TYPES OF COMPUTERS

The computer sitting on the desk in your classroom is a microcomputer. It is a small, powerful piece of equipment. Even so, the power of the microcomputer is not enough for most large organizations. The computer industry consists of more than just microcomputers.

Any classification of computers is somewhat arbitrary. Computer can be classified it to following basis defined below.

·         On the basis of functionality

·         On the basis of Size, Speed and Cost.

ON THE BASIS OF FUNCTIONALITY:

According to functionality computer can be divided in to three types:

1.      Analog

2.      Digital

3.      Hybrid

 ON THE BASIS OF SIZE, SPEED AND COST:

       We can divide computers on the basis of size cost and speed as:

·         Super Computer

·         Mainframe Computer

·         Mini Computer

·         Micro Computer

Super Computer: Are the largest, fastest, most powerful, and most expensive computers made. Like other large systems, supercomputers can be accessed by many individuals at the same time. Supercomputers are used primarily for scientific applications that are mathematically intensive. The first supercomputer was built in the 1960s for the United States Department of Defense.

Mainframe Computer: are the most powerful computers. A mainframe computer may contain several microprocessors. A single mainframe computer can be used by hundreds of people at once.

Each user has his own terminal that is connected to the mainframe. Mainframe computers are usually kept in a special cooled, clean computer room. Minicomputers are medium-sized computers which are more powerful than microcomputers but not as powerful as mainframes.

Mini Computer: The "age of the mini" started in the late 1960s. The creation of integrated circuits suitable for computers enabled designers to shrink the size of the computer. Minicomputers are frequently referred to as mid-range computers.

Micro Computer: When you are working on a multiuser computer, such as a mainframe or minicomputer, you can control the input and see the output on the display, but you control nothing else.

A single-user computer gives you control over all the phases of computer processing: input, processing, output, and storage. You can select the programs you want to use, and you don't have to compete with other users to gain access to the system. A single-user system is designed to meet the computing needs of an individual.