. Further, it continuously represents all data
within the range of the analog computer system.
• In some applications, analog computers help perform
calculations without using transducers to convert both the
inputs and outputs to a digital electronic form and vice versa.
• Programmers can also scale the problem for the dynamic
range of analog computers. This provides excellent insight into
the actual situation. It also helps in learning about any errors
and their effects.
 Digital Computers
• Digital computers were invented to perform different
calculations and logical operations at a very high speed.
• These computers accept the raw data as input, done in
binary numbers (0 and 1) or digitals.
• After that, the device processes the information with
programs that are already stored in the device's memory.
• This process is followed to generate the output. Some
examples of digital computers include laptops, desktops,
and other electronic devices like smart phones.
 Advantages
• Digital computers allow users to store a large amount of
information. The stored information can be retrieved whenever it is
required. New features can easily be added to the digital systems.
• Ability to change the program without making any changes in the
hardware of the system.
• The cost of the hardware of digital computers is often less because
of the advancement in the Integrated Circuit (IC) technology.
• These systems process data digitally at a very high speed.
• Digital computers use error correction codes because of which
these systems are very reliable.
• The output is not affected by humidity, noise, temperature, or
other natural properties, leading to the results' high reproducibility.
 Hybrid Computer
• Hybrid computers are devices that have features of both digital
and analog computers. These devices are similar in speed to
analog computers and are identical to digital computers in their
memory and accuracy.
• Hybrid computers can process both discrete and continuous
data. These devices work by accepting analog signals and
converting those signals into a digital form before processing.
• This is why these devices are popularly used in specialized
applications where both analog and digital data has to be
processed.
• For example, the processors used in petrol pumps convert fuel
flow into values for both quantity and price. Similar devices are
used in hospitals, airplanes, and many scientific applications.
 Advantages
• The computing speed of hybrid computers is very
high. This is due to the all-parallel configuration
of the analog subsystem.
• These computers help in online data processing.
• Hybrid computers can manage and solve large
equations in real-time.
• The results are produced quickly and in a more
efficient manner. The final results are both
accurate and useful.
 Personal Computers (PC)
• A Personal computer or PC can be described as a small and
somewhat inexpensive computer that has been specifically
designed for individual use.
• These devices are based on microprocessor technology, enabling
manufacturers to put an entire CPU on a single chip.
• These days many organizations use personal computers for
completing tasks related to desktop publishing, accounting,
word processing, database management, and running
spreadsheets. People also use personal computers at home for
surfing the internet and playing games.
• Even though personal computers were developed to work as a
single-user system, they are still linked together to form a
network.
 Workstation
• A workstation is a computer that is used explicitly for
engineering applications like CAD/CAM.
• Workstations can also be used for software development,
desktop publishing, and developing other types of
applications.
• In most cases, workstations come equipped with large
amounts of RAM, inbuilt network support, a graphic user
interface, and a high-resolution graphics screen. Many
workstations also have mass storage devices like disk drives.
• Workstations are equipped with faster microprocessors and
more powerful CPUs than personal computers. These devices
can handle data analysis, CAD, animation, video editing, and
video creation.
 Minicomputer
• A minicomputer is a midsize, multi-processing system.
Minicomputers are capable of supporting up to 250 users at
the same time. Usually, these devices have two or more
processors.
• It is common for minicomputers to be employed in institutes
and departments related to accounting, inventory
management, and billing.
• Minicomputers are lighter in weight. These devices can easily
fit anywhere and are portable. These devices are less
expensive and very fast compared to their size.
• Minicomputers tend to remain charged for long intervals and
can function in an environment without controlled operations.
 Functions of Minicomputer
• Processing Control
Minicomputers are mainly used to possess control in manufacturing.
These devices performed the functions of collecting data and feedback. In
case of any abnormalities during the process, the minicomputer detects
the abnormality and makes the necessary adjustment to fix the situation.
• Managing Data
Small organizations use minicomputers to collect, store, and share data.
For example, local hotels and hospitals use minicomputers to record their
customers and patients, respectively.
• Communications Portal
Minicomputers also can play the role of a communication device in larger
organizations. A minicomputer achieves this aim by serving as a portal
between the central processor or computer and the human operator.
 Mainframe
• Mainframe can be described as a costly and extensive
computer system. A mainframe is usually capable of
supporting hundreds and thousands of users at the same time.
• These devices concurrently execute various programs and
support multiple simultaneous executions of programs.
• Mainframe computers are usually used in large organizations
that need to process and manage high volumes of data - For
example, telecom and banking sector industries.
• Mainframe computers also can distribute or share their
workload among other processors or input and output
terminals. When it comes to errors, then there are fewer
chances of errors in these devices.
 Applications
• In the field of defense, mainframe computers allow
defense departments to share a large amount of
sensitive information with other branches of defense.
• In the retail sector, large retail organizations often have
a vast customer base.
• In health care, mainframe computers help hospitals by
maintaining an extensive record of millions of patients.
• In the field of education, mainframe devices allow large
educational institutes to store, manage, and retrieve
data related to admissions, courses, teachers, students,
affiliated schools, affiliated colleges, and employees.
 Super Computer
• Supercomputers are one of the fastest computers in the
world. These computers are costly and are only employed
for specialized applications that require a large number of
mathematical calculation.
• Supercomputers can process trillions of instructions in a
single second! This is mainly because these devices have
thousands of interconnected processors.
• The first supercomputer was developed in 1976 by Roger
Cray.
• Supercomputers are also used for extracting useful
information from data storage centers or cloud systems.
 Essential aspects of computers
• There are different types of computers but the
main thing in computers is hardware and software.
• Hardware is the physical structure of the computer
that includes the keyboard, monitor and also the
internal parts of the computer.
• Software is the set of instructions given to the
hardware telling what to be done.
• So these two are very important and one should
know about these in a correct way.