Classification of computers
There are basically three
main ways to classify
computers. These are:
By Type
By Purpose
By Size/ Capacity
Dominic Boye Jnr.
By Type
There are three main
types of computers
under this class.
They include:
Digital computers
Analogue computers
Hybrid computers
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Digital computers
These are computers that
represent data /information
in a binary form. That is they
represent signals in just two
states. 0s and 1s are used
during data communication.
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Examples of digital computers
o Desktop computers
o Laptop computers
o Mobile phones
o iPads
o iPhones
o Scientific calculators
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Analogue computers
These computers represent
data/information in a
continuous form. That is there
are no breaks during signal
transmission. They represent
information by processing
measurable physical
quantities.
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Examples of analogue
computers
o Speedometer
o Thermometer
o Conventional watch
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Hybrid computers
These computers exhibit features
of analogue computers and
digital computers. The digital
component normally serves as
the controller and provides
logical operations, while the
analogue component
normally serves as a solver of
different equations.
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Examples of hybrid computers
o Automated teller machine
(ATM)
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Examples of hybrid computers
o Electrocardiogram
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By Purpose
Computers can also be
classified according to
the purpose or
application to which it
is put. There are two(2)
main groups under this
category, these are:
o Special purpose
o General purpose
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Special Purpose Computers
A computer is said to be
special purpose if it is
designed to solve a
specific class of problem
for which it was made.
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Examples of special purpose
computers
Computers for chemical
processes.
Computers in digital
watches.
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General Purpose Computers
A general purpose computer
is not limited to the number
of applications it can be
used for.
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By Size/Capacity
The capacity of a computer
refers to the volume of
data or information it can
process or store and the
speed at which it works.
The three main computers
under this group are:
Macro Computers
Mini Computers
Micro Computers
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Macro Computers
They are the largest of all the
computers in terms of price,
memory size, power and
speed of processor.
Characteristics:
Very expensive
Generate a lot of heat
Large memory size
Wider variety of peripheral
support.
Supports multiple users
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Examples of Macro Computers
Mainframe
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supercomputer
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Micro computers
They are the smallest of all the
computers. They are also
called Personal Computers
because they are used by one
person at a time.
Characteristics:
Small in size
Used by one person
Generate less heat
Not expensive
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Examples of Micro Computers
Desktop computers
Laptops
Workstations
IPads
Mobile phones
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Mini Computers
A mini computer is one
whose size, speed and
capacity lies between
those of macro computers
and micro computers
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