Kinds of computers
Based on the type, the size and the use, computers are classified into the following categories.
- Analogue computers
- Digital computers
- Hybrid computers
- Main frame computers
- Mini computers
- Micro computers
- Personal computers
- Home computers
Analogue computers
Analogue means establishing similarities of two quantities. In analogue computers, data is recorded in the form of current and voltage signal. When we, for instance, want to subtract one number from another, the input unit of analogue computer sends out electric voltages equivalent to these numbers. An electric circuit will then be able to be sent to the output unit a voltage equivalent to the difference between the two. We are then able to access it as numbers or in any other manner. Weather forecast offices make use of analogue computers.
Digital computers :
Every data in a digital computer is represented as binary digits (0,1). Words, signs, images, voice etc. have to be digitalised to be stored or processed in a digital computer.
Hybrid computers
Hybrid computers are a blend of analogue and digital computers. It prossesses both speed and accuracy. Hybrid computers are used for designing highly complicated and sophisticated equipments. Missiles and submarines are produced with the aid of hybrid computers.
Main frame comuters
Main frame computers have high processing power and great speed. Its various components are massive in size and hence kept apart and connected using cables. Main frame computers can accept any sort of programs and it costs crores of rupees.
Mini computers
The efficiency of mini computers is less than that of main frame computers. It has a medium size processor which can handle the most common of data processing.
Micro computers
Micro computers have a micro processor as its central processing unit. Its speed and working capacity is less than that of mini computers but is less prone to operational snag
Personal comptuters
The maximum number of computers being sold in the market today are personal computers. As the name indicates, it assists individual in organising their official and / or personal work and today is being increasingly used to access information and entertainment
Home computers
These are mainly used by children for learning and playing games. It performs tasks that are very simple in nature