Classification of Computer

Computer can be classified into various classes according to their following factors.

1. On the basis of working principle

a)   Analog Computer

Analog computers represents the number by a physical quantity, i.e. they assign numeric values by physically measuring same actual property, such as the length of an object , and angle crested by two lines or the amount of voltage passing through a point in an electrical circuit. Thermometer, Multimeter, Speedometer, Fuel/price indicator in patrol pump are the example of Analog devices.

b)   Digital Computer

The computers based on binary digits i.e. 0 or 1 are called digital computer. It represents each and every information in terms of single numbers (0 or 1) and processes these information by using standard arithmetic operations. 90% of the computers are digital computers. They are general purpose computers.

c)   Hybrid Computer

Hybrid computers the best features of analog and digital computers. They have the speed of analog computers and the accuracy of digital computer. They are usually used for special problems in which input data derived from measurements is converted into digits and proceed by computer. They are mostly used in scientific research, industrial application, aeroplanes etc.

2. On the basis of size

a)   Main frame computer

Mainframe computers are large computers which processes at high speed and occupies al large space. This has a large capacity to handle huge numbers of records. More then 100 people can work at a time and communicate with different countries with wide area networks via satellite. They are generally used in large scale organization and government offices for large scale data processing.

b)   Mini computers

Mini computer are medium in size then Mainframe computers but larger then microcomputer. They are less powerful then super and Mainframe but more powerful then micro computers/ they are specially used in data processing, Programming, desktop publishing fields. In others words, a computer smaller then mainframe and lager than a microcomputer, intended to support multiple user is called Mini computer.

c)   Micro computer

Micro computer is also know as personal computer. They are made by using microprocessors. They are widely used at homes and offices. Many brands, models and sizes are available in microcomputer. They are used in many fields of business, education, desktop and graphic designing, data processing etc. Microcomputer can be sub categorized into:

I.              Desktop computer

A person or micromine computer sufficient to fit on a desk.

II.            Laptop computer

A portable computer complete with and integrated screen and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size then a desktop computer and lager then a notebook computer.

III.           Palmtop/notebook computer

A hand size computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output devices.

3. On the basis of brand

a)   IBM PC

The computers manufactured by IBM (international Business Machine) company are called IBM computers. The microcomputers of IBM Company are called IBM PC. IBM is one of the leading companies in computer industry.

b)   IBM compatible

Computers developed on the principles of IBM computers are called IBM compatible. IT can perform all the tasks that an IBM computer does. They are less expensive then original IBM computers. In other words, a personal computer that is compatible with the IBM PC is called IBM compatible computer.

c)   Apple/Macintosh

The computers manufactured by the Apple Company are called Apple computers. They are specially use in Desktop Designing. They are quite expensive then IBM and IBM compatible. The operation system and other peripherals are completely different then IBM and IBM compatible.

4. On the basis of processor used
1. XT (Extended Technology )

They are the early computers that used 8080, 8086, 8088, processors. They were very slow and had less storage capacity. This model refers to first generation PC which includes the first floppy disk, hard disk and all compatibles.

2. AT ( Advance Technology)

They are 80286, 80386, 80486, etc. processors. They are faster and have larger storage capacity then the XT computers. This model refers the advanced machine in the PV and featured a new keyboard, 1.2 MB floppy and 16 bit data bus.

3. PS/2 (Personal System/2)

They use the improve architectural and system design of AT computers that them faster, reliable, efficient, having more functions. They are specially designed for laptop and other PCs that used the Pentium Processor.