Lesson 2 (Types of Computer) for class 8

Types of computers with examples

Computers can be classified in two ways based on their different types and sizes and their data-handling capabilities.

Types of computers on the basis of sizes

• On the basis of size, there are five types of computers:

1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Workstation
5. PC (Personal Computer)

Types of computers on the basis of data handling capabilities

• There are three types of computers in terms of data handling capabilities.

1. Analog Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer

 

Details about all the types of computers

Supercomputer

• They are the biggest and fastest computers(in terms of speed of processing data).

• They are designed to handle large amounts of data, such as processing trillions of instructions in one second.

• A supercomputer consists of thousands of interconnected processors that help execute user instructions very quickly.

• The first supercomputer was built by Roger Cray in 1976.

Characteristics of supercomputers

• Data processing speed is very fast.
• These are Very expensive

• It can perform up to ten trillion distinct calculations each second.

• Super Computers used in a large organisation to manage a huge amount of data, such as the Stock market.

• It is used in various scientific research and development to analyze data obtained from the exploration of solar systems, satellites, etc.

• Supercomputers perform resource-intensive calculations that general-purpose computers cannot handle. They often run engineering and computational science applications, such as the following:

What are supercomputers used for?

• Supercomputers are widely used in the following fields.

Weather forecasting:
• To predict the impact and affected areas of extreme storms and floods.

Oil and gas exploration
• To collect huge quantities of geophysical seismic data to aid in finding oil reserves.

Molecular modeling
• For calculating and analyzing the structures and properties of chemical compounds and crystals.

Physical simulations
• Physical simulations like modeling supernovas and the birth of the universe.

Aerodynamics
• Used in designing cars with the lowest air drag coefficient.

Nuclear fusion
• Research to develop a nuclear fusion reactor that extracts energy from plasma reactions.

Medical research
• To develop new cancer drugs, understand genetic factors that contribute to opioid addiction, and find treatments for COVID-19.

Next-generation materials identification
• To find new materials for manufacturing

Cryptanalysis
• Analyzing ciphertexts, ciphers, and cryptosystems to understand how they work and identify ways to defeat them.

Mainframe computer:

• A mainframe computer is not as large as a supercomputer.

• It has higher processing power than some classes of computers such as minicomputers, servers, workstations, and personal computers.

• Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users at the same time.

• It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So, they can carry out different processes simultaneously.

• Mainframe computer is ideal for large organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume of data in general.

Characteristics of mainframe computers:

• It is also an expensive computer.

• It has a high storage capacity and great performance.

• It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very quickly.

• It runs smoothly for a long period of time.

• Its lifespan is also long.

Minicomputer

• A minicomputer is a class of small general-purpose computers developed in the mid-1960s.

• A minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer.

• In this type of computer, there are two or more processors.

• It supports up to 200 users at a time.

• Minicomputers are used in different work like billing, accounting, inventory management etc.

• It is smaller than a mainframe computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.

• Its weight is low.
• Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
• Less expensive than a mainframe computer.
• Faster than Workstation.

Workstation

• A workstation is a special-purpose computer system designed for technical or scientific applications.

PC (Personal Computer)

• A personal computer (PC) also known as a multi-purpose microcomputer.

• Its price, capacity, and size make it feasible for individual use.

• Personal computers can be operated directly by the user without the need for experts or technicians.

• It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing unit (CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit.

• Example of Personal Computer is Laptops and desktop computers.

Desktop computer
• A personal computer is designed to be in one location and fits on or under a desk.

Laptop computer (or notebook)
• A laptop computer is a battery-powered portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user’s lap and can be carried from one place to another.

Characteristics of personal computer

• It is relatively cheaper than other computers.
• It is designed for personal or individual use.

• Time-sharing features like mini and mainframe computers are not available in these types of computers.

• Suitable for personal work such as making an assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office work, etc.

• Easy to use.
• It uses a limited number of software.
• It is the smallest in size.

Analogue Computer:

• It is specifically designed to process analog data.

• Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values is called analog data.

• Analog computer is used where we do not need exact values ​​or approximate values ​​like speed, temperature, pressure etc.

• It can receive data directly from measuring instruments without first converting them to numbers and codes.

• It measures continuous changes in physical quantities. It outputs the reading on a dial or scale. Like speedometers, mercury thermometers etc.

Digital Computer:

• A digital electronic computer is a computer machine that is both an electronic computer and a digital computer.

• It takes raw data as an input and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the final output.

• It only understands binary inputs 0 and 1, so the raw input data is converted into 0 and 1 by the computer and then processed by the computer to produce the result or final output.

• All modern computers like smartphones, laptops, desktops are digital computers.

Hybrid Computer

• A hybrid computer exhibits characteristics of both an analog computer and a digital computer.

• It is a combination of both analog and digital computers.

Characteristics of Hybrid Computer

• Hybrid computers are fast like analog computers and have memory, and accuracy like a digital computer.

• It has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data.

• It converts the input analog signals to digital form before processing the input data.

• It is widely used in specialized applications where the processing of both analog and digital data is required.

Example of Hybrid computers

• A petrol pump fuel meter that converts fuel flow measurements into quantity and price is an example of a hybrid computer.

• Hycomp 250 was the first desktop hybrid computing system,
released by Packard Bell in 1961.

submit on 2080/02/31