Different type of computer

We are living in the technology age where all shape and size of computer are available around us. However, the function and the capacity vary depending on the their conflagrations. Some of the computer are very powerful whereas few are less powerful and poor performance. These have been classified into different type of computer.

How many types of computer are there?

1. Based on Operating principle
2. Based on size and performance
3. Based on application

1. Based on operating principle

 Ⅰ. Analog computer
Ⅱ. Digital computer
Ⅲ. Hybrid computer

 Ⅰ. Analog computer

Analog is general purpose computing device which present data in the form continuous electrical signal having a specific magnitude. The result produce by this  computer is approximate. 

This computer deals with physical quantities (value) for instance temperature, pressure, voltage,, telephone lines, Speedometer, resistance of capacitor, frequency of signal and etc

Ⅱ. Digital computer

Digital computer is a type of computer that stores and process the data in the digital forms and produce output also in the digital form. I.e. it operate only digital data

0 and 1 which is called binary number. 

The digital computer are designed by using two level circuit i.e one for input and other for output. These two levels are known as logic(0 and 1). The data provided by this computer is very accurate. This computer is used in various area like research , data processing, engineering. etc.

Ⅲ. Hybrid computer

A hybrid computer is the combination of analog and digital computer features. Traditionally, analog computer deals with complex mathematical computation whether Digital computer deals with logical and numerical operation to control the system. There are many area where this computer is useful for instance: in ICU, B.P check , etc.

2. Based on size and performance.

I. Micro computer
II. Mini computer
III. Mainframe computer
IV. Super computer

I. Micro computer

A micro computer is small and cheap digital computing device which is made of one or more then one micro processor. Micro processor technology was invented around 1970. 

Since, micro processor was used in this computer so, it was cheapest among all computers. This computer was easy to hold on desk so, it was also called as desktop computer also.

advantage:

1. small and portable

2. relatively cheapest

3. Occupy less space

4. Consume less power

5. Can run on battery

6. speed is 100000 instruction/second.

7. Maximum word length is 8-bits, 16-bits

Disadvantage:

1. Due to microprocessor, storage is very limited

2. performance is slow

3. Large space required software can't run

II. Mini computer

This is general purpose computer which is mainly used in middle level Business as central computer. This is larger than Micro computer but smaller than Mainframe and Super computer in size, capacity and performance. 

For instance: HP-9000, RISC-6000, BLL-HN, DP-X2 etc

Advantage:

1. affordable price

2. Most of the MAINFRAME computer task can perform

3. Supports multi user environment

4. speed is 10-30 MIPS ( Million Instruction Per Second) 

5. Supports all high level language

6. Maxim word length is 12, 16, 24,32-bits.

Disadvantage:

1. Less memory than mainframe and super computer

2. Slow performance than mainframe and super computer.

III. Mainframe computer

A main frame computer is also known as super server or data server. This computer is more powerful, expensive, better configuration and more storage capacity. This computer are able to run multiple O/S and multiple Input/Output resources at the same time.

 

Advantage:

1. Accept any high level language

2. faster than micro or mini computer

3. supports multiple I/O device at same time

4. Process complex data in huge amount.

5. word length are 24, 32, 48, 64, and 128.

Disadvantage:

1. Much expensive

2. require more space

3. High electricity consumption

4. Strong logical and physical security need

 

IV. Super computer

A super computer is fastest type of computer. This computer is more powerful, more expensive, high storage capacity, and high performance in compare of all computer.

For instance- India's first super computer PARAM, PARAM-1000, and other like CRAY-1, CRAY-2, CRAY-3, NEC-5001 etc. 

Application:

1. Weather forecasting

2. Fluid machine

3. Nuclear energy research

4. Petroleum exploration

5. Space traveling

6. Banking

7. Animation and Graphics

8. Cinematographic

Advantage:

1. This fastest type of computer.

2. Multiple processor are combined to high performance.

3. Able to process highly complex calculation

Disadvantage:

1. Most expensive computer.

2. Small business can't afford it

3. Consume high electricity

4. Word class logical/virtual and physical security require.

3. Based on application

I. General purpose computer

II. Special purpose computer

I. General purpose computer

A general purpose computer as it's name suggest that a computer that used for our general work like school, college, institute , university or home.  This is most used computer for everyone in order to perform their daily basis work.  These days many You tubers and blogger also use this computer.

II. Special purpose computer

A special purpose computer used to achieve some specific task. For example weather forecasting, or Banking server needs super computer or mainframe computer, so these computer are designed for only to achieve certain job. Hence, these computers are called as special purpose computer.

we hope, you have understand now the all different types of computer system. This has described  in various way in books, or over the internet.  We just need to have basic clear concept.  If you found this helpful please consider to leave your feedback, whether you like or not.