Computer can be divided in following ways :
On the basis of Principal of Operations
1. Analog Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer
Analog Computer
An analog computer is a type of computer that uses continuous physical phenomena, such as electrical voltages or mechanical movements, to represent data and perform calculations. Unlike digital computers, which use discrete binary values (0s and 1s), analog computers operate on a continuous range of values, such as voltage, current, or frequency.
Analog computers were used extensively in scientific and engineering applications in the mid-20th century, before the widespread adoption of digital computers. They were particularly useful for solving differential equations and other mathematical problems that were difficult or impossible to solve using traditional methods.
Analog computers typically consisted of a variety of components, including amplifiers, integrators, differentiators, and other analog circuits. Data was input into the computer through analog sensors or other input devices, and the computer would then perform calculations using its analog circuits to produce a continuous output signal that represented the solution to the problem.
Today, digital computers have largely replaced analog computers in most applications, but there are still some specialized uses for analog computers, such as in control systems for industrial processes or in certain types of scientific research.
Digital Computer
A digital computer is a type of computer that uses digital circuits to process and store data. Digital circuits are composed of electronic components such as transistors, which can represent binary digits (bits) that take on the values of 0 or 1. Digital computers operate on discrete values and perform operations by manipulating these binary digits.
Digital computers are used for a wide variety of applications, including scientific research, business operations, personal computing, and entertainment. They are capable of performing complex calculations, storing large amounts of data, and executing software programs.
Digital computers typically consist of several key components, including a central processing unit (CPU), memory, input/output devices, and storage devices. The CPU is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations, while memory provides temporary storage for data and instructions. Input/output devices allow users to interact with the computer, and storage devices are used for long-term data storage.
One of the key advantages of digital computers is their versatility and programmability. They can be programmed to perform a wide variety of tasks, and can be reprogrammed to perform new tasks as needed. They are also highly reliable, since digital circuits are less susceptible to noise and interference than analog circuits.
Overall, digital computers are the most widely used type of computer today, and have revolutionized many aspects of modern life.
Hybrid Computer
A hybrid computer is a type of computer that combines the features of both analog and digital computers. It uses analog circuits to perform some functions and digital circuits to perform others, and can be programmed to switch between these modes as needed.
Hybrid computers are used in applications that require both the precision and flexibility of digital computers, and the speed and efficiency of analog computers. For example, they are commonly used in scientific and engineering applications where analog calculations are required for complex simulations or modeling, but digital calculations are needed for data analysis and processing.
Hybrid computers typically consist of a mix of analog and digital components, including analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), microprocessors, memory, and specialized analog circuitry. They may also incorporate specialized software and hardware to manage the interaction between the analog and digital components.
Some examples of applications where hybrid computers are used include weather forecasting, flight simulation, and control systems for industrial processes. In these applications, the hybrid computer can perform both real-time analog calculations and digital processing of data to provide highly accurate and precise results.
Overall, hybrid computers are a specialized type of computer that can provide the best of both worlds for certain applications, but are not as widely used as purely digital or analog computers.
Digital Computer can be divided into followings ways on the basis of size and capacity
1. Micro Computer
2. Mini Computer
3. Mainframe Computer
4. Super Computer
Micro Computer
A micro computer is a type of computer that is designed for personal use and is smaller and less powerful than other types of computers such as mainframe or supercomputers. The term “microcomputer” was originally used to describe a computer that used a microprocessor as its CPU, which was a major advancement in computer technology.
Today, microcomputers are more commonly known as personal computers (PCs) and include desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. They are typically designed for use by a single person or small group of people, and are used for a wide range of applications, including web browsing, word processing, gaming, and multimedia.
Microcomputers are based on a modular design that allows users to add and remove components such as memory, storage, and peripheral devices. They typically include a central processing unit (CPU), memory, input/output devices, storage devices, and networking capabilities.
One of the key advantages of microcomputers is their affordability and accessibility. They are relatively inexpensive and widely available, and have enabled people around the world to access and use digital technology for a wide range of purposes.
Overall, microcomputers have had a significant impact on modern society and have transformed the way people live, work, and communicate.
Mini Computer
A mini computer is a type of computer that is larger and more powerful than a microcomputer but smaller and less powerful than a mainframe computer. Minicomputers were first introduced in the 1960s and 1970s and were used primarily by businesses and scientific institutions for data processing and scientific research.
Unlike microcomputers, minicomputers were not designed for personal use and were typically used by a group of people or a department within an organization. They were larger and more expensive than microcomputers, but smaller and less expensive than mainframe computers, making them a popular choice for mid-sized organizations that required more computing power than microcomputers could provide.
Minicomputers typically used multiple processors, which allowed them to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and had larger memory and storage capacities than microcomputers. They also included networking capabilities, which allowed users to share resources and collaborate on projects.
In the 1980s and 1990s, minicomputers began to be replaced by more powerful and less expensive microcomputers and server-based computing systems. However, some specialized applications still require the use of minicomputers, particularly in industries such as scientific research, manufacturing, and finance.
Overall, minicomputers played an important role in the development of computer technology and were an important step in the evolution of computing from large, expensive mainframe systems to more affordable and accessible microcomputers.
Mainframe Computer
A mainframe computer is a type of large, powerful computer that is typically used by large organizations, such as government agencies, corporations, and financial institutions, to process and manage vast amounts of data and perform complex computing tasks.
Mainframe computers are designed to be highly reliable and scalable, and are capable of supporting multiple users and applications simultaneously. They are typically used for mission-critical applications, such as financial transactions, airline reservations, and healthcare records, where high levels of security, availability, and performance are essential.
Mainframe computers are characterized by their large size, high processing power, and advanced networking capabilities. They typically consist of multiple processors, large amounts of memory and storage, and specialized software and hardware to manage the interaction between different components.
Mainframes also have advanced security features, such as encryption and access control, to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or tampering. They also have advanced fault-tolerance and disaster recovery capabilities, which ensure that critical applications can continue to function even in the event of hardware or software failures.
Overall, mainframe computers are an essential tool for many large organizations and play a critical role in managing and processing vast amounts of data and supporting mission-critical applications.
Super Computer
A supercomputer is a type of computer that is designed to perform extremely complex calculations and handle massive amounts of data at very high speeds. They are among the most powerful and advanced computing systems in the world, and are used for a wide range of scientific, engineering, and commercial applications.
Supercomputers are typically used for tasks that require massive amounts of processing power, such as weather forecasting, climate modeling, nuclear simulations, and molecular modeling. They are also used in scientific research, such as astrophysics, genomics, and particle physics, to analyze and interpret large amounts of data.
Supercomputers are characterized by their high performance and large scale. They typically consist of thousands or even millions of processors that work together in parallel to perform calculations and process data at very high speeds. They also have large amounts of memory and storage, and advanced networking capabilities to handle the flow of data between different components.
One of the key challenges in designing and operating supercomputers is managing their power consumption and cooling requirements. Supercomputers can consume massive amounts of energy, and require advanced cooling systems to prevent overheating and maintain their performance.
Overall, supercomputers are an essential tool for advancing scientific research and solving complex problems in a wide range of fields. While they are typically very expensive and difficult to operate, the insights and discoveries that they enable can have a profound impact on our understanding of the world and our ability to solve some of the most challenging problems facing society.