Types and Use of Computer

Types of computer can be categorized in two ways and Use of computer is explain with the help of examples:

 1. Based on Date handling capabilities or types.

 2. Based on Size.

                         

 

1. Based on Date handling capabilities or types.

 There are 3 types of computer based on data handling capability.

       Analogue Computer

       Digital Computer

       Hybrid Computer

Each type and use of the computer explained with their definition with an example.

Analogue Computer 

An Analogue Computer is a form of computer that uses the continuously changeable aspects of physical fact such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.

Analog computers do not operate on digital data. Analog computers are designed to process analog data.

We can say that analog computers are used where we don't need exact values always such as speed, temperature, pressure, and current.

These computers are mostly used for industrial and scientific applications.

Examples of Analogue Computers:

Speedometer

Thermometer

Analog clock

Flight simulator for training pilots, and etc.

Digital Computer

A computer that designed to performs the calculation and logical operation at high speed and with high accuracy results.

It takes raw data as input, usually in the binary number system of ‘0’ and ‘1’.

The digital computer takes input in the form of a number, letter and special characters, and store the data and process it then gives the output.

Digital Computer is capable of solving problems by processing information expressed in discrete form.

By manipulating a combination of binary digits 0and 1, it can perform mathematical calculations, organize and analyze data, control industrial and other processes and simulate dynamic systems, such as global weather patterns.

Examples of Modern Computers:

Laptops

Desktops

Smartphones

Calculator

Digital watch and etc.

Hybrid Computer

A computer that processes both analog and digital data. A hybrid computer is a digital computer that accepts analog signal, convert them in digital form to process the data.

Hybrid Computer is fast like an analog computer and has memory (storage) and accuracy like digital computers because it has features of both analog and digital computers.

It can process both continuous and discrete data and it is highly used in specialized applications where both analog and digital data is required to be processed.

Examples of Hybrid Computer:

Petrol pumps that convert fuel flow measurements into quantity and price.

Hospitals to check the heartbeat of the patient.

It also used for scientific applications and industrial processes.

Similarly, they are used in Airplanes as well.

2. Based on Size.

Note: These computers are Digital Computer.

There are 4 types of computer based on Size.

      Super Computers

      Mainframe Computers

      Mini Computers

      Micro Computers

Super Computer

The fastest and most expensive computer is a Super Computer.

They are large and have multiple CPUs so can handle many instructions in parallel.

They are used for complex calculations such as Weather forecasting, Nuclear Science and Rocket launching, etc.

Mainframe Computers

Mainframe Computer is designed to handle huge volumes of data and information.

They perform multiple instructions in parallel for multiple users.

They also have multiple processors hence are fast and expensive.

Mainframe Computer is typically used by large organizations for bulk data processing.

Mini Computers

Mini Computer is also called a mid-range server.

They laid some ware between mainframe Computer and Micro Computers.

They are typically multi-user systems, have more memory and larger storage capacity than Micro Computer.

They are used as Webserver, Database Server, Gaming Server, and etc.

Micro Computers

Micro Computers are Single CPU and Single-user computer (One time one user) and mainly used in Home, School, and Shops.

They are further categorized as:

Personal Computer, workstation, Laptop, Mobile, and embedded computers.

Personal Computer/Desktop PCs

They are the most common computer with Monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

They are used for Browsing, Gaming, Learning, and for small business.

Workstations

They are like a Desktop computer but with a more powerful CPU with higher memory and processing power.

They are more expensive and used for doing Designing, animation, complex calculations.

Laptop

Laptops are portable computers which integrate all components of the computer into the size of a notebook hence some time also called Notebook computer.

Mobile/Tablets

Today we have Smartphone and touch screen tablets which can easily carry any ware.

Earlier it was for limited use but now can be used for multipurpose like playing Game, Watching Videos and Cameras to take a picture or make a video.

Embedded Computer

Many devices today have an embedded small computer like smart TV, watch and etc.

They are typically programmed to perform some set task required as per the device.

Hope the above information will give you a Clear Idea about the types and use of Computer.

Please give your valuable comment.

To know more on Computer please click below

What is Computer and its Component.