Computer Classification Computer Skills 1 Ch. 3 Computer Classification

Discussion Computer Classification: Size Data Handled Purpose of Use

1. Size Microcomputers, or Personal Computers : These computers use a microprocessor chip instead of CPU. types of these computers are laptop or Desktop computers Only one user uses these computers at time that's why they are also known as personal computers.

1. Size Minicomputers : These are powerful computer A mini computer is smaller than a mainframe but larger than a Microcomputer. Minicomputers can be used by several people at the same time The more users the slower it gets. Examples of Minicomputer : MAI Basic4 # Data General Nova Prime Computer Prime 50 #DEC PDP and VAX Series Wang Laboratories 2200 and VS Series

Minicomputers

1. Size Mainframe Computers : It as a very powerful and large computer. handle processing of many users at a time. Terminals are used to connect a user to this computer and users submit there task through mainframe. Terminal is a device which has keyboard and a screen. By using terminal users put inputs into the computer and get the output through screen.

1. Size Mainframe Computers : They are used in large companies,  airlines, banks government departments, telephone companies , etc.,  These are faster and more sufficient than Minicomputers and have a much large storage capacity.

1. Size Supercomputers : A supercomputer is the largest, fastest and most expensive These computers are used for forecasting the weather, nuclear energy, research, etc.

2. Data Handled Analog computers: they are used to process continuous data. An analog computer computes by measuring changes in a continuous physical phenomenon such as electronic voltage, length, current, temperature, pressure, etc.  Analog computers are very much speedy. They produce their results very fast. But their results are approximately correct. All the analog computers are special purpose computers.

Analog computers

2. Data Handled Digital Digital computer represents physical quantities with the help of digits or numbers. These numbers are used to perform Arithmetic calculations and also make logical decision to reach a conclusion, depending on, the data they receive from the user.

2. Data Handled Hybrid (Analogue & Digital) Various specifically designed computers are with both digital and analog characteristics. The hybrid computer uses both the analog and digital components. These computers use digital memory for the storage and analog devices for computational purpose.

3. Purpose of Use General Purpose (i.e. Digital data) General-purpose computers are designed to solve a large variety of problems. Most digital computers are general computers. they are used in business and commercial data processing. Special Purpose (i.e. Analogue data) Special purpose computers are designed to solve a specific problems Moat analogue computers are special purpose computers. They are often used as training simulators.

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