Classification of Computers (Different Types of Computers)

Classification of Computer (Different Types of Computers)

Computers can be classified in three ways. These are
1. Based on Memory Size and Performance: Microcomputer, Minicomputer, Mainframe computer and Supercomputer
2. Based on Work: Analog computer, Digital computer and Hybrid computer
3. Based on Purpose: General Purpose and Special Purpose

1. On the basis of Memory Size and Performance

Micro computers
Micro computers are the least powerful, but most widely used type of computer across the world. They are also known as portable computer because they are easy to move. They can be further classified into

1. Personal Computers
2. Laptops or Notebooks
3. Handheld Computers
4. Tablets

Mainframe computers
Mainframe computers are primarily deployed by the large corporate and governmental organizations for applications which requires bulk data processing such as census, industry and consumer statistics and transaction processing. They are designed for extensive input-output facilities with the ability to offload to separate engines. They are highly compatible with older versions of software. They are colloquially known as Big Iron by computer specialists because of their monolithic structures.

Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a class of computer developed after Mainframe computers. These are smaller and less powerful than Mainframe computers. They are usually employed by small organizations as computer server in their network who need less computing power than mainframe computers.

Supercomputers
Supercomputers are the fastest and most expensive computers in comparision to others. They are deployed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations such as weather forcasting and nuclear research. Their speed is measured in FLOPS (Floating Point Operations Per Second). CRAY-I was the first supercomputer introduced by Seymour R Cray in 1976. PARAM was the first supercomputer developed in India. IBM Summit is the fastest supercomputer as of now.

2. On the basis of Work Mechanism

Analog computers
Analog computers are the job-oriented computers which can carry out arithmetic and logical operations by manipulating an processing data. Examples: Speedometer, Seismograph, Voltmeter and Ammeter.

Digital computers
They work on binary mechanism of 0 and 1, to not perform mathemical calculations, but also to produce graphics, sounds and videos. Example: Laptop, Smartphones.

Hybrid computers
Hybrid computers combines the technology of both analog computers and digital computers to produce the desired result. These are usually specialized computers used in hospitals such as ECG machines.

3. On the basis of Purpose

General Purpose Computers
General purpose computers are those computers which are used to solve a variety of problems by changing a different set of instruction or program such as accounting and graphic design.

Special Purpose Computers
Special Purpose Computers are those computers which are designed to solve a particular problem such as automatic aircraft landing and multimedia computer.