INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION &

COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES.

(Types and Classifications of Computers

Lecture # 02

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER
(ON THE BASIS OF FUNCTIONALITY )

According to functionality computer can be divided in to

three types:
1) Analog
2) Digital
3) Hybrid

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 1-ANALOG COMPUTER

 An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the

continuously-changeable aspects of physical fact such as
electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic(moved or operated or
effected by liquid) quantities to model the problem being
solved.”
 Analog means continuity of associated quantity just like an
analog clock measures time by means of the distance traveled
by the hand of the clock around a dial.

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1-ANALOG COMPUTER (CONTI.)
 The input data is not a number infect a physical quantity like
temperature, pressure, speed, velocity
 Used in World War II and the Korean War.

 They were commonly used in science and industry before the

Digital Computer
 EXAMPLES:
 Thermometer
 Analog clock
 Speedometer
 Tire pressure gauge

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 2-DIGITAL COMPUTERS.

 “A computer that performs calculations and logical

operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in
the binary number system of “0” and “1”.
 “Computer capable of solving problems by processing
information expressed in discrete form.

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2-DIGITAL COMPUTERS
(CONTI.)

 By manipulating combinations of binary digits (“0”,

“1”)
o Mathematical calculations

o Organize and analyze data

o Control industrial and other processes.

 EXAMPLES:
 IBM PC
 Apple Macintosh
 Calculators
 Digital watches etc
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3-HYBRID COMPUTERS:
o “A computer that processes both analog and digital data”.
o “Hybrid computer is a digital computer that accepts analog
signals, converts them to digital and processes them in digital
form”
o Hybrid Machines are generally used in scientific applications
or in controlling industrial processes.

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3-HYBRID COMPUTERS:

 Examples:
 Hybrid computer is the computer used in hospitals to
measure the heartbeat of the patient.
 Radar is also an example of hybrid computer

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 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS.
(ON THE BASIS OF SIZE CAPACITY AND SPEED)

On the basis of size capacity and speed,

Computers can be divided into following four
classifications:
1) Super Computers.
2) Main frame Computers.
3) Mini frame Computers.
4) Micro Computers.

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 1-SUPER COMPUTERS.
 Leads the world in terms of processing capacity, particularly speed
of calculation
 Can handle gigantic amount of scientific computation
 About 50,000 times faster than micro-computers
 Used primarily for engineering and scientific problem
analysis as well as for computerized graphics and special
effects seen in films.
 Cost as much as
$20 million

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 1-SUPER COMPUTERS.(Conti.)

 A super computer contains a

number of CPU which operate
in parallel to make it faster. It
also known as grand father
computer.
 In areas like:
 Defense(Missile Technology)
 Weather forecasting
 Scientific research
 Drug discoveries
 Hollywood movies
Examples of Super Computers are
CRAY X1 , CRAY T90 and Control
Data Cyber 205.
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2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS

 Smaller and less powerful than

supercomputer
 Can support hundreds and thousands
of users
 used mainly by large organizations
for critical applications, typically
bulk data processing(i.e. huge
storage capacity and massive
processing ability)

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2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
 These are large and fast computers usually housed in a
controlled environment.
 Multi-user environment, have the ability to service more
than 100 terminals at a time
 TERMINALS – are the points from which users can
have access to the services of a multi-user computer.
 Terminals (which look like a microcomputer) are used to
enter and retrieve data from mainframe computers.
 They can support the processing requirements of
hundreds and even thousands of users.
 Are the largest, fastest and most expensive computers in
commercial use today.

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2-Main frame Computers. (Conti.)

 Ofall types of computers, mainframe have been around the longest.

ENIAC(Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator)
and UNIVAC(Universal Automatic Computer) were mainframe
computers.

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3-MINI COMPUTERS.

 Is the smallest computer designed

specifically for the multi-user
environment.
 This type of computer can allow
several persons to use the machine at
the same time.
 Can process up to millions of
characters.
 Before the late 60’s, most computers
produced were mainframe computers
and they were very expensive.
 The prohibited price of mainframes
limited its buyers to only the largest
companies.

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 3-Mini Computers.(Conti.)

 A smaller and more affordable version of mainframe and thus

what the minicomputer was born.
 Their storage capacities are smaller and they service fewer
terminals as compared to mainframes.
 A computer servicing more than 100 terminals is no longer
called a minicomputer.
 The major difference between the mainframe and minicomputer
is in the number of terminals they can service.

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4-MICRO COMPUTERS.
 A personal computer; designed to
meet the computer needs of an
individual.
 Provides access to a wide variety of
computing applications, such as word
processing, photo editing, e-mail, and
internet.
 The major difference between
microcomputers and the larger
minicomputers and mainframes is that
micros are generally single-user but a
multi-tasking machine.
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4-MICRO COMPUTERS.(CONTI.)

 PersonalComputers (PC)
occupy physically small
amounts of space
 Low Power Consumption

 Example:
 Desktop computers
 laptop computers
 handhelds

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4-MICRO COMPUTERS.(CONTI.)
DESKTOP MICROCOMPUTER
 Bigger in Size
 No Portability
 Input & Output devices
are connected separately to
System Unit
 Has separate components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.)
that are each plugged into
the computer.

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4-MICRO COMPUTERS.(CONTI.)
LAPTOP COMPUTER
 A portable, compact
computer that can run on
an electrical wall outlet or
a battery unit.
 All components (keyboard,
mouse, etc.) are in one
compact unit.
 Usually more expensive
than a comparable desktop.
 Sometimes called a
Notebook.

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  Also called a PDA (Personal Digital
4-MICRO COMPUTERS. Assistant).
(CONTI.)  A computer that fits into a pocket,
HANDHELD runs on batteries, and is used while
holding the unit in your hand.
  Typically used as an appointment
book, address book, calculator, and
notepad.
 Smaller in Size and Fully Portable
 Speed is less than Desktops & Laptops
 Capable of running specific
Application Software (System
Software are limited)
 Can operate for days on its batteries.

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4-MICRO COMPUTERS.
(CONTI.)  A tablet PC is a wireless
TABLET PC. personal computer (PC) that
allows a user to take notes
using natural handwriting
with a stylus or digital pen
on a touch screen.
 The user's handwritten
notes, which can be edited
and revised, can also be
indexed and searched or
shared via e-mail or cell
phone.
 Touch Panel with Electronic
Pen.
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4-Micro Computers.(Conti.)
Workstation
 Workstations are similar like Desktop PCs but unlike
desktops, they have high end processing speed for specific
software
 Used for Graphic Designing, Special effects for movies, CAD
applications
 Special Input and Output devices are provided to Power Users

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 EMBEDDED COMPUTERS.
 An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that
functions as a component in a larger product

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 SERVERS
 A server is a large shared computer
 several times the power of a workstation
 several times the memory of a workstation
 hardware and operating system optimised
for multi-user, no-crash operation
 A server may act as one or more of functions like:
 compute server: to run programs
 file server: to store files centrally
 mail server: to route mail messages
 web server: to store web files etc
 Print server: to print the document
 Proxy server: to provide internet access.

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