Do you know the classification of computer by size, type & purpose? If not, then I will tell it in short words. Basically, a computer is made up of a lot of hardware and software together. Computers are divided into different types according to their type, purpose and size. It is more widely used in the case of business, education, and research.
Technically, a computer is a programmable electronic machine. in which the user enters information. After that, the computer processes the same data and produces its result, then it sees that result through an output device.
In earlier days the size of the computer was very big and the work was also slow. But as new technology came, the size of the computer also started getting smaller and the speed of working also started increasing.
Nowadays computers are installed in all the places like in all the offices, colleges, schools, and everyone’s house. The article which you are reading here is also a computer. By this, you must have come to know what is a computer? If you want to know about the computer in detail, then you can read Basic computer knowledge.
In earlier times, there was a difference in size and types of computers and it is still there today. Therefore, the computer has been divided according to its size and speed. So in this article, we will explain the classification of computer.
Explain the classification of computer
Classification of computer is mainly 3 types on the basis of Size, types & Purpose.
Classification of Computer by Size
Super Computer
A supercomputer is the largest in size compared to other computers. It processes the data very fast, making it costly. Supercomputers are made up of thousands of processors and all are interconnected. They work in parallel processing. Its storage capacity is also very high.
Supercomputers can process trillions of data a second and show results. Its speed is measured in FLOPS (floating-point operation foot-seconds). In a supercomputer, the complex operation has been solved in a few seconds. So, it cannot be used everywhere.
Due to the high speed of its working, it is used in places like weather forecasting, molecular research, climate research, scientific research, and nuclear research. Apart from this, it is used in major universities, military companies, and research laboratories.
The supercomputer was invented in the 1960s. The first supercomputer 6000 series was introduced in 1964 by CDC (Control Data Corporation). India’s first supercomputer PARAM 8000 was developed on 1 July 1991. It was launched by C-DAC (Center for Development of Advanced Computing).
Examples of Super Computer: IBM Roadrunner, Titan, IBM sequoia, Jaguar, Intel ASCI, etc.
Mainframe Computer
The size of the mainframe computer is large and powerful, due to which it has the capability to process a lot of data simultaneously. This computer is usually multi-programming, multi-user and high-performance. Therefore, more than 1000 users can access this computer simultaneously.
The storage capacity of a mainframe computer is very high and its capacity to process data is also high. It generates more heat while processing the data in the computer, due to which it is kept in an air condition room.
The user can access the mainframe computer only through a terminal which can be a dumb terminal, intelligent terminal, or PC. This terminal does not have storage capacity, so it depends on the mainframe computer.
Mainframe computers are used in large organizations or government departments for commercial purposes. Also, it is used in many online examinations, banks, online ticket booking, Scientific research centers, online payment systems, etc.
Example of Mainframe Computers: IBM ES000 series, CDC 6600, etc.
Mini Computer
The Minicomputer is smaller than a mainframe computer but bigger than a microcomputer. Its storage capacity is more than that of a microcomputer. It comes in many different sizes.
A minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computing system. Up to 200 users can use it simultaneously. In this computer, the work of data processing is accelerated by using more than one CPU. Minicomputers are used in large industries, research centers in real-time applications like account maintenance, data management, etc.
Examples of Mini Computer: IBM 8000 series, PDP-11, etc.
Micro Computer
A microcomputer is one such computer that is small in size, less expensive, and has better performance. This computer has been designed in such a way that it can be used by a single user. That’s why microcomputers are also called personal computers.
This computer is made up of Central Processing Unit, Storage Unit, Input Devices, Output Devices, etc. Due to its small size, it can be carried from one place to another. A microcomputer is a stand-alone machine. Many microcomputers are combined to form a network so that many users can use it simultaneously.
In today’s time, it is very easy to use a microcomputer, because of this, every home has a personal computer.
Examples of Microcomputers: Desktop, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablets, etc.
Classification of computers by Purpose
Computers are divided into 2 types on the basis of purpose.
General Purpose Computers
All the computers that are used in today’s time at home, in the office, and in school, all are called general-purpose computers. Here computers are made to do general work like typing, watching videos, managing records, accounting, storing data, etc. The article you are reading now is also a general-purpose computer.
This type of computer has minimum size, storage capacity, cost. It consists of calculators, laptops, desktops, and mobile phones.
Special Purpose Computer
A computer that is made to perform a specific task is called a special purpose computer. It does the same task again and again, so its speed is kept high while making the computer.
According to the type of work this computer will do, processing units and instruction controllers are inserted inside it.
Example of Special Purpose Computer: ATM machine, Petrol pump machine, Washing machine, traffic controller, etc.
Classification of Computers by Type
Computers are divided into 3 types on the basis of working principles.
Analog Computer
The computer through which continuously variable data is measured is called an analog computer. In this, the data shows different at all times, hence it is called a continuous variable. Like speedometer is used in cars, bikes, and many more vehicles. A thermometer is used to measure temperature. A weighing machine is used to measure the weight of something.
Example of Analog Computer: Speedometer, Operational amplifier, Electric integrator, Weight measuring machine, etc.
Digital Computer
A digital computer is one that takes binary data 0’s and 1’s as input. After that, it stores that data in memory and shows the result in output. Most of these computers are used to perform arithmetic operations.
Digital computers are also used to process numeric and non-numeric data. In today’s world, most of these computers are available in the market. The best example of this computer is the calculator daily used in the market. Talking about the result, the output result of a digital computer is more accurate than that of an analog computer.
Examples of Digital computers: Calculator, Accounting machine, Automated Teller Machine, Digital clock, etc.
Hybrid Computer
The computer which is made by taking good features of an analog computer and digital computer is called a hybrid computer. In this, complex tasks are solved by combining the speed of analog computers and the accuracy of digital computers.
This computer comes more expensive than other computers. But it solves the difficult task in less time. This is its speciality. The best example of this computer is the petrol pump, which measures the fuels and gives them to the customer according to the price. it is a very difficult task to do for a human.
These computers are basically used in aeroplanes, hospitals, petrol pumps, and many scientific laboratories.
Conclusion
These are some common classification of computer based on size, type and purpose. The classification of computers can vary, and there may be overlaps or subcategories based on specific criteria or industry needs.
I hope that by reading this article, you must have got good information about classification of computer systems. If you have any doubt regarding this, then you can tell us. We will surely try to solve your doubts.
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