CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER

                                                                

Computer is classified into different part base on certain factor, what they can do and can’t do. Hence am going make you understand the classification better.

Computer are mainly classified using the following criteria 

•         SIZE OR CAPACITY

•          MODE OF OPERATION OR HARDWARE DESIGN

•        PURPOSE

       CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER BASE ON SIZE AND CAPACITY

The classification of computer using size is sub divided into the following

SUPER COMPUTER

SUPER COMPUTER

 

This is the most powerful computer that uses multiple CPU to solve a particular problem chosen by the user. 

Super computer are very large in size, and fast in computing or solving problem. They are also design to use parallel processing to execute desired problem. Consume lot of electricity and produce lots of heat.

Super computers are used for calculating intense task and encrypt analysis.

Example of this type of computer is the CRAY-XMP, CRAY-XMP-1.4, CRAY-1, e. t. c

 

REALLY SO WHAT THE HELL IS PARALLEL PROCESSING?

Parallel processing is just the simultaneous use of more than one CPU to execute or perform and solve problem. Here mode of operations is split into parts, giving each processor its own work to do. This is why super computer are fast.

USES OR APPLICATION OF SUPER COMPUTER

1.       Use for weather forecasting and climate research

2.       Use for nuclear explosion

3.       Use for satellite launching

 

MAINFRAME

Mainframes are massive computers that can occupy a room. Mainframe computers are focused on throughput and reliability.

They can accommodate many users at a time and terminals are used to connect users to the system. Mainframes have more I/O (input and output).    In a single mainframe there can be up to 1024 individual channels all just for I/O connection.

Mainframes use a lot of CPU which can be up to 600 including a special one called SAP (system assistance processor).

The SAP act like a traffic conductor all it does is move data around the system so quick and fast, this is why mainframes are deployed in places where transaction arte quick and fast solved. 

For those that love playing games please note that Mainframes is not designed to run games.

Example of this is the Z/TPF use in airlines for booking ticket.

MAINFRAME INTERFACE

USES OR APPLICATION OF MAINFRAME COMPUTER

1.       Air ticket booking

2.       Train ticket booking

3.       Advertisement

4.       In large organization for bulk data processing.

Remember I said that terminals are used to connect users to the mainframe system well for those that don’t know what terminal mean.

In a simple way terminal is a device which has a keyboard and a screen integrated together.

 

MINICOMPUTERS

These are bigger than the microcomputers but small than the supper and mainframe when it comes to classification of computer.

Minicomputers came into existence in 1960s when my country NIGERIA got their independent. Funny enough well those days mainframes were still much around but expensive and also big. Has the memory of 64MB to 512MB 

Example of a minicomputer is IBM's AS/400e

USES OR APPLICATION OF MINICOMPUTERS

•        Higher education

•      Research in different field of vocation

  

  MINICOMPUTER

MICROCOMPUTERS

Microcomputers are small computers that use microprocessor, in a single integrated circuit chip. These are the computers called PC (personal computers) has a memory of 256MB to 4GB and it the commonly use now around the world.

This type of computer measures it processing speed in Megahertz (MHZ) or Gigahertz (GHZ)

Example of microcomputers

Desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone e.t.c.

 

LAPTOP COMPUTER

 

TABLET COMPUTER

 USES OR APPLICATION OF MINICOMPUTERS

1.       Business processing and sales keeping

2.       File handling

3.       Database management

4.       Engineering computation

 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER BASE ON MODE OF OPERATION OR HARDWARE DESIGN

This classification is divided into three, based on the way they operate or execute data. These three modes of computer operation are ANALOGUE, DIGITAL AND HYBRID.          

 

DIGITAL COMPUTER

These are the type of computer that operates on two value states, which are 0 and 1.

(0) means off, while (1) mean on. And they are called discrete form or binary number.

Also  we can also define this digital computer as those type of computer that perform calculations and other logical operation base on installed program install with quantities represented as digits, digit that are in binary foam.

Digital computer is suitable for complex computation and has higher processing speed.

These types of computer are used in places where the control of industrial process is needed.

Also needed where the analyzing and organizing of data, like in business, school, office and stores.

DIGITAL CALCULATOR

DESKTOP DIGITAL COMPUTER

 

 

ANALOG COMPUTER

Analog computers are that type of computer that performs several mathematical operations simultaneously using continuous variable.

It can also be define as that type of computer that uses continuous changeable physical phenomena.

These computers don’t use binary digit like digital computer rather it uses continuous values.

These computers were widely used in scientist and industrial applications where digital computers of time lacked sufficient performance.

Example of this computer is the WATT-METER and SPEEDOMETER

This types of computer are good in measuring temperature.

MULTI-METER

ANALOG COMPUTER

 

 

HYBRID COMPUTER

This computer buses both digital and analog computer.

In another definition you can say bit a computer that use both features of analog and that of digital to execute it work.

The logic behind this, is a converter that helps to convert analog signal input to a digital output

Or

A conversion from a digital input to an output in analog.

         CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER BASE ON IT PURPOSE

Computers are classified into two, which are as follow

• General purpose computer

• Special purpose computer

GENERAL PURPOSE COMPUTER

These types of computer cost low, their storage are limited and are used for calculations, watching video, letter writing, research, and playing games.

This stuff perform by the computer are made possible by the use of different software for different purpose.

For example if you and I need to type we have to use MICROSOFT WORD software

If you and I need to design a logo, we will have to use CORAL DRAW or PHOTOSHOP software.

If you and I need to play music or video, we would have to use VLC MEDIA PLAYER.

This software are made specially for a purpose to meet our needs and cannot be used wrongly or otherwise like when you are trying to use VLC MEDIA PLAYER to type your document. (funny)  bet me it won’t work because it like planting mango hoping to harvest yam.

SPECIAL PURPOSE COMPUTER

These types of computer are designed to execute special data like population counting, highly technical research like the computer used to record wild animal documentation and review. 

In a well understandable way special purpose computers are just used to perform a single task.

Like tracking satellite and traffic control system.

PLEASE DROP YOUR QUESTION IN THE COMMENT BOX BELOW AND LIKE IF THIS HELP YOU SOLVE THE PROBLEM IN UNDERSTANDING THE CLASS OF COMPUTER.