Chapter 2 – Types of Computer
Computers are classified according to their application, work, size, capacity, speed, brand, model etc.
Computers
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On the basis of Work
On the basis of Size
On the basis of Model
On the basis of Brand
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Super
Mainframe
Mini
XT
AT
PS/2
IBM Compatible
Analog
IBM PC/ Branded
Digital
Hybrid
Apple/Macintosh
Micro
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Classification based on Work (or function or application)
On the basis of the technology that is used for the functioning of the computers, they can be divided in three categories: digital, analog and hybrid.
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Analog Computer
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Analog computers work upon continuous data.
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Analog computers measure physical magnitudes such as voltage, temperature, current and pressure.
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E.g. Thermometer, Speedometer etc.
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Digital Computer
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Digital computers work upon discontinuous data.
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These computers work on binary digits 0 and 1.
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Two types of digital computers:
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Special Purpose Computer – Digital Clock, Calculator
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General Purpose Computer – PC in computer lab
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Hybrid Computer
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Hybrid computers are computers that comprise features of analog computers and digital computers.
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The digital component normally serves as the controller and provides logical operations, while the analog component normally serves as a solver of differential equations.
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E.g. Computers used in ICU of hospital, jet planes etc.
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Classification based on Size
We can classify the computers on the basis of size as below:
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Super Computer
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Super Computers contain several processors which work together to make it immensely powerful and fast.
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Used to forecast the weather and global climates, in military research and defense system.
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Used in seismography, plasma and nuclear research, in encrypting and decoding sensitive intelligence information.
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E.g. CRAY, NEC Super SXII, CYBER 205 etc.
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Mainframe Computer
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Powerful multi-user computer used in large business organizations, examination, industries and defense to process complex data.
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It uses several CPU for data processing.
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More than 100 users can use at a time.
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Used in Credit card processing, Air traffic control system etc.
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E.g. IBM S/390, ICL 39 etc.
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Minicomputer
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Larger and more powerful than most microcomputers but are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computer systems.
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A multi-user computers and supports more than dozens of people at a time.
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Used in university, large business organizations to process complex data.
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E.g. PDP-11, VAX etc.
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Microcomputer
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Microcomputer has its CPU on one microprocessor.
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It is a single-user machine i.e. only one user can work at a time.
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Commonly used in offices, homes, schools, shops to perform different data processing jobs.
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E.g. IBM PCs, Apple Mac. etc.
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Classification based on Model
On the basis of model, microcomputers are classified as below:
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XT (Extended Technology) Computer
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It has 8086 or 8088 microprocessor.
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Its processing speed is 4.7 MHz and cannot support GUI (Graphics User Interface) based OS.
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AT (Advanced Technology) Computer
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It has 80286 or more advanced microprocessor and faster than XT Computers.
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It supports GUI based OS (Operating System) and applications.
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PS/2 (Personal System -2 ) Computer
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It uses refined architecture and faster than AT computers.
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It is a laptop computer with rechargeable and battery based system.
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It is operated with OS/2 operating system.
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Classification based on Brand
On the basis of brand the following three categories are available.
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IBM PC (International Business Machine Personal Computer)
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These computers are manufactured by IBM Company.
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IBM manufactured mainframe computers followed by mini and microcomputers.
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The microcomputer manufactured by IBM Company is called as IBM PC.
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These computers are more reliable, durable and have better quality.
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IBM Compatible
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It has the same functional characteristics and the principles of IBM PC.
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They are cheaper and their parts are easily available in the market.
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Most of the microcomputers used in Nepal are IBM Compatibles.
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Apple/Macintosh Computer
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Macintosh Computers are manufactures by Apple Company.
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The Apple Computers have their own software and hardware and are different from IBM computers.
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Most of the Desktop Publishing houses use Apple/Macintosh because they have high quality graphics.
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