Classification of Computers

Based on hardware design

Analog
Digital
Hybrid

Classification of Computers
Based on utility
General purpose computers
Special purpose computers

Classification of Computers
Based on size and capacity
Micro Computer
Mini Computer
Mainframe Computer
Super Computer

Classification of Computers
Based on mode of use
Palmtop PCs
Laptop PCs
Personal Computer
Work Station
Mainframe system
Clients and Server

Classification of Computers
Analog Computer: Represents data as variable
across a continuous range of values.
Digital Computer: Represents data using digits
0s and 1s.
General Purpose Computer: Designed to
satisfy all the needs of the society.
Special Purpose Computer: Designed to
perform specific functions. Eg., Aircraft Control
System, Electronic voting Machines, etc.,

Classification of Computers

Micro Computers:
Small, low-cost, single user digital computer.
Portable and relatively inexpensive.
Do not occupy much space.
Do not consume much power.
Consist of CPU, input unit, output unit, storage unit and the software.
Stand alone machine, but can be connected together to create a network.
Examples: IBM PC based on Pentium Microprocessor and Apple Macintosh.
These include desktop computers, notebook computers or laptop, tablet
computer, handheld computer, smart phones and netbook.
Disadvantages:
Relatively slow
Storage Capacity is low.

Classification of Computers
Desktop
Computer
Computer(PC)

or

Personal

Stand alone computer

3 units Keyboard, Monitor and CPU
It is not very expensive and is suited to the needs
of a single user at home, small business units and
organizations.
PC Manufactures Apple, Microsoft, HP, Dell &
Lenovo

Classification of Computers
Notebook Computer or Laptop
Portable and have all the features of desktop.
Small in size, can be carried anywhere, has a battery
backup.
Costlier than the desktop machines.

Netbook
Low weight, low cost.
Designed for accessing web based applications
Streaming videos or music, emailing, web surfing or instant
messaging.

Classification of Computers
Tablet Computer
Portable Computer
Same as notebook, but it can accept input from a stylus or a pen
instead of keyboard or mouse.

Handheld Computer or Personal Digital Assistant(PDA)

Small size
Uses pen or stylus instead of keyboard or mouse.
Limited Memory & Less Powerful.
Connected to internet via wireless connection.
Example: Casio and Apple

Classification of Computers
Smart Phones
Cellular phones, act as phone and small PC
Have Stylus or a pen, or may have small
keyboard.
Can be connected to internet wirelessly.
Used to access electronic mail, download
music, play games.
Manufactures: Apple, HTC, Nokia, LG, Blackberry

Classification of Computers
Mini Computers:

Digital Computers, used in multi user systems.

High processing speed.
High storage capacity.
Support 2-200 users simultaneously.
Used for real time applications in industries,
research centers, etc.,

Classification of Computers
Mainframe Computers:

Multi-user, Multi-programming and high performance computers.

Operate at a very high speed.
Have very large storage capacity.
Large and powerful systems.
User access the mainframe computer via the dumb terminal or intelligent terminal.
Dumb Terminal: Cannot store data or do processing of its own.
Intelligent Terminal: Has input and output devices, can do processing, but cannot
store data of its own.
The dumb and intelligent terminal uses the processing power and storage facility of
the mainframe computer.
Used in Banks and Companies.
Example: CDC 6600 and IBM ES000 series.

Classification of Computers
Super Computers:
Fastest and most expensive.
Have high processing speed.
Speeds of super computers are measured in FLOPS (FLoating Point
Operations Per Second).
Can perform trillions of calculations per second.
Used in weather forecasting, climate research, molecular research,
biological research, nuclear research, aircraft design, major
universities, military agencies and scientific research laboratories.
Example: IBM Roadrunner, IBM Blue gene, Intel ASCI red.