CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
Classification based on size
· Supercomputers: Supercomputers have the highest level of performance as
compared to general-purpose computers. Most of the supercomputers run
Linux-based operating systems.
eg: PARAM, jaguar, roadrunner
· Mainframe computers: A mainframe computer is used primarily by large
organizations for critical applications like bulk data processing for tasks such
as censuses or large-scale transaction processing.
Eg: IBM z Series
· Mini computers: It is a small computer that is intermediate between a
microcomputer and a mainframe in size, speed, and capacity. It can support
time-sharing and is often dedicated to a single application.
Eg: Personal Laptop, PC, etc.
· Microcomputers: A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive
computer with a microprocessor as its CPU. They formed the foundation for
present-day microcomputers and smart gadgets.
Eg: Tablets, Smartwatches.
Classification based on functionality
· Servers: Servers are dedicated computers That are set up to offer some
services to the clients. They are named depending on the type of service
they offer.
Eg: security server, database server.
· Workstation: These computers are designed primarily to be used by a single
user at a time. They run multi-user operating systems.
E.g.: Lenovo P Series workstation.
· Information Appliances: They are portable devices designed to perform a
limited set of tasks like basic calculations, playing multimedia, browsing the
internet, etc. They are generally referred to as mobile devices. They have
limited memory and flexibility.
Eg: Smartphone
Classification based on data handling
· Analog computer: It is a computer that processes data in analog form,
meaning it deals with continuous signals. It measures and represents
physical quantities, such as voltage or temperature, and uses these
continuous values to perform computations and solve problems.
· Digital computer: A digital computer is a type of computer that processes
information using discrete values, typically in the form of binary numbers
(0s and 1s).
· Hybrid: A computer that processes both analog and digital data, Hybrid
computer is a digital computer that accepts analog signals, converts them
to digital, and processes them in digital form.
