This lecture include the following topics:
Types of computer w.r.t working principal, Types of computers w.r.t size cost and speed,Types of computers w.r.t purpose
3. Types of computer w.r.t
working principal
⢠This classification is based on the way physical quantities are
represented in a computer.
⢠There are three basic types of computer w.r.t their working principal.
ďś Analog computers
ďś Digital computers
ďś Hybrid computers
4. Analog computers
⢠These computers are used to process analog data.
⢠Analog data is of continuous nature having an infinite variety of
values usually obtained from some measuring process.
⢠Such type of data includes temperature, pressure, speed ,weight,
voltage, depth etc.
⢠Analog computers measure continuous changes in some physical
quantity.
⢠They are ideal in situations where data can be accepted directly
from measuring instrument without having to convert it into numbers
or codes.
5. ContinuedâŚ
⢠They do not require any storage capability because they measure
and compare quantities in a single operation.
⢠They are faster than digital computers.
⢠Output of an analog computer is generally in the form of readings on
a series of dial or a graph on strip chart.
7. Applications of analog computers
⢠For measuring
ďśSpeed (Speedometer)
ďśTemperature (Thermometer)
ďśWeight (Weight machine)
⢠In specialized engineering and scientific applications for calculation
and measurement of analog quantities
⢠To control processes found in oil refinery where flow and
temperature measurements are important
⢠In paper making and in chemical industry
8. Digital Computers
⢠Digital computers operates on digital data such as numbers.
⢠They use binary number system in which there are only two digits 0
and 1 known as bits.
⢠They give more accurate and precise results than analog
computers.
⢠They provide long term storage and can store huge amount of
information.
⢠They are well suited for solving complex problems in engineering,
business and technology.
10. Hybrid Computers
⢠Hybrid computer utilize the best qualities of both analog and digital
computers.
⢠They have the speed of analog and accuracy of digital computers.
⢠They incorporate the measuring feature of analog and the counting
feature of digital computers.
⢠They are suited for situation where digital processing of data
collected in analog form is desirable.
⢠These computers are designed to perform special tasks where
measurements are converted to digits.
12. Types of computer w.r.t purpose
⢠Computers can be divided into two types w.r.t purpose.
ďś General Purpose Computer
ďś Special Purpose Computer
13. General Purpose Computer
⢠These computers can store different programs and can thus be used
in countless applications.
⢠It can perform any kind of job with equal efficiency simply by
changing the application program stored in main memory.
Examples
⢠Personal computers, tablets, laptops, mini computer, super
computer, mainframe computer etc.
14. Special Purpose Computer
⢠A Special Purpose Computer is the one that is designed to perform
only one special task.
⢠The program or instructions set is permanently stored in such a
machine.
⢠They are very quick but cannot be used for any other purpose.
⢠They are also known as dedicated computers.
Examples :-
⢠Video game device, calculator, ATM Machine
15. Types of Computer w.r.t size, cost and
speed
⢠Size wise computers can be divided into four types w.r.t size, cost
and speed.
ďś Micro Computer
ďś Mini Computer
ďś Mainframe Computer
ďś Super computer
16. Micro Computer
⢠A microcomputer is a computer whose CPU is a microprocessor.
⢠A microprocessor is a processor all of whose components are built
on a single integrated circuit chip made of silicon.
⢠Micro computers are designed for personal use, therefore they are
also known as personal computers.
⢠They are smallest in size, least in price and small in memory as
compared to other types of computer.
⢠They are used for variety of applications like computer literacy, fun
and games, business applications, programming etc.
17. ContinuedâŚ
⢠Due to their small size, they are easily accommodatable on table or
lap. Some of its types are handheld also.
⢠Some typical machines are:-
ďś DCM Tandy
ďś Apple- II
ďś BBC Acorn
ďś IBM-PC
ďś Pentium Series
ďś HP systems
ďś Dell Series
19. Mini computers
⢠Minicomputers are larger and more powerful than microcomputers but
smaller and less powerful than mainframes.
⢠They are cheaper in cost, smaller in size and small in memory as
compared to mainframe computers .
⢠They do not require air conditioning and can be operated in room
temperature.
⢠Generally they are used as servers on networks with personal
computers as nodes.
⢠Mini computer can serve up to 4000 connected users simultaneously.
20. ContinuedâŚ
⢠It is normally accessed by users via personal computer or terminal.
⢠They can execute five million instructions per second.
⢠They cost somewhere between Rs.5 to 15 lac depending upon the
configuration.
⢠Mini computers are often used by small and medium-sized
companies to provide centralized store of information.
⢠Some typical machines are:-
ď TDC 316
ď PDP 11/70
ď Honeywell (XPS-100)
ď HCL-4
22. Mainframe Computer
⢠They are very big in size and offer the maximum computing power.
⢠A large number of peripherals can be attached to them.
⢠They are generally used as servers in large networks.
⢠The original mainframes were housed in room-sized metal frames.
⢠Newer mainframes are about the same size as a large refrigerator.
⢠They are capable of handling data processing needs of head office
of a bank, or a big multinational company or may be a public utility
office.
23. ContinuedâŚ
⢠They have larger storage and the speed of processing is also very
high.
⢠They can execute 10 to 100 millions of instructions per second
(MIPS), and cost somewhere between 1 to 5 million dollars.
⢠Some typical machines are:-
ď Univac 1100/10
ď Univac 1100/60
ď Honeywell DSP 88/860
ď IBM 270/168
ď IBM 390
25. Super computers
⢠They are most expensive of all the computers.
⢠These computers are big general purpose computers .
⢠They are capable of executing more than 10,000 millions
instruction per second and have largest storage capacities.
⢠These computers are used to solve complex mathematical
problems related to nuclear physics and plasma physics
,seismology and aerodynamics etc.
⢠They are quite expensive and cost somewhere around 10-30
million dollars depending upon the configuration
26. ContinuedâŚ
⢠They are best for highly calculation- intensive tasks such as weather
forecasting, climate research, molecular modeling, physical
simulation.
⢠They are mostly used by military and scientific agencies.
⢠Some typical machines are
ď Cray 1
ď Cray 2
ď Cray 3
ď Param
ď Cyber 810&830
Plasma Physics
Plasma physics is the study of a state of matter comprising charged particles.
SeismologyÂ
Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves that move through and around the earth.
Aerodynamics
The study of the properties of moving air and the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it.