Classification of Digital Computer

Classification of Digital Computer

Computers are classified according to sizes, speed and memory capacity. Computers are different types:

• Super Computers
• Mainframe Computers
• Mini Computers
• Micro/Personal Computers
• Desktop Computes
• Laptop Computers
• Tablet Computers
• Palmtop (handheld pc) Computers

Super Computers

Super computers are very fast computers that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second. These are the fastest calculating devices. Tehy are large in size, expensive and rare. These are used for scientific and engineering functions and to solve complex mathematical problems. These computers are used in institutes like NAZA, large scale businesses and for military purposes.

• Super computer are used by government agencies .
• Used for scientific and engineering applications that must handle very large databases or do a great amount of computation.
• Astronomers and space scientists use super computers to study the Sun and space weather.
• Supercomputers are used in nuclear technology.
• Supercomputers are used to research in the field of medicine. For example Cancer.
• Supercomputers are used for the heavy stuff like weather maps, construction of atom bombs, finding oil, earthquake prediction, and sciences where a lot of calculations must be done.

Mainframe Computers

These have relatively less physical size, computing power and are less expensive than the super computers. In mainframe computers, a number of users get connected to one computer using a number of terminals sharing, saving and retrieving data.

• Mainframe computers are smaller than Super Computers. Usually, a main frame would occupy an entire room and could cost over million dollars.
• The name comes from the way the machine is build up: all units (processing, communication etc.) were hung into a frame. Thus main computer is build into a frame, therefore it is called mainframe.
• Mainframes are typically manufactured by large companies such as IBM, Hitachi etc.

Uses:

• Mainframe computers are the big, powerful, expensive computers used in the background by most large organizations.
• Mainframe computers are used to run commercial applications and other large-scale computing purposes.
• It is also used in banking and insurance businesses where enormous amounts of data are processed.(For example millions of records, each day.)

Mini Computers

These are lower in physical size, less powerful and less expensive than Mainframe computers and are also called common purpose computers. These are easy to use. A few users get connected to the central computer and through a few terminals share data and information. These computers are used in medium scale institutions such as banks.

• Minicomputers are relatively low cost and small .
• This setup (mini Computers) allowed more people to have access to computers.
• Minicomputer is a class of multi-user Computer that lies in the middle range of the computing spectrum, in between the largest Multi-user systems (mainframe computer) and the smallest single-user systems (Microcomputers or personal computers.
• Uses:
• Mainframe computers are used to run commercial applications and other large-scale computing purposes.
• It is also used in banking and insurance businesses where enormous amounts of data are processed.(For example millions of records , each day.)

Micro/ Personal Computers

This is a small computer meant for personal use. This consists of a small memory capacity, smaller in size, less speedy and is less expensive. Further, this consumes little electricity. Laptop, hand held, smart phones are some examples for this category.

• The term “ microcomputer” came into popular use after the introduction of the minicomputer. 
• A personal computer (PC) is any general-purpose Computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user.
• A personal computer may be a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet PC, or a handheld PC (also called a palmtop).
• Software applications for personal computers include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Web browsers and e-mail clients, games and special-purpose software applications.
• A PC may be used at home or in an office. Personal computers may be connected to a local area network (LAN), either by a cable or a wireless connection.

---