Types of Computer

The computers are categorized into three types based on their data handling capabilities. They are  

1. Analog Computer

With a design to process analog data, the invention of analog computers took place. This type of data is continuous i.e. keeps changing without having a discrete value. Thus these computers are only useful when the exact value is not important like in the case of speed, temperature, pressure, and current.

These computers can directly accept data from the devices without conversion into a numerical value. They continuously measure the changes in physical quantity and deliver the result on a dial or scale. Speedometer and mercury thermometer are examples of this type.

2. Digital Computer

This type of computer is for calculating and performing logical operations at a very high speed. It accepts data in digits or binary numbers and works on them with programs delivering an output. All sorts of modern devices like laptops and smartphones fall under this category.

Characteristics of Digital Computers:

The device can store a large amount of information with easy retrieval as well.

Allows users to add the latest features to the system more easily.

Without changing the hardware, many applications can be run on the same computer with different programs.

Improvement in the integrated circuit technology led to falling hardware price.

Works at a high speed as it is digitally run.

It uses error correction codes to become very reliable.

External factors like noise and weather don’t impact the device making the reproducibility of results is higher.

3. Hybrid Computer

Combining the features of both analog and digital computers, the hybrid computer was invented. It has the speed of an analog while the memory of a digital device. It is capable of using continuous and discrete data and is mostly used in specialized applications. Eg – petrol pumps, airplanes, hospitals, and scientific applications.

Characteristics of Hybrid Computers:

It has a very high speed as the configuration goes on parallel.

It delivers precise and faster results that are useful.

This is capable of solving difficult equations in real-time.

It helps to maintain on-line data processing.

Types of  Digital Computer based on size

1. Supercomputer

The largest and fastest computers are the supercomputers specifically designed to process huge amounts of data. It is capable of processing trillions of instructions in a few seconds as it has thousands of processors interconnected.

Roger Cray developed the first supercomputer in 1976 and since then it is only used for particular science and engineering applications. This includes weather forecasts, hospital equipment, nuclear research, etc.

Characteristics / Applications of supercomputers:

It enhances device protection as it can decrypt the passwords for security reasons.

Animation results are excellent on this computer.

Nuclear weapons and critical medical tests use them for virtual testing.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses it for climate patterns and weather conditions.

Designs flight simulators for beginner pilots for training.

Extracts information from data storage centers for useful purposes.

Diagnosis of some critical health issues like brain injuries and strokes is done by this computer.

It accurately analyses scientific data and explores the solar system and earth movement.

2. Mainframe computer

These are specifically designed computers for big organizations as they allow hundreds and thousands of users to use programs simultaneously. Industries like banking, telecom, with a need to process high volume data, use mainframe computers.

Characteristics of Mainframe Computers:

It is capable of processing huge amounts of data in seconds.

It is very durable and can last for 50 years at least with proper installation.

This can handle large-scale memory management.

It can distribute the work internally among other processors.

3. Minicomputer

It is a computer with a medium size that comes with two processors and can support 200 users at a time. They are commonly used in institutes and departments for accounting-related tasks. This computer comes between the mainframe and microcomputer in terms of size.

Characteristics of  minicomputer:

It is very easy to carry due to its lightweight and can fit in a small space too.

It is cheaper than the mainframe computers.

Even with a small size, it is quite fast.

It has a good battery life and stays charged longer.

It can work without a controlled operational environment.

Applications of minicomputers:

The manufacturing firms use it for process control. It collects data and gives back feedback and fixes any abnormality instantly.

5. Microcomputer

The smallest size computer invented solely for personal use is a microcomputer. The central processing unit is the processor, storage memory, and input/output unit. Personal laptops and PCs that we use today are examples of this type only. The application of these computers is for personal use only like office work, assignments, or watching a movie. 

The types of microcomputers are –

Notebook computer – lightweight computer like a briefcase. They have flat-panel technology and are very expensive compared to others. They come with a battery pack that needs to be recharged every few hours.

Desktop Model – A top of a desk computer with a monitor, they are broad and low with three internal mass storage devices. Also known as slimline models.

Tower computer – It has a power supply, motherboard, and mass storage connected in a compact box. The installation is easy to do and its compact nature makes it easier to fit anywhere.

Laptop – A small and portable computer that is easy to carry with a flap-like screen

Palmtop – A small computer that fits in your palm but comes without a disk drive. They are similar to PDAs only and are often referred to as one. They have PCMCIA which allows insertion of drives and other devices.

PDA – commonly used for fax, phone calls, and network features. They come with a stylus and keyboard including writing recognition. They have limited applications because of their high price.

PDA - Personal Digital Assistant

Characteristics of a basic microcomputer:

The smallest size computer available.

There is a limitation to installing software.

A single person can only use it at a time.

Super easy to use at a lower cost.

No training is required to use the device.

A single semiconductor chip comes with it.

Only multitasking it can do is printing, browsing, watching videos, etc.