We will discuss here why we classify computers. What are the reasons for their classification?
Categorization and classification allow humans to organize things, objects, and ideas that exist around them and simplify their understanding of the world.
So let’s start discussing why we need a classification of computers.
Table of Contents
Computers are classified and differentiated based on a wide variety of factors including their data processing abilities, size, calculation speed, power of the processor, processor number, price and application, some emphasize a leading capability in one particular aspect while others require a computer to have minimum capabilities in a wide range of characteristics.
The computer systems can be classified on the following basis:
1. Based on size.
2. Based on Type/Data Handling.
3. Based on Purpose.
Classification based on size
1. Supercomputers:
- Supercomputers are the highest-performing system having huge storage capacities and computing speeds.
- Performance compared to a general-purpose computer is exponentially high. The actual performance of a supercomputer is measured in FLoating-point Operations per Second (FLOPS) instead of Million Instructions Per Second(MIPS).
- The super-computers are task-specific and thus used for specialized applications such as large-scale numerical problems in scientific and engineering disciplines including applications in electronics, petroleum engineering, weather forecasting, medicine, space research and more These are basically used for weather forecasting, scientific simulations, (animated)graphics, etc.
eg: PARAM, jaguar, roadrunner.
2. Mainframe computers:
These are used by big organizations, and governments to run their operations as these types of computers can store and process large amounts of data simultaneously.
For example, Insurance companies for processing such as statics, Banks for transactions processing, Schools, and Universities.
Eg: IBM z Series, System z9 and System z10 servers
3. Minicomputers:
These are multi-user computers designed for multi-processing systems, control, human interaction and communication capable of supporting up to 250 users at a time.
Eg. PC, Laptop etc.
4. Microcomputers:
A single-user computer system has less speed and storage capacity and uses a moderately powerful microprocessor as a CPU. These computers formed the foundation for the present-day microcomputers and smart gadgets that we are using in our daily lives like Tablets, Smartwatches, Mobile Phones, etc…
Classification based on the Type/Data Handling
1. Analog:
Analogue computers were the earliest computer machines developed and were among the most complicated machines for analogue computation and process control.
Analog data is not discrete, but rather is of a continuous nature like pressure, temperature, voltage, speed and weight.
An analogue computer makes use of continuous values and not discrete values. Because of this, processes with an analogue computer cannot be repeated for exactly equivalent results.
Some examples are operational amplifiers, mechanical integrators, slide rules, tide predictors, electric integrators, etc. These are in use to solve problems related to partial differential equations, electronic machines, and also neural networks.
2. Digital:
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system of “0” and “1”, “Computer capable of solving problems by processing information expressed in discrete form. From manipulation of the combinations of the binary digits, it can perform mathematical calculations, organize and analyze data, control industrial and other processes, and simulate dynamic systems such as global weather patterns. Examples include social media, online games, multimedia and mobile phones.
3. Hybrid:
A computer that processes both analogue and digital data, a Hybrid computer is a digital computer that accepts analogue signals, converts them to digital and processes them in digital form.
Examples of Hybrid Computers
1. Gasoline Station
2. Electrocardiogram Machine
3. Ultrasound Machine
Classification Based on Purpose
Specific-purpose computers are designed to handle a specific problem or to perform a specific task. A set of instructions is built into the machine.
Based on Purpose, Computers can be classified into two ways.
1. General Purpose 2. Special Purpose
1. General Purpose
General-purpose computers are designed to perform a range of tasks such as writing a word processing letter, Document preparation, recording, Documents Printing, making databases, and calculations with accuracy and consistency.
They can store various projects but need speed and effectiveness.
Still, it has versatility and is useful for serving people’s basic needs at home or in the workplace in the environment.
Examples :
Desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are used on daily basis for general purposes.
2. Special Purpose
These computers are intended to play out a specific task such as ATM (Automatic Teller Machines). The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers mainly depend on the nature and size of the work.
The function of these computers is consistent with any particular task. Special-purpose computers also include systems to control military planes, boats, surveillance equipment and other defence-oriented applications.
They utilize unique operating systems that are tailored to perform their specific functions. The special computer needs specific processors and inputs and devices to conduct work efficiently.
Examples:
Automatic teller machines (ATM)
Traffic-control computers
Washing machines
Surveillance equipment
Weather-forecasting simulators
Defence-oriented applications
Oil-exploration systems
Military planes controlling computers.
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