Classification of Computer on the Basis of Work

A computer is a type of electrical equipment that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It can be divided into various varieties based on the operating principle, size, and brand. With the development of technology and the passage of time, different computer systems fall under different categories.

On the basis of Work:

• Analog computer
• Digital computer
• Hybrid computer

Analog Computers

In computer jargon, an analog system is one in which the data are understood to be a continuous measurement of a physical attribute like rotation or displacement that continuously varies. Calculating temperature, voltage, speed, pressure, and other variables is the main application of this sort of computer. Examples of this type include power meters, oil pump fuel gauges, and mobile speedometers for automobiles.

Major characteristics of this type are poor accuracy, a single-purpose machine, low cost, ease of programming, little memory space, and lack of versatility. The fundamental benefit of analog computers is that they are faster because they operate in parallel. The majority of applications for analog computers are in engineering and science.

Digital Computer

The digital computers use sporadic data to operate. It turns the input into binary digits, 0 and 1, and all operations are performed at an incredibly quick pace on this digital. In essence, a digital computer is capable of adding and counting digits. Digital computers are both faster and more accurate than analog ones. These computers are multifunctional, problem-oriented devices. They are utilized for business and scientific use.

These computers identify data by counting discrete signals that either indicate an electrical pulse's presence or absence as a "on" or "off" voltage state. The main attributes of this kind of computer are high precision, general/special purpose, big memory capacity, versatility, high cost, and rather challenging programming.

Digital computers can be further divided based on size into:

Super computer:

Supercomputers are the quickest computers available and are capable of processing hundreds of millions of instructions per second. They are the priciest and most potent computers designed to handle difficult and time-consuming tasks. Actually, they are made to handle difficult scientific tasks. In this style, multiple processors are operating simultaneously, greatly enhancing their speed and power. The quantity of calculations that can be handled by these computers is far greater than what is humanly possible. Supercomputers have an instruction throughput of billions per second.

These computers are frequently employed in scientific fields such as metrology, digital signal processing, graphics, meteorology, geological data processing, genetic data processing, and aerodynamic design and simulation. These models include the Cray-I, Cyber-205, and NEC-500.

Mainframe Computer:

Huge amounts of data and information can be handled by these machines. Compared to super computers, it is cheaper, less expensive, and considerably slower. They can accommodate more than 100 people concurrently. They cost a lot of money and are also enormous. These all-purpose computers were created for massive data processing. A typical mainframe computer is running over 1000 remote workstations. Banks and numerous corporate establishments mostly use it to update inventory and sales purchases. These computers even have many processors that are active at once. So, these are systems with several users and processors. Controlling and supervising their operation requires very complex operational.

Examples are IBM 1401, IBM 370, IBM 4300 series.

Mini Computer:

A minicomputer is a general-purpose computer that is smaller than a mainframe and adds computing capacity while removing the prohibitive costs linked to bigger systems. It is also more expensive than a microcomputer. These are mostly multi-user systems, where numerous users can access the system at once. In comparison to microcomputers, minicomputers even have more memory and storage space. They can manage many input and output devices simultaneously. It is perfectly suited for tasks like accounting, word processing, database administration, social science statistical software, computer-aided design (CAD) numerical analysis, telecommunication, police headquarters, universities, etc.

Micro Computer:

These are the smallest and most affordable single-user computers available, powered by a single microprocessor. A processor that has all of its parts on a single integrated circuit chip is called a microprocessor. It is easier to use and can be set down on the table. It employs a keyboard for all input and a monitor for output. This has the lowest memory system, less computing power, and relatively fewer peripherals that may be attached. It is transportable, simple to use, and accessible wherever we need it. Compared to other computers, it uses less electricity.

These are microprocessors with 8 bits, 16 bits, and 32 bits. Personal computers are another name for microcomputers (PC). Normally, the system could only be used by one person. Super micros, as certain microcomputers are also known, may accommodate up to 8 users. 64 KB of memory has been upgraded to 16 MB, 32 MB, and 64 MB. The best example of a microcomputer is an IBM PC. With the aid of a MODEM, they can interact with a local area network (LAN) or a metropolitan area network (MAN) (Modulator and Demodulator). These are primarily utilized in workplaces, houses, schools, etc.

Hybrid Computer

The development of hybrid computers allows them to perform both the functions of digital and analog computers. These computers combine the greatest elements of analog and digital computing. Users can process both continuous and discrete data with its assistance. Some calculations in these computers are done analogically, while the remainder are done digitally. The analog signals are converted into digital signals, and the digital signals are then converted back into analog signals.

These work best in hospitals where an analog component is used to measure the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, etc., and a digital component is utilized to carry out the surgery and track the patient's vital signs. It has the speed of analog computers and the accuracy of digital computer. Hybrid computer are also used in weather forecasting and airplanes. Example: ECG, Ultra Sound, etc.