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Classification of computers

By Size

  • Micro
  • Mini
  • Mainframe
  • Super

By Type

  • Analog
  • Digital
  • Hybrid

Classification by Purpose

1. General-Purpose Computer

2. Special-Purpose Computer


Classification on the basis of size

Super computers

A supercomputer is a highly advanced and powerful computer designed to perform extremely complex and resource-intensive calculations at very high speeds. These machines are used in specialized fields that require massive amounts of computational power, such as scientific research, weather forecasting, and simulations..

Application of super computer

  • Scientific Research
  • Weather Forecasting
  • Medical Research
  • Engineering Simulations
  • Military and Défense
  • Big Data and AI

Mainframe computers

A mainframe computer is a high-performance, large-scale computer designed for processing and managing vast amounts of data and supporting numerous simultaneous users and applications. They are commonly used by large organizations for critical applications such as bulk data processing, enterprise resource management, and large-scale transaction processing

Use of Mainframe computer

  • Banking and Finance
  • Government operations
  • Healthcare
  • Retail
  • Airline and travel industry
  • Manufacturing

Mini computers

A minicomputer, also known as a mid-range computer, is a type of computer that is smaller than a mainframe but larger and more powerful than a personal computer. These computers were popular from the 1960s to the 1980s and were designed to serve multiple users simultaneously, often in business and scientific environments

Uses of mini computer

  • Business Applications
  • Education
  • Telecommunications
  • Industrial control
  • Airline and travel industry
  • Manufacturing

Micro computers

A microcomputer is a small, affordable computer system designed for individual use. It is powered by a single microprocessor as its CPU, making it compact and cost-effective. Microcomputers are commonly referred to as personal computers (PCs) and include desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Uses of micro computer

  • Education
  • Business & Offices
  • Home & Personal Use
  • Healthcare
  • Industry
  • Communications
  • Science & Research
  • Banking & Finance
  • Government & Public Services
  • Entertainment & Media

Classification on the basis of type

Analog

Analog computers work with continuous data such as temperature, speed, pressure, voltage, etc.

Features

  • No binary numbers
  • Used for scientific and engineering measurements
  • Faster at solving physical equations

Examples:

Speedometer, Thermometer, ECG machine, Flight simulator.


Digital

Digital computers process discrete data such as numbers, letters, and symbols. They work using binary digits (0 and 1).

Features

  • Very accurate
  • Can store and process large amounts of data
  • Used for general-purpose tasks

Examples:

PCs, Laptops, Smartphones, Calculators, ATM systems.


Hybrid

Hybrid computers combine the features of both analog and digital computers.

How they work

  • Analog part measures continuous data
  • Digital part processes and stores the data

  • Features

    • Very fast and accurate
    • Used in specialized fields

    • Examples:

      ICU monitoring systems, Weather forecasting systems, Airplane control systems.



      Classification on the basis of functionality

      General-Purpose Computer

      • Used for common tasks: browsing, office work, graphics, gaming.
      • Examples: PC, Laptop.

      Special-Purpose Computer

      • Designed for a specific job.
      • Examples: ATM machine, traffic lights controller, washing machine controller.