CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS 1 - ACCORDING TO TYPES, SIZES, AND PURPOSES (JS2) NOTE

 

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER SYSTEM ACCORDING

TO TYPES, SIZES AND PURPOSES

Objectives: Student should be able to state

1.     Classification of computers by types

2. Classification of computers by sizes

Classification Of Computers By Types

Types of computers are:

(i)                Analog Computer (ii) Digital computer (iii) Hybrid computer

(i)                Analog Computer: This computer uses continuous physical phenomena such

as electrical, mechanical or hydraulic quantities to solve problems.

Examples are thermometer, speedometer, old radios e.t.c

(ii)              Digital computer: This computer performs calculations and logical operations

with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary system

(0’s and 1’s). Examples are PC (personal computer), calculators,

digital clock, digital cameras e.t.c

(iii)            Hybrid computer: This is a computer that is capable of inputting and outputting

in both analog and digital, i.e They exhibit features of analog

and digital computer. Hybrid computer can resolve more

complicated problems.  E.g petrol pump, weather

system computation, gas pump station.

Classification Of Computers According to Sizes 

(i)                Super computer

(ii)             mainframe computer

(iii)           minicomputer

         (iv)     micro computer

(i) Super Computer: It is the fastest and the most powerful type of computer

but it is very expensive. They are employed for specialized

applications like petroleum exploration.

(ii) Mainframe Computer: It is very large and expensive and it is capable of

supporting more simultaneous programs.

(iii) Mini Computer: It is a multiprocessing system that is capable of

supporting 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.

(iv) Micro Computer: It is also known as personal computer (PC).

Its allow only one user at a time. E.g desktop

computer, laptops, notebooks, palmtop e.t.c

Classification of Computers According to Purposes

1. General purpose computers: they are built for wide range of processing

capabilities e.g desktops, laptops, notebooks,

smartphones e.t.c

2. Special Purpose computers: They are generally used for one particular purpose.

E.g traffic light control system, navigation systems,

digital watches, robot helicopters e.t.c 

Class Activities

1. Differentiate between analog and hybrid computers and list two examples

for each.

2. Explain any two (2) classification of computers according to sizes

3. PC stands for

4. What is a special purpose computer and list two (2) examples of special

purpose computer.