Understand the classification of computer, to use it for right purpose
There are ample amount of Computers nearby, however they all are completely different from each other. In this article, we are going to learn regarding the basics and classification of computers that includes all the different types of computers.
Currently, there are different classes of computer technology available nowadays. The functionality and data processing of each and every type of computer is different and output results as well.
But, the methods or techniques, Size, capacity, characteristics, and handling of the data of each computer may be different too.
The classification of computers can be done by generation, size and types;
Classification of computers by generation
Identifying Different Generations of Computers. Here, we summarized the classification of computers by generation as follows:
- First-generation computers used to be based on vacuum tubes. These machines were huge in size, very costly to operate and instructions were written in machine language. Their computation time used to be in milliseconds.
- Second-generation computers used to be on transistors. They were quite smaller in size, a bit cheaper and needed less maintenance than the first-generation computers. They used the stored program concept. Programs were written in assembly language rather than machine language. The computation time was in microseconds.
- Third-generation computers are Integrated Circuits. They consumed minimal power and needed low maintenance compared to their predecessors. High-level languages were used for programming. The computation time was completely in nanoseconds. These computers marked the initial stage of commercial production.
- Fourth-generation computers used microprocessors which were designed using the LSI that is Large Scale Integration) and VLSI called as very Large-Scale Integration) technology. The computers became smaller, portable, reliable and very cheap. The computation time is in picoseconds. They became useful both to the home user and for commercial use. They are available everywhere.
- Fifth-generation computers are right now expected to be capable of learning and self-organization. The computers use SLSI which means “Super Large-Scale Integration” chips and have huge memory requirements. They use parallel processing and are based on (AI) Artificial Intelligence. The fifth-generation computers are still being developed and will be launched soon.
Classification of computers by Types
There are majorly 3 classifications of computers by type, as: Analog, Digital, and Hybrid computers as follows;
Analog Computers
An analog computer is a type of computer that shows data as a variable across a continuous range of values. The newly launched computers decades ago were analog computers. Analog computers were used for measuring parameters that vary continuously in real-time, like temperature, pressure, and voltage.
Analog computers were very flexible but generally less in precision than digital computers. The slide rule is an example of an analog computer.
In general, analog computers are super fast, since they can solve almost all complex equations at the rate at which a signal traverses the circuit, which is actually an appreciable fraction of the speed of light.
Also along with this, the precision of analog computers is average; they are limited to three, or at most, four digits of precision.
Digital Computer
A digital computer uses distinct values to show the data internally. All information is displayed using the digits 0s and 1s. The computers that a person uses in his/her homes and offices are digital computers. Digital computers can be built to take the solution of equations to unlimited precision, but a bit slowly compared to analog computers.
Basically, complex equations are approximated with the use of iterative numerical methods which need huge numbers of iterations. That depends on how good the initial “guess” at the final value is and how much precision is expected.
Hybrid Computer
Hybrid computers are computers that display features for analog computers and digital computers. The digital component basically serves as the controller and gives logical operations, whereas the analog component serves as a solver of differential equations.
Hybrid computers can be used to get a very good but relatively imprecise ‘seed’ value, with the use of an analog computer front-end, which is then fed into a digital computer iterative process to attain the final desired degree of precision.
With a three or four-digit, highly accurate numerical seed, the total digital computation time required to reach the expected precision is dramatically reduced, since many fewer iterations are needed.
Classification of computers by Size
A third classification of computers is with size.
Microcomputers – These are economical computers mainly used for personal work. It is less expensive and has microprocessor in form of its CPU. Smartwatches and tablets fall under this category. It also has input and output units, storage area and memory.
Mini-computers – These are smaller than mainframe whereas larger than microcomputers. They are used for the purpose of accounting or billing in large institutes. As they are connected with more than one CPU, multiple users can use it.
Mainframe computers – For managing bulk data, large organizations use these computers. Banks, government departments and research centers use them as they have high speed and enormous storage capability.
Supercomputers – These are the fastest and most expensive computers such as IBM Road burner. They are used during weather forecasting or research on nuclear energy and such. These computers help in processing immense amount of data.
Classification of computers by functionality
Servers: These are designed to offer some specific service to clients like security server or database server.
Workstation: They have multi-user operating system and can be used by single user at a time. They are used for daily purpose.
Information Appliances: They perform selected functions like internet browsing or multimedia games and are portable. They consist of limited memory.
Embedded computers: For limited purpose, these computers are used in the form of computing device. One does not have to reset or reboot them.
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