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This blog is about "Types of Computer". It is very necessary to understand types of computer, to understand them separately.
Computers are classified according to their Sizes , Functionality and Data Handling.
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a. Analog Computers
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved. Example ( thermometer, blood pressure machine)
b. Digital Computers
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system. (Example like your home PC)
In the mid 1960s and into the 1970s, computers occupied entire rooms and were only affordable by large universities and enterprises. These early computers were accessed by multiple users via attached terminals. Resources were shared among all users. The term PC became popular in the early 1980s, building on Time Magazine’s choice of PC as the Man of the Year for 1982. By the late 1980s, technology had advanced far enough that a small computer could be used and owned by a single individual.
In 1981, IBM came into the arena by introducing its first personal computer, termed as the IBM PC. The IBM PC rapidly became popular in the market. Only a few companies could survive the popularity of IBM PCs, including Apple, which remained a leading provider in the PC market.
Later, other manufacturers adapted to the PC trend advanced by IBM by developing IBM clones. Clones were PCs with almost the same configurations as IBM PCs, but at a lower price. Gradually, IBM lost their dominance in the PC arena. Presently (as of 2011), the realm of PCs is mainly divided between Apple Macintoshes and PCs from other manufacturers.
PCs usually consist the following parts:
This blog is about "Types of Computer". It is very necessary to understand types of computer, to understand them separately.
Computers are classified according to their Sizes , Functionality and Data Handling.
1. According to functionality computers are classified as :
 |
| Types of Computer (Functionality) |
.
a. Analog Computers
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved. Example ( thermometer, blood pressure machine)
b. Digital Computers
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system. (Example like your home PC)
c.Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of performing complex simulations. example ( In ICU of a hospital.)
2. According to Sizes and Power computers are classified as :
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as
follows, though there is considerable overlap:
§
Personal computer: A small, single-user computer
based on a microprocessor.
§
Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A
workstation is like a personal computer, but it has a more powerful
microprocessor and, in general, a higher-quality monitor.
§
Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of
supporting up to hundreds of users simultaneously.
§
Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer
capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
§
Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that
can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
Discuss as Briefly :
SUPER COMPUTER :
Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computers
currently available. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for
specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical
calculations (number crunching). For example, weather forecasting requires a
supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers scientific simulations, (animated)
graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic
design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting).
YEAR SUPER COMPUTER PEEK SPEED LOCATION
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HISTORY OF SUPER COMPUTER |
MAINFRAME COMPUTER
Mainframes are a type of computer that generally are known for their large size, amount of storage, processing power and high level of reliability..Nearly all mainframes have the ability to run (or host) multiple operating systems. Mainframes can add or hot swap system capacity without disruption. Mainframes are designed to handle very high volume input and output (I/O) and emphasize throughput computing. A single mainframe can replace dozens or even hundreds of smaller servers.
Mainframe was a term originally referring to the cabinet containing
the central processor unit or "main frame" of a room-filling Stone
Age batch machine. After the emergence of smaller "minicomputer"
designs in the early 1970s, the traditional big iron machines were described as
"mainframe computers" and eventually just as mainframes.
Minicomputer
It is a midsize computer. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from up to 200 users simultaneously.
Workstation
It is a type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software development, and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities. Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, at large amount of RAM, built-in network support, and a graphical user interface. Most workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk drive, but a special type of workstation, called a diskless workstation, comes without a disk drive. The most common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT. Like personal computers, most workstations are single-user computers. However, workstations are typically linked together to form a local-area network, although they can also be used as stand-alone systems.
Personal computer:
It can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer
designed for an individual user. In price, personal computers range anywhere
from a few hundred pounds to over five thousand pounds. All are based on the
microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on
one chip. Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting,
desktop publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management
applications. At home, the most popular use for personal computers is for
playing games and recently for surfing the Internet.
In the mid 1960s and into the 1970s, computers occupied entire rooms and were only affordable by large universities and enterprises. These early computers were accessed by multiple users via attached terminals. Resources were shared among all users. The term PC became popular in the early 1980s, building on Time Magazine’s choice of PC as the Man of the Year for 1982. By the late 1980s, technology had advanced far enough that a small computer could be used and owned by a single individual.
In 1981, IBM came into the arena by introducing its first personal computer, termed as the IBM PC. The IBM PC rapidly became popular in the market. Only a few companies could survive the popularity of IBM PCs, including Apple, which remained a leading provider in the PC market.
Later, other manufacturers adapted to the PC trend advanced by IBM by developing IBM clones. Clones were PCs with almost the same configurations as IBM PCs, but at a lower price. Gradually, IBM lost their dominance in the PC arena. Presently (as of 2011), the realm of PCs is mainly divided between Apple Macintoshes and PCs from other manufacturers.
PCs usually consist the following parts:
- Computer case
- Power supply
- Motherboard
- Random access memory (RAM)
- Hard disk(s)
- CD/DVD drives/writers
- Various external devices, such as a visual display, keyboard, printer and pointing device
Personal Computer Types
Actual personal computers can be generally classified by size
and case. The case is the metal frame that serves as the
structural support for electronic components. Every computer system requires at
least one case to house the circuit boards and wiring. The case also
contains slots for expansion boards. If you want to insert more boards than
there are slots, you will need an expansion cases, which provides additional
slots.
Tower model
The term refers to a computer in which the power supply,
motherboard, and mass storage devices are stacked on top of each other in a
cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these components are
housed in a more compact box. The main advantage of tower models is that there
are fewer space constraints, which makes installation of additional storage
devices easier.
Desktop model
A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically
with the monitor sitting on top of the computer. Desktop model computers are
broad and low, whereas tower model computers are narrow and tall. Because of
their shape, desktop model computers are generally limited to three internal
mass storage devices. Desktop models designed to be very small are sometimes
referred to as slimline models.
Notebook computer
An extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook computers
typically weigh less than 6 pounds and are small enough to fit easily in a
briefcase. Aside from size, the principal difference between a notebook
computer and a personal computer is the display screen. Notebook computers use
a variety of techniques, known as flat-panel technologies, to produce a
lightweight and non-bulky display screen. The quality of notebook display
screens varies considerably. In terms of computing power, modern notebook
computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs,
memory capacity, and disk drives. However, all this power in a small package is
expensive. Notebook computers cost about twice as much as equivalent
regular-sized computers. Notebook computers come with battery packs that enable
you to run them without plugging them in. However, the batteries need to be
recharged every few hours.
Laptop computer
A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit on
your lap. Nowadays, laptop computers are more frequently called notebook
computers.
Subnotebook computer
A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a
full-sized notebook computer. Typically, subnotebook computers have a smaller
keyboard and screen, but are otherwise equivalent to notebook computers.
Hand-held computer
A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one’s
hand. Although extremely convenient to carry, handheld computers have not
replaced notebook computers because of their small keyboards and screens. The
most popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to
provide PIM (personal information manager) functions, such as a calendar and
address book. Some manufacturers are trying to solve the small keyboard problem
by replacing the keyboard with an electronic pen. However, these pen-based
devices rely on handwriting recognition technologies, which are still in their
infancy. Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops and pocket
computers.
Palmtop
A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to
full-size computers, palmtops are severely limited, but they are practical for
certain functions such as phone books and calendars. Palmtops that use a pen
rather than a keyboard for input are often called hand-held computers or
PDAs. Because of their small size, most
palmtop computers do not include disk drives.
PDA
Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that
combines computing, telephone/fax, and networking features. A typical PDA can
function as a cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer. Unlike
portable computers, most PDAs are pen-based, using a stylus rather than a
keyboard for input. Some PDAs can also react to voice input by using voice recognition
technologies. The field of PDA was pioneered by Apple Computer, which
introduced the Newton MessagePad in 1993. Shortly thereafter, several other
manufacturers offered similar products.
PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket
computers.
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